College honors faculty and staff for 25th, 30th and 40th anniversaries

Each year, the Dana community gathers to celebrate the start of a new school year at Opening Dinner. Traditionally, this dinner is also a time to recognize employees’ loyalty and commitment to the college. On Aug. 24, Dana once again hosted this event.

While savoring a chocolate fountain and a delicious catered meal by Sodexho, Dana also honored three employees, who together have contributed 95 years of service.

Jan Potter, professor of social work, was honored for 25 years of employment at Dana.

Potter emphasizes going out and seeing the world as one of the best ways to learn. During Dana’s Discovery Term, she has led students on trips around the world, often seeing societies hidden from the average tourist.

“One of the things I like at Dana is that I get the chance to teach about diversity,” Potter said. “Now I can take groups to Native American reservations or to Mayan leaders in Guatemala. I also really love teaching about group dynamics and group work, my master’s of social work emphasis.”

Dr. Milt Heinrich, professor of art, was honored for 30 years of service.

Heinrich’s work can be found throughout the Midwest. A site-specific artist, he has been commissioned to produce more than 50 works, including pieces at Eppley Airfield in Omaha, the Iowa State Judicial Building and Fort Atkinson, a historic site on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River where explorers Lewis and Clark first met with American Indians.

Having an artist-teacher is even more important at Dana, where students have more of a mentor-to-apprentice relationship with the faculty than at larger schools.

“Dana provides students a longitudinal education,” Heinrich says. “They see the same profs over and over again. I know where they’re strengths and weaknesses are. What suits best for their talents.”

Jim Olsen, associate professor of art, celebrated a staggering 40 years of work at Dana.

Olsen teaches art history, drawing and sculpture and has been at Dana since 1965. A three-time Fulbright scholar, Olsen travels extensively and has an on-going involvement with the Bethisidia archeological excavation site in northern Israel. He often uses insights and visual resources gained from his world travels in his art history courses and conducts foreign travel experiences for students during the January Discovery Term.

Dana College is a place where all students make things happen — in their own lives and in the lives of others. Through a highly supportive faculty and campus community, Dana students develop interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and other important values and knowledge as they make choices about their future. Dana’s outstanding academic programs in business, education and social work, among others, ensure that students have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to pursue challenging careers or placement in graduate school.

Dana College is a private, liberal arts institution in Blair, Neb. To learn more, visit www.dana.edu.

Dana College: Develop talents, Take charge, Build a future — We’re with you all the way.

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For more information contact: Sarah Cavanah
Communications Coordinator
Dana College
(402) 426-7216
scavanah@dana.edu