Saying Yes to God's Plan - Marian High School

On April 23, 2010 Marian recognized three members of its community for the selfless and extraordinarywork they do for Marian and the Omaha community. Nancy Mullen Oberst ‘71 received the 2010 Alumna ofthe Year award and Joe and Bonnie Shea were presented with the Marian Award.Nancy Mullen OberstNancy Mullen Oberst, Marian’s 2010 Alumnaof the Year, is a 1971 graduate. Marianhonors her for her unwavering commitmentand contributions to the field of education.Nancy was a Marian girl at a time in historywhen the women’s rights movement wasfront and center. In 1971, Nancy’s graduationyear, a joint resolution was passed todesignate August 26th Women’s Equality Dayin honor of August 26, 1920 when womenwere first given the right to vote. This dayalso honors August 26, 1970 when there wasa nationwide demonstration for women’srights. Yes, this was the time when Nancydiscovered who she is and what impact shewanted to have on the world. At Marian,Nancy was instilled with the notion of peaceand justice for all and, like many graduatesof that time, Nancy left Marian armed andready to make an impact in the world, muchlike the Marian girls of today.Nancy received two bachelor’s degreesfrom the University of Nebraska—Omaha,Elementary Education and SpecialEducation and a master’s degree,Educational Administration andSupervision. She also holds a VisuallyImpaired Endorsement from UNL.Nancy is the epitome of Marian’s mission:“She is a leader and life-long learner whosetalents and faith bring hope to our world.”Nancy was employed in the Omaha PublicSchools System for more than 35 years. Shewas principal of four different elementaryschools and also held the position ofDirector of Elementary Education. Nancyfulfills Marian’s mission through her abilityto learn from the students and familiesshe served, recognizing the needs of thosefamilies and then providing hope andsolutions.When Nancy was named principal of LibertyElementary Grade School in downtownOmaha, she immediately took action toengage the surrounding community toensure that families whose children wereto be educated at Liberty were gettingwhat they needed from their school. Nancydiscovered that her students needed morethan an education, and she was ready toprovide what services she could to hercommunity.Nancy changed the way Omaha PublicSchools teach and serve the underserved,undocumented and impoverished. Nancywanted Liberty to be a part of the downtowncommunity, not just a school. Libertyopened its doors before and after schoolfor students who did not have a placeto go. Liberty partnered with the YMCAfor physical education classes, and OneWorld Community Health Center openeda health clinic at Liberty, staffed withdoctors, social workers and counselors.Creighton University Dental School hostedannual demonstrations on oral hygiene andpreventative care. The University of NebraskaMedical Center began a program to addresschildhood obesity. Liberty collected coats,school supplies, clothing and food fromvarious organizations for students andfamilies in need. Nancy began a mentoringprogram for junior high students. Inaddition, at Christmas time, Liberty familieswere adopted by various organizations.Nancy’s hard work at Liberty has beenrecognized by the YWCA, where Nancywas named the 2002 Woman of Excellencein Education. She also received the 2003Norbert Sheurmann’s Outstanding PrincipalAward.Nancy says she has loved all of her jobs,but the best one she has ever had is thatof principal. She says that the long-lasting20