Aksarben Foundation Announces the 2026 Court of Honor Inductees Court of Honor to Be Celebrated at the 131st Aksarben Ball on October 10, 2026
OMAHA, Neb. [May 7, 2026]— The Aksarben Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 Aksarben Court of Honor, celebrating individuals and families who have left a profound impact on the state of Nebraska through one of 10 categories: agriculture, arts, business and industry, community service, education, philanthropy, professions, public service, sports, or service to young […]
Nominations Open for Inaugural Nebraska Emerging Talent Awards (NETA)
Nominations are now open for the inaugural Nebraska Emerging Talent Awards (NETA), led by the Aksarben Foundation in collaboration with Nebraska’s six community colleges. The awards recognize outstanding apprentices, interns, mentors, and employers who are strengthening Nebraska’s workforce and creating meaningful career pathways across the state. Launching in 2026, NETA will celebrate emerging talent and […]
Nebraska Tech Collaborative releases new dashboard with state tech workforce data
By Lev Gringauz, Silicon Prairie News | Published March 31, 2026 Last summer, the Nebraska Tech Collaborative, a talent and workforce initiative under the Aksarben Foundation, partnered with Don’t Panic Labs on a software engineering skills assessment to see what gaps need to be addressed in the state’s tech workforce. But as a self-reported survey, it was […]
Five women honored with 2026 Nebraska Women in Tech awards
By Lev Gringauz, Silicon Prairie News | Published March 27, 2026 Five women were recognized with awards at the 2026 Nebraska Women in Tech Summit on March 6. The summit, organized by the Nebraska Tech Collaborative, a talent and workforce initiative under the Aksarben Foundation, aims to uplift and celebrate women in technology jobs. The awards “shine […]
Two NCTA Students Awarded Aksarben Foundation Scholarships
At the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, mornings come early, and lessons are lived, not just learned. It’s a place where students turn ambition into action and dreams into careers that feed and serve their communities. For Luke Vandergriend of Adams, Nebraska, and Samantha Durre of Elgin, Nebraska, that dedication has earned them statewide recognition […]
Aksarben Women’s Ball Committee Begins Planning for 2026 Ball, Welcomes New Members
The Aksarben Women’s Ball Committee has welcomed six new members, launching plans for the 2026 Aksarben Ball, scheduled for Oct. 10 at CHI Health Center Omaha. The committee introduced new members during a kickoff event held on Thursday, Jan. 8, at Omaha Country Club. Appointed to a three-year term, the new members include: Bethany Banister, […]
How Nebraska Can Compete: See the Findings From Nebraska Forward
Last week, the Aksarben Foundation brought together Nebraska leaders to explore the state’s economic landscape and future opportunities. During Nebraska Forward: Shaping Nebraska’s Growth with Data, Insight & Direction, leaders and experts explored the data behind Nebraska’s economic future. Through presentations directly from experts behind the data and discussion among leaders, the Nebraska Forward event […]
Columbus school wins Small Towns Matter promotion, students get brand-new helmets
COLUMBUS, Neb. — Students at a Columbus elementary school are going home with a brand new accessory this weekend. Emerson Elementary was News Channel Nebraska’s Small Towns Matter winner. Each student received a new helmet courtesy of Medica and the Aksarben Foundation, whose leaders say the experience is just as rewarding for them as it is […]
Aksarben Foundation Unveils 2026 Aksarben Ball Leadership Team
OMAHA, Neb. — The Aksarben Foundation proudly announces the 2026 leadership team for the Aksarben Ball, naming Paige Ritter as Chair of the Aksarben Women’s Ball Committee, Alicia Edsen as Chair of the Aksarben Ball Committee and Mike Cassling will remain as the as Chair of the Aksarben Board of Governors for 2026. Together, the […]
Aksarben Foundation Announces 2025 Most Honored Citizen
The Aksarben Foundation is proud to name Joan Squires, President of Omaha Performing Arts (O-PA), as its 2025 Most Honored Citizen, recognizing her visionary leadership and lasting impact on Nebraska’s arts and culture. Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s words, “I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart,” Squire’s heart […]
