Vicki Luther elected to CDS board

In July Vicki Luther, co-director of the Heartland Center, was elected to the board of directors of the Community Development Society. The society is an international professional association whose purpose is to foster the development of professional capacity. CDS is an advocate for excellence in the profession and for the importance of community in society. Dr. Luther will serve a two-year term.

Staff member earns national honor

Regina Lee Grant, a part-time staff member for several years, is a recent recipient of the prestigious Yoshiyama Award from the Hitachi Foundation. One of only 10 high school graduates so honored nationally, the award provides a cash grant to the recipients. "Gina" was chosen from a group of more than one thousand youth applicants for her extraordinary community service contributions. As a high school student, her efforts included numerous projects to enhance public education and achievement for Native American students. She is a founding member of Lincoln High School's Native Scholars Program and the founder of a mentor/advocate program for middle school students. She has also served the larger community as a volunteer for literacy, emergency shelter and domestic abuse programs. Currently, Regina is in her first year at the University of Nebraska. We feel very proud and fortunate to have Regina as a valued associate, and we congratulate her on this important recognition.

Staff Changes

At the end of September, the Heartland Center said good bye to staff member Jim Sanks. Jim, a project associate with several years of experience as an intern and staff member, resigned to continue his graduate studies in regional and community planning. The Heartland Center will miss Jim and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Other personnel changes include Stephanie Luther, who has joined the staff as a research associate. Alisha Shepard is serving the Heartland Center this fall as a marketing student intern, and Nicole Wall has also joined the Heartland Center staff as office manager while she completes her master’s degree in forensic science at Nebraska Wesleyan University,