Yvette Holly, assistant vice chancellor for UNMC Information Technology Services, was among a crowd of about 550 people Tuesday when she and three other technology professionals, two students, and two area firms, were recognized for their contributions to Nebraska’s technology industry.
The group was honored during the Applied Information Management (AIM) Institute’s 13th Annual Nebraska Technology Celebration Banquet at the Qwest Center Omaha.
Holly received the Technology Chief of the Year award.
“It’s a tremendous honor for all of UNMC Information Technology Services,” Holly said. “The ITS team is truly top notch. They’re dedicated professionals who enjoy what they do and are proud to support the important work that goes on at UNMC.”
Holly thanked the AIM institute for the award, and thanked the ITS management team for its support. “I’m very proud to be a member of UNMC,” she said. “It’s a truly world-class organization.”
Other winners were: Leonard Kuraprioski, Columbus Public Schools, K-12 Technology Educator of the Year; Patrick Artz, Bellevue University, Technology Professor of the Year; Craig Dassner, Cox Business Services Technology Guru of the Year; and HDR and Werner Enterprises, Technology Companies of the Year. Winner of the College Intern of the Year was Alexis Fisher of Peter Kiewit Institute, University of Nebraska-Omaha. High School Intern of the Year was Codie Bourne, Norfolk High School.
Nominee selection was based on contributions, either through sustained performance or a special notable achievement, to Nebraska’s worldwide reputation for excellence and innovation in information technology.
Dan Hunt, president of HCI Holdings and chairman of the board for the AIM Institute, presided as the master of ceremonies. Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computers, was the keynote speaker. His speech was a blend of historical anecdotes, future thoughts about the impact of technology, the importance of stimulating an avid interest for innovation in the next generation of kids.
The AIM Institute is a membership organization that supports and promotes business development related to information technology. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development consortium, AIM is comprised of local, state and regional businesses, area colleges and universities, secondary school districts, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, professional and non-profit organizations and the State of Nebraska.
AIM serves as a catalyst for facilitating the changes and improvements necessary to meet the technology-related needs of Nebraska businesses and their employees. AIM works closely with its consortium members and across the community in identifying the needs of area Information Technology firms and in developing curriculum and applied experiences to address these needs. Preparing students for 21st Century careers and companies for 21st Century global competition are two major focuses of AIM’s many technology education and business initiatives.
Visit AIM on the Web at www.aiminstitute.org.