CSM President Dr. Maryanne Stevens to be inducted into Omaha Chamber Hall of Fame
The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce has announced the induction of College of Saint Mary President Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, to its Business Hall of Fame. President Stevens has served at the helm of College of Saint Mary for over 20 years, taking what was a struggling institution in the mid-90s and transforming it into the thriving university it is today.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized alongside these incredible civic leaders,” says President Stevens. “There are many people who have contributed to the growth and success of College of Saint Mary throughout the years, and it gives me joy to take time and reflect on our accomplishments. Our work is not done, however, we look forward to building on our successes and further advancing the mission of this great institution.”
Dedicated to creating an environment that calls forth potential and fosters leadership, CSM has developed an array of innovative programs under the leadership of Dr. Stevens, ranging from the development of a residence hall allowing single mothers to live with their children on campus, to Marie Curie scholarships for low-income women majoring in science or math.
Dr. Stevens’ passion for the education and advancement of women cannot be more evidenced than by her leadership during the tuition reduction initiative in fall of 2016. CSM reduced tuition by 33 percent, taking a stand against the alarming national trend of rising tuition costs. A long-time champion of college access and affordability, Dr. Stevens has set the stage for College of Saint Mary to further serve its community while boldly challenging other institutions to follow suit and make college more affordable.
The university is keenly focused on providing strong academic programs in high-demand fields, character-driven programming, and a welcoming environment. As a result, CSM’s enrollment has climbed every year since 2014 including a 14% increase this year. Adding several new programs each year, like the 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and 5-year physician assistant degree, CSM is becoming recognized as a leader in creating efficient paths to graduation.
This is the chamber’s 25th year celebrating the achievements of business leaders in the Greater Omaha Area. According to the chamber, the business group selects its annual inductees based on their commitments to growing business, industry and the community.
Other inductees include Larry J. Courtnage, owner and chairman of C&A Industries; Bruce E. Grewcock, chief executive and chairman of the board for Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc.; Dianne Seeman Lozier, corporate counsel for Lozier Corp and vice chair for the Lozier Foundation; and Dan O’Neill, president (retired) of First National Bank.
The inductees will be honored at a gala event April 17 at the Holland Performing Arts Center.
