Every strong community is built by individuals who choose to serve, lead, mentor, and invest in others. Help us shine a light on those who are making Lincoln stronger, not for recognition, but because they believe in something bigger than themselves. When you submit a nomination, you are doing more than recommending a name. You are helping tell the story of leadership in Lincoln. You are honoring legacy and inspiring the next generation.
Nominate a leader whose service, vision, and commitment are shaping our community today and inspiring its future.
How To Nominate:
- Complete the online nomination form below.
- You must complete the nomination in one visit to this page. As such, it might be helpful to type your answers in a separate word processing document and then revisit this page and copy/paste your answers into the fields.
- Please provide enough information to allow the Selection Committee to get the best representation of the nominee and their community engagement.
- Or submit your nomination offline:
- Mail: 211 N 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68508
- Email: mhale@leadershiplincoln.org (Mick Hale, Executive Director)
Bud Cuca Servant Leader of the Year Award
Servant leadership is leadership at its very best - grounded in humility, driven by heart, and focused on lifting others. The Bud Cuca Servant Leader of the Year Award honors a community member who leads with compassion and conviction, using their talents and influence to build a better future for all citizens of Lincoln.
This individual not only serves, they inspire service in others.
We seek nominees who demonstrate:
- Exceptional commitment to community involvement
- Visionary and values-driven leadership
- Respect for our community’s history while actively shaping its future
- A life that reflects the principles of servant leadership
Past Award Recipients:
2022 - Dr. Randy Bretz
2021 - Pat Lopez
2020 - Dr. Bob Rauner
2019 - Michelle Zinke
2018 - Stuart Stofferahn
2017 - Clinic with a Heart Clinic Operations Group
2016 - Ruth McKinstry
2016 - Shayne Pears
2015 - Ed Wimes
2014 - Randy Hawthorne
2013 - Bruce Hull
2010 - Lorraine & Charles Pallesen
2006 - Pete Allman
2005 - Kim Robak
2004 - Jerry & Louise Schleich
2003 - Brent Toalson
2002 - Beatty Brasch
2001 - Dick Patterson
2000 - Ed & Dorothy Schwartzkopf
1999 - Scott Young
Melvin W. and Mae Colleen Jones Mentoring Award
Great mentors don’t just guide - they believe in others until they learn to believe in themselves. The Melvin W. and Mae Colleen Jones Mentoring Award honors a community member who has profoundly impacted lives through meaningful mentoring relationships. This award celebrates those who invest their time, wisdom, and encouragement to help others grow - personally, professionally, and civically.
We seek nominees who:
- Develop significant, lasting mentoring relationships
- Demonstrate measurable impact in the lives of others
- Inspire a culture of mentorship within the community
- Model integrity, service, and inclusion
- Champion diverse leadership through mentorship
Past Award Recipients:
2022 - Dr. Colette Yellow Robe
2021 - Karen Kassebaum
2020 - Dr. Jeannine Falter
2019 - Dustin Oltman
2018 - Keisha Thomas
2017 - Dr. Jeannette Jones Vazansky
2016 - Tim Linsenmeyer
2015 - Charlesette "Charlie" Foster
2014 - John Harris
2013 - Mauricio “Marty” Ramirez
2010 - Dr. Jake Kirkland & Dr. Dolores Simpson-Kirkland
2006 - Nathan Woods
2005 - Tom Rutz & Linda Robinson-Rutz
2004 - Kathy Campbell
2003 - T.J. McDowell
2002 - Nancy Becker
2001 - Eric Lee
2000 - Chris Martin
Alumni Distinguished Service Award
Leadership Lincoln alumni continue to shape our city long after their cohort year ends. The Alumni Distinguished Service Award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service, both within Leadership Lincoln and throughout the Lincoln and Lancaster County community.
This award celebrates alumni who live the mission: developing strong leaders for a stronger Lincoln.
We seek nominees who demonstrate:
- Outstanding service and leadership in the community
- Continued engagement with Leadership Lincoln
- A lasting commitment to servant leadership
Past Award Recipients:
2022 - John Chapo
2021 - Barb Derrick, Kim Hachiya
2020 - Pastor Janet Goodman-Banks
2018 - Liz Koop, the Fellows 32 MyLNK Project Team
2017 - Marilyn Moore Ed.D.
2016 - Bennie Shobe Jr.
2015 - Deane and Gerry Finnegan
2014 - Trudy Hines
2013 - Lynn Ayers
2012 - Mary Cumberland Bruning
2006 - Jan Connolly
2005 - Reginald Kuhn
2004 - Joy Citta, Sara Boatman
2003 - Tammie Burns
2002 - Jay Beermann
2001 - Rich Claussen
2000 - Rod McCullough, Susan Ugai
1999 - Charlie Meyer
1998 - Karen Flowers
1997 - Kit Boesch, Valdeen Nelsen
1996 - Dale Jensen, Cathie Petsch
1995 - Ron Ferry
1994 - Doug Evans
1993 - Deb Alward, John Perkins
1992 - Carol Jess
1991 - Jolleen Clymer
1990 - Lana Flagtwet, Jim Gordon
1989 - Linda Robinson Rutz
