Each year, one honoree from a statewide field of nominees is selected based on honesty, integrity and concern for others; service in charitable and civic causes; and leadership and significant accomplishments in his/her profession or volunteer activities.
 

An enrolled member of the Ponca tribe, gaiashkibos has distinguished herself as a highly effective cultural mediator and bridge builder between government and the private sector. Through her work, she has promoted several successful legislative bills in Nebraska including LB154, which tasked an in-depth study of missing and murdered Native women and children in Nebraska, allowing for greater understanding of the scope and causes of this national problem. Recently, gaiashkibos championed a bill that authorized the renaming of Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day, first celebrated on Oct. 11, 2021. Read more of Rotary's press release by Past President Randy Bretz, here.

Recently, Andrew Loudon introduced our newest Rotarian Rev. Dr. Michael A. L. Eckelkamp, Director of Ministries of Christ Lincoln.  Michael currently creates a culture of care for three church campuses and two schools.  Michael graduated from Concordia University, Portland, Oregon in 1985, majoring in Biblical Languages and Behavioral Sciences.  He attended and graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 1990 with a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Sacred Theology in 1991.  He completed his doctorate at Westminster Theological Seminary in 2002.  Michael has served 30 years as a Senior Pastor and has partnered with Boy Scouts of America, The American Red Cross, and the Symposium on Race. Welcome to Rotary, Michael!
 

Michael Eckelkamp receiving his Rotary membership certificate from President Christina Usher, with PDG Merle Jansen and his Rotary sponsor Andrew Loudon