Jessie Rasmussen, vice president of the Buffett Early Childhood Fund in Omaha, is the keynote speaker at the University of Nebraska’s annual retiree luncheon on Friday.
What: The luncheon draws hundreds of retired faculty and staff each year from the four NU campuses. This year’s luncheon, hosted by President James B. Milliken and Nana Smith, is at 11:30 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista Hotel, 12520 Westport Parkway in La Vista.
Who: Rasmussen, a University of Nebraska alumna, has focused her professional career on improving outcomes for children and families. She was an early childhood education practitioner for more than 20 years, and later spent 12 years in state government before serving as the early childhood policy director for the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. At the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Rasmussen helps promote the development of effective early childhood services with an emphasis on vulnerable children from birth to age 5.
Why: Early childhood education is one of six academic priorities of the Campaign for Nebraska. Earlier this year, the university announced a gift from Susie Buffett to establish the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, a multidisciplinary research, education, outreach and policy center dedicated to promoting the development and success of children from birth to age 8. The institute focuses especially on children who are vulnerable because of poverty, abuse, or developmental, learning or behavioral challenges.
Transportation: Transportation will be provided from UNL and UNK.
RSVP: RSVPs can be made to Kathryn Nohl at 1-800-542-1602 or knohl@nebraska.edu.