CSM honors seven with Alumnae Achievement Award

College of Saint Mary (CSM) recently honored seven alumnae with its 2017 Alumnae Achievement Award. The Alumnae Achievement Award recognizes individuals who actively live out the values of College of Saint Mary. 

This year’s recipients are: Arlyss Peter Lasecki ’72, Vernetta Boston Kosalka, ’03, M’07, Kathy Meisner Nickel ’02, Dr. Melissa Bell Thompson, ’92, Sue Kopfle ’87, Lisa Hug ’67, and Lenore Baburek Deeths ’62. Jennifer Allison ’95 and Kerry Keegan Ahl '97 were inducted into the CSM Athletic Hall of Fame (full article here).

Arlyss Peter Lasecki

Driven by a passion for education and service, Lasecki used her CSM degree to launch a teaching career within the Catholic school system throughout Omaha. In addition to serving as a leader within teaching circles, she also developed a well-received kindergarten curriculum within a California day care center that was designed to actively encourage learning skills.

Upon receiving the award at the recent CSM Alumnae Awards Luncheon, she expressed humbled gratitude for the honor. In addition to commenting on the role the college played in her personal and professional development, she also used the event to credit CSM with helping her craft lasting friendships and grasp of faith-centered values.

Beyond her career accomplishments, Lasecki has used these faith-centered values as an active leader throughout the community. For several years, she guided high school students who had behavioral difficulties and challenging home lives. She holds several certificates in Christian Spirituality and Lay Ministry Formation, and she participates in a leadership position for a non-profit that leads pilgrimages to Medjugorje. Additionally, she has carried on CSM’s work to help foster learning and leadership within women, guiding women’s renewal retreats and a range of other ministry care programs. 

Dr. Melissa Bell Thompson

“To be given the award is such an honor, knowing the caliber of women that could have been chosen,” said Dr. Thompson.

Dr. Thompson used her CSM degree in chemistry and biology to springboard into medical school. After receiving her medical degree, she launched a nearly 20-year career in medical practice in the Quad Cities and West Des Moines, Iowa. Her consistent excellence in medical service eventually landed her a position as Chief of Staff at Adair Country Memorial Hospital.

“I think the biggest influence CSM had on me was seeing women in charge of the clubs, student governments, and everything,” said Dr. Thompson. “Once you get used to that attitude of ‘just because I’m female doesn’t mean I can’t do this’, then that becomes part of your persona, and you carry that through your entire life.”

In addition to embodying excellence in leadership through her career, Dr. Thompson has carried the spirit of service and leadership qualities she learned at CSM into the local community. She has volunteered as the Medical Director at a variety of hospice agencies and has served roles on the Board of Health.

Kathy Meisner Nickel

A two-time Alegent Health Distinguished Nurse Award recipient, Nickel has maintained the highest oncology certification for more than 20 years. After graduating from CSM, Nickel launched her career in the burn unit at St. Elizabeth’s in Lincoln, later moving on to nursing excellence within the oncology arena at Omaha’s Alegent/CHI. Her exemplary career in the medical field has earned her several awards, including the Health Nursing Legacy Award.

Upon receiving the Alumnae Achievement Award at the recent CSM Alumnae Awards Luncheon, she expressed her admiration of CSM’s ability to live up to its mission statement. She credited her experience at CSM with helping her to develop independent thinking skills within a welcoming environment.

In addition to serving the community through nursing excellence, Nickel has carried these qualities of service on as an active leader within the community. She has served in several positions as a member of the Metro Omaha Area Chapter of Oncology Nurses and holds a multitude of guiding roles within her church, including Trustee, Stephen Minister, and Sunday school teacher.

Lenore Baburek Deeths

Driven by a spirit of service, Deeths has spent her life and career enriching the lives of others. She has taught individuals throughout the nation and globally, serving in various teaching roles, including in a position at Holy Name High School and substitute positions for the Department of Defense at the U.S. Air Force Base in Japan. She also spread the spirit of service internationally as an English teacher in Tokyo before returning to establish a remedial work program at St. Margaret Mary School in Omaha.

Upon receiving the award at the recent CSM Alumnae Luncheon, Deeths said she was proud to be recognized by the institution that provided her with such a great opportunity. She also credited College of Saint Mary with helping her show compassion for those in need, whether physically or spiritually. 

Beyond her career accomplishments, Deeths has carried out CSM values and a spirit of mercy as an active leader in the local community. The president of both the Metro Omaha Medical Alliance and the American Association of University Women, she also holds credentials as a certified Parliamentarian. Additionally, along with her husband, she recently established the Bess Sabatka Baburek Scholarship in order to help College of Saint Mary continue to provide women with access to affordable education, foster potential and leadership through academic excellence, and promote a passion for lifelong learning. 

Lisa Hug

With a life dedicated to teaching and inspiring others, Hug has used her CSM degree in chemistry to build a teaching career in high schools across the region. Her ability to reach students at Central High helped a multitude of her students to earn Field Day awards, and her success as a teacher has earned her local acclaim, including a previous nomination for the Buffet Award. Her work has opened doors for students through innovative programs, including an applied Chemistry course she designed specifically for less academically inclined students to experience success in Chemistry.

Upon receiving the award at the recent CSM Alumnae Banquet, Hug credited College of Saint Mary with opening doors to lessons in integrity and providing her with a strong sense of women’s ability to lead. She expressed particular gratitude towards the Sisters of Mercy, CSM’s founders, and said they “made me the person I am today.”

In addition to leading the community youth through her teaching career, Hug has used these lessons in integrity and leadership to inspired the community through a range of volunteer roles. Currently, she is an active volunteer at Omaha’s Hospice House and is serving as the President of the Women’s Club at Elmwood Tower. 

Sue Kopfle

“I feel very honored,” said Kopfle. “I have fabulous memories of the school and the program.”

With a career rooted in persistence, Kopfle took advantage of CSM’s weekend college while working as the Director of Human Resources at Midland Hospital in Papillion, Neb. After receiving her degree at CSM, Kopfle rapidly climbed the career ladder, landing positions as Vice President of Human Resources in several hospitals across the nation. Her successes in those positions eventually landed her a role as Chief HR Officer at the University of Missouri Healthcare in Columbia, Missouri.

Although Sue credits CSM with helping her move to the vice president level, she said that her collegiate experience provided much more on a personal level, including confidence, resilience, achievement and the love of learning.

“On the personal side, [CSM] helped me attain a goal I had always wanted, and it really helped me prepare a true lifelong love of learning,” said Kopfle. “I think that was fabulous.”

In addition to establishing a career as a business leader, Kopfle has used this love of learning to lead and mentor local women in the community. In addition to her professional duties, she currently serves as a coach and mentor at the University of Missouri. 

Vernetta Boston Kosalka

An accomplished business leader, Kosalka used her CSM education and experience to land a job at one of Omaha’s largest full-service hotels. Soon after receiving a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from CSM, she launched her first business, Wedding Planner Omaha, LLC., in 2009. She later expanded her business, building VK Events/Floral/Planning and gaining regional recognition for her success. Her entrepreneurial ventures have landed her recognition in Midlands Business Journal and a range of wedding planner venues.

Upon receiving the award at the recent CSM Alumnae Awards Luncheon, Kosalka credited College of Saint Mary with fostering an environment that helped her identify who she was and began laying the path to her future. In addition to mentioning the heavy influence, inclusion, and encouragement she experienced through her peers, professors, and staff at CSM, she praised the college for its ability to encourage leadership among women.

In addition to her entrepreneurial success, Kosalka has carried the leadership qualities she developed at CSM into the community. She has received several honors for her influence as a volunteer, including recognition as the Ralston Volunteer of the Year in 2015. A former Queen of Hearts during her time at CSM, she currently serves as a board member on the Omaha Police Officers Ball Committee, as well as the Ralston Chamber of Commerce. She also is a member of 100 Black Women Chapter and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.