Women of Midland
"Bold Women" 2nd Annual Women of Midland Campaign
The Women of Midland campaign is a fundraising and storytelling initiative held during Women's History Month that aims to recognize past and present women of Midland and raise scholarship support to impact future generations of women students at Midland University. The "Bold Women" campaign aims to raise $100,000 again in 2023 for the Women of Midland Scholarship Fund in honor of bold women who forged paths to become the first in their fields to achieve a goal, to encourage future women to be bold, courageous, and be inspired to become a "first."
Women of Midland Scholarship Fund
The Women of Midland Scholarship Fund was created to celebrate 140 years of women at Midland University. Through this new scholarship fund, we hope to inspire and support the next generation of women at Midland by supporting traditional or non-traditional female students of Midland University's undergraduate programs.
How You Can Get Involved in This Exciting Campaign
- Make a gift to the Women of Midland Scholarship Fund in honor of a bold woman who impacted your life.
- Share a story of a Midland woman--professor, staff or family member, alumnus, or friend - to recognize them.
- Spread the word, and encourage others to give and share stories
- Contact us to learn more about starting a scholarship, contributing to a special project or existing scholarship, or making a planned gift.
Bold Women of Midland Spotlights
In 2023, we celebrate bold women. These are the women who forged paths, displayed courage, pressed on, and blazed trails for future generations. Many of these women were the first in their fields to succeed. Who do you know was the first woman in their field to achieve a goal no one thought they would?
Jennifer Bixby
Emma Bonnaci
Dr. Jennifer Braaten
Trish Cristiano
Marija Fine
Casey Fuerst
Jody Horner
Addison Johnson
Tracy Kochenderfer
Allaya Livingston
Emma Oborny
Madyson Ray
Christina Remijio
Dr. Alcyone Scott
Courtney Thomsen
Brenda Wilberding
Dr. Dani Wooldrik
Joelle Zipp
1989 Midland Women’s Indoor Track & Field Team
Midland University Dance Program
2022 Women of Midland Spotlights
Midland’s women of impact emphasized academic achievement, personalized interaction, and spiritual enhancement. Our alumni wear signature imprints from their interactions with them. Click on the photographs to read more about each "Woman of Midland".
Helen Beegle
Joanne Bracker
Kathleen Cheney
Ruth Dunklau
Martha Foxall
Dr. Nancy Harms
Sara Hawkinson
Midland Women | Lillian Hickman
Dr. Janet Lack
Mildred Lang
Ruth Lund
Martha Peters
Marilyn Peterson
Dr. Darlene Ritter
Maria Rosenblatt
Edna Scott
Mildred Sic
Augusta Stenholm
Pat Trautrimas
Jean Welstead
Thank You to the Women of Midland Campaign Donors
Marcia Anderson
Barbara Bent
In honor of Sarah Hawkinson
Jennifer Bixby
Carol Bohling
In honor of Dr. Linda Quinn
Suzanne & Werner Boos
Marilyn Brei
In memory of Merlin Brei
Donna Bright
In memory of Sherry Strasser Eggers and Karen Bunz Ueberrhein
Lloyd & Betty Brooks
In honor of Dr. Jennifer Braaten, first woman president of an ELCA College
Peggy Cunningham
For all of the women who encouraged and inspired me.
Sandra Dames
Larry & Laurel Erickson
In memory of my mother, a Luther Academy graduate, who impacted my life
Lynette Exum
Kimberly Falk
Marija Fine
Two Midland women stand out: Joanne Bracker and Trish Cristiano. The Coach taught Midland women to compete successfully via basketball, and Trish developed a dance program that encouraged women to combine physical and artistic talents through dance.
Janice Gerdes
In memory of Joanne Bracker
Joan & Shane Giese
In memory of Joanne Bracker and in honor of Ruth Lund
Kimberly Guinn
In honor of Ruth Lund's 100th birthday! And with gratitude for the life and legacy of Joanne Bracker and all she did for the Midland community, women's basketball, and students at Midland.
Polly Hagerty
Peggy Hall
Carl Hansen
In honor of Betty Hansen - A proud supporter of Midland Women
Hosea Harkness
In memory of Lily Copeland Harkness, '56
Nancy Harms
In memory of Joanne Bracker and in honor of JoAnn Wer
Donald Hessenflow & Cathy Dawson
Jody Horner
Rita Ingold
Jessica Janssen Wolford
In honor of Jody Horner, Anne Sorensen-Wang, and Kathy Hays for their incredible impact on Midland University over the years
Laura (Robinett) Jensen
In Honor of all the amazing women at Midland I get to work with everyday!
Carol and Roland Johnson
Linda Keim
In memory of Hazel Root Barry '64
Norman & Barbara Keimig
In honor of Joanne Bracker and Karen Bunz Ueberrhein
Madison Kihm
Tracy Kochenderfer
In honor of those innovative, brilliant, and strong Midland women that have shown the world that we are capable of anything.
Sherry Koehler
In honor of Joanne Bracker
LuAnn Krager
Keith Kramme
In honor of Lisa Kramme
Kara Krejci-Reed
Kay Kruse
In memory of Ken Kruse
Carolyn Lack
In honor of Ruth Lund
Janet Lack
Barbara Lau
In memory of Bonnie Schilke
Roger Lewis
Christine Lund
In memory of Joanne Bracker
Ruth Lund
In memory of Joanne Bracker
John & Nancy Marty
Kathryn & Jay Nadlman
In honor of Marilyn Peterson, Darlene Ritter, Alcyone Scott, and Dorothy Glaser
Vickie Novak
In honor of Dr. Alcyone Scott
Anna O'Reilly
In honor of all the strong female leaders at Midland!
Steven Oursler
In honor of Kristen Drake
Sharon Paden
In memory of Eve Paden
P.E.O Chapter AJ
Rozella (Beth) Parker
Dick & Helene Olsen Peterson
Mary Piernot
Amy Pinkall
In memory of Joanne Bracker
David & Kathy Pinkall
Sara Pirtle
Vicki Ramsay
Joyce (Grimes) Robatcek
In honor of Alcyone Scott
Karen & David Rohlfing
Martin & Lori Russell
In honor of Colleen (Bonderson) Russell, who truly embodied Midland's values: Faith, Quality, Respect, Stewardship & Learning.
Sharon Semler
Velma Shipley
Jamie Simpson
Marcia Smith
In honor of Darlene Ritter
Tim & Kathryn Swanson
In honor of my friend, Ruth Lund, on the occasion of her 100th birthday!
Bob & Carol Taylor
In memory of Judy Moore, Mary Currier, and Matt Currier
Dyann & Walter Taylor
Eric Taylor
In honor of Kim, Sydney, Lori, Alyse, Reese, Kaitlynn, and Madison. I feel blessed and fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such outstanding women every day in the Marketing/Communications department.
Courtney Thomsen
Beverly Vitamvas
In honor of all women who have attended Midland since it opened.
Kendra Voss
In memory of Coach Joanne Bracker
Rachel Wachter
Emily Wageman
Tom Walker
In memory of Laila Walker
Beth & Lindell Whitney
In honor of Dr. Marilyn Peterson
Sandy Williams
In honor of Enid Stanton
Susan Wood
In honor of Pat Trautrimas and Alcyone Scott
Dani Wooldrik
Women of Midland Stories
Read inspirational stories about women, shared by alumni and friends. Who do you know was the first woman in their field to achieve a goal? Who do you know was the first woman in your family to get a college degree? Who do you know was a bold and courageous woman who paved the way and inspired you? To share a story about a Midland woman, please complete the Women of Midland Stories Form.

Jolene graduated from Midland in 2014. Throughout college she was involved in residence life and the fine arts, including Chamber Choir, Mixed Choir, Clef Dwellers, Band, and Theatre. She got her undergrad in K-12 Vocal Music Education and went on to be a choir director and musical director for 5 years. She then realized she wanted to help students on a deeper level in and out of the classroom so she went on to get her Master’s of Science in 7-12 Grade School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health, and then got a Post Master’s Certificate in Cyberbullying and Suicide Prevention. She’s currently living and working out in Southwest Nebraska in McCook where she works as a school counselor at McCook High School. Throughout her years there, she has helped many students in different aspects. She helps students with academic struggles, social-emotional needs, class scheduling, post-secondary planning, IEPs, 504 plans, attendance concerns, and credit recovery, along with many other supports and advocacy. When you ask Jolene what she likes best about her job, she’ll tell you that she enjoys relationship-building and simply helping students.

Desiree is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has been leading licensure efforts for behavior analysts in the state of Nebraska, pursuing her doctorate, and providing high-quality behavior analytic services to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
As a leader in licensure efforts, Desiree has worked tirelessly to promote the regulation of behavior analysis, ensuring that practitioners are held to high standards of ethical and professional conduct. Her efforts have led the practice act for behavior analysts to the floor of the Nebraska Legislature.
Desiree also demonstrates her passion for the growth of behavior analysis by serving as a teaching assistant for master's students in UNO/UNMC's Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis program. Desiree also serves as the continuing education coordinator for the Nebraska Association of Behavior Analysis, dedicating her time to assisting with continuing education of practicing behavior analysts in Nebraska.

The most important Midland Woman in my life was my beloved wife, Betty Hansen, who passed away in 2021. For nearly 20 years, she was my support, cheerleader, and true "help-mate" in the years I was president of Midland Lutheran College. She made home a welcome respite in times of challenge and a home or celebration in times of success. She always there for our children and me .... as well engaged in all aspects of campus life. She loved being an active member of Midland Women, cheering on Midland Athletics, musical and drama events, an opening our home to Midland students -- especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas for those who could not travel to their own homes on the holidays.

Emma Strom, a freshman at Midland University, was a barrier breaking athlete in Colorado for women in football. She was the first female skill player to win a state title in football. Emma was a leader on and off the field for her team and school. Her athletic achievements guided many other young girls to be brave and join football the following year when her high-school offered their first ever female flag football team.