Alpha Omega Hall of Fame
The Alpha Omega Hall of Fame was created in 2022 with the purpose to honor and recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of members who have made a significant impact on the fraternity and the community at large. The Hall of Fame serves as a way to preserve the history and tradition of the fraternity, while also inspiring current and future members to strive for excellence and make a positive impact. By highlighting the accomplishments of our alumni, the Alpha Omega Hall of Fame also serves as a reminder of the values and ideals that the fraternity stands for, and encourages current members to uphold and continue to promote these principles. Overall, the AO Hall of Fame is a symbol of the fraternity's legacy and a celebration of the achievements of its most outstanding members.
2024 AO HALL OF FAME CEREMONY
Al Papik | Legend Award | 2022
Al Papik is an iconic figure in the world of college athletics, particularly in the context of Doane College during the late 1960s. As the revered head football and track coach and athletic director, Al played a pivotal role in not only shaping young athletes but also leading the charge for racial integration in small college football. His impact extended beyond the field as he assumed the role of director of admissions at UNL, later retiring as the senior associate athletic director. Al's influence also transcended Nebraska, as he was instrumental in the formation of the NCAA compliance program. His outstanding contributions have rightfully earned him a place in numerous Hall of Fames, including the Crete High School Hall of Fame, Doane College Athletic Hall of Fame, Nebraska Football Hall of Fame, and the NAIA Football Hall of Fame, to name just a few, cementing his legacy as a true legend in the world of sports and education.
Paul Schelstraete | Service to the University | 2022
Paul Schelstraete's distinguished career in service to Doane University is nothing short of remarkable. As the Chairman of the Doane University Board of Trustees, his unwavering commitment to the institution has been the bedrock of its success. A devoted supporter of Doane athletics and a recipient of the Honor D award, Paul's passion for the university's growth and prosperity knows no bounds. Beyond his role in academia, he also serves as the President of City Bank in Crete, demonstrating his leadership acumen. Paul Schelstraete's enduring contributions to Doane University have elevated it to a level of excellence that is truly second to none, leaving an indelible mark on both the institution and its community.
Gary Horky | Service to the Fraternity | 2022
Gary Horky is a revered pillar of the AO alumni community, whose unwavering dedication and support for both active members and fellow alumni have left an indelible mark for decades. With a heart as generous as his spirit is carefree, Gary sets an inspiring example for all of us on how to live life to the fullest. His boundless enthusiasm and fearless attitude have not only earned him respect but also made him one tough son of a gun. Gary Horky's enduring legacy within the fraternity is a testament to the power of friendship, loyalty, and living life with an open heart.
Hugh Butler | Legend Award | 2023
Hugh Butler, a distinguished statesman, and influential figure in Nebraska's history, served as a three-term United States Senator from 1940 to 1954, representing the State of Nebraska. His impactful tenure in the Senate saw him play pivotal roles in crucial events such as the declaration of war on Nazi Germany, the implementation of the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe, and the groundwork for Alaska and Hawaii's eventual statehood in 1959. Beyond his political career, Butler demonstrated remarkable leadership as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Doane for an impressive 25-year period, skillfully guiding the college through the challenging times of the Great Depression and the enrollment constraints of World War II. Hugh Butler's journey began in 1896 when he arrived at Doane from Cambridge, Nebraska. During his time at the institution, he not only contributed to the basketball team but also engaged in spirited debates with his peers on the pressing issues of the era. In 1897, his visionary spirit led to the founding of the Alpha Omega Fraternity alongside six fellow students, instilling values of hard work, persistence, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to success that continue to define the Alpha Omega experience to this very day.
Don Nyrop | Legend Award | 2023
Don Nyrop's remarkable journey began at Doane College in 1930, setting the stage for an illustrious career marked by exceptional leadership. After earning his degree from Doane, he pursued his legal education at George Washington University, graduating in 1937. In 1938, he embarked on a pioneering path by joining the newly established Civil Aeronautics Authority, where he played a vital role in organizing and managing the burgeoning private airline industry. His dedication and expertise saw him serve as a Lieutenant Colonel during World War II before returning to the Civil Aeronautics Board, where he was appointed Chairman by President Harry Truman. At a mere 38 years old, Don Nyrop oversaw a workforce of 12,000 employees, making significant strides in enhancing the organization and safety of private air travel.
In 1954, he took on the challenge of revitalizing Northwest Airlines, which was struggling at the time. Under his visionary leadership, the struggling mail carrier was transformed into a thriving commercial passenger airline with an outstanding safety record. Throughout his tenure as CEO, the airline consistently turned a profit, and upon his retirement in 1978, Northwest Airlines stood as a debt-free entity—an achievement that remains unparalleled in today's corporate landscape. Beyond his corporate endeavors, Don Nyrop's commitment to service extended to various corporate boards and the Doane College Board of Trustees, leaving an enduring legacy of leadership and excellence.
Chuck Sukovaty | Service to the Fraternity | 2023
Recognized for his exceptional Service to the Fraternity, Chuck Sukovaty has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to the Alpha Omega brotherhood.
Kenneth Fridrich | Service to the University | 2023
Kenneth Fridrich is acknowledged for his long-standing dedication and outstanding service to Doane University, contributing significantly to the institution's growth and success. Ken graduated from Doane in 1959. He was President of the AOs and President of his senior class. Shortly after graduation, he became active in the college Alumni Association. In 1969 Phil Heckman asked him to be a member of the Board of Trustees, for which he has served for 54 years.
Marge [and Ken] founded and funded the Willie Maas Scholarship Fund following his death in 1965 and have funded the Cmdr E. J. Fridrich Scholarship Fund.
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Thomas Mangelsen | Lifetime Achievement | 2023
Tom is a world-renowned wildlife photographer with an impressive portfolio that includes PBS Nature, BBC Natural World, and National Geographic. Mr. Mangelsen's work as the cinematographer for the television documentary "Flight of the Whooping Crane" earned him an Emmy nomination. He is most famous for his photography of wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In 2015, he and nature author Todd Wilkinson created a book, The Grizzlies of Pilgrim Creek, featuring a grizzly bear known as Grizzly 399.
Mangelsen is also known for trekking to all seven continents to photograph a diverse assortment of nature and wildlife. A photograph he took in 1988 titled, "Catch of the Day" has been labeled "the most famous wildlife photograph in the world". In May 2018, he was profiled on CBS 60 Minutes. In 1994 and 2000 Mangelsen won the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award, in 2005 he was honored as one of the 100 Most Important People in Photography by American Photo Magazine, and Selected as one of the 40 Most Influential Nature Photographers by Outdoor Photography.
Robert Taylor | Legend Award | 2024
Robert Taylor came to Doane in the 1920s as a promising track star from Beatrice, Nebraska. While at Doane, Robert also enjoyed acting with the Doane Players, but after two years at Doane, he transferred to Pomona College in California to continue his artistic pursuits. After being discovered by a Hollywood scout, he signed with MGM Studios and launched a career in which he appeared in over 80 films, sharing the screen with legends such as Elizabeth Taylor and Lana Turner. Taylor was close friends with icons like John Wayne, Walt Disney, and Gary Cooper. His legacy is immortalized with a star on Hollywood Boulevard and handprints at the world-famous Dolby Theater. Taylor's funeral eulogy was delivered by then-California Governor Ronald Reagan. In recognition of his illustrious career and enduring impact, The Alpha Omega Fraternity extends its vote to induct Mr. Taylor to the AO Hall of Fame!
Ward Haylett | Legend Award | 2024
Ward Haylett came to Doane in 1914 from Clay Center, Nebraska. While at Doane, he earned 16 athletic letters, playing quarterback in football, pitcher in baseball, center in basketball, and running middle distances in track and field. After graduation, he coached football and track at Doane before becoming the Head Coach of track and field for Kansas State University, where he stayed for 35 years. His Kansas State teams won seven conference championships. During his tenure, Mr. Haylett coached a young sprinter to three medals at the 1956 Olympics, including one Gold. Haylett served three terms as a member of the United States Olympic Committee, and in 1979, he was inducted into the United States Track & Field Hall of Fame. In 1990, he was inducted into the Kansas State Hall of Fame. Kansas State and Doane University still honor Mr. Haylett by holding yearly track and field events in his name.
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Richard Gibson | Lifetime Achievement | 2024
Rick Gibson was a 1957 graduate of Doane. He served on the Board of Trustees from 1998 to 2024 and was a generous financial contributor to the institution. His contributions clearly show a lifelong dedication to Doane and the longevity of the University. Rick Gibson spent over 50 years in the crop insurance industry, forming major national entities such as American Agrisurance, Agro National, and Agro International. Rick has noted, "As crop insurance is a financial relationship to the USDA over the years, I have developed significant political abilities with many members of the Senate and the House."
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Dick Held | Service to the University | 2024
Richard Held exemplifies what a “Hall of Fame” individual should be. A 1970 Doane Summa Cum Laude graduate, majoring in math with a minor in business. At Doane, he was Captain of the l969 football team (played football at Doane during the legendary 4 years with zero losses under Head Coach Al Papik), and was on Doane’s track team. Richard went on to become highly successful as a real estate developer in California. In his California community, Richard was President of the Palisades High School Booster Club for 25 years, and is a member of the committee for the poor at Saint Martin of Tours church. He was also an AYSO soccer coach and referee for 40 years. Richard has served on Doane's Board of Trustees since 2007.
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Bill Huey | Service to the Fraternity | 2024
Bill Huey, a long-time active Alpha Omega alumnus, will be honored with the
Service to the Fraternity distinction. Bill has been a vital contributor to the AOs, sharing his time and wisdom over many years, particularly during his involvement with the AO alumni council in the 2010s and with the AO Alumni Association.
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Henry Grosshans | Legend Award | 2025
Henry came to Doane in 1940 from Kimball, Nebraska. While a member of the fraternity, he served on the inter-fraternity council and later served as AO President. While at Doane, he also became the University’s only Rhodes scholar. During World War 2, Grosshans was commissioned as a Naval officer, commanding a ship on D-Day and later in the Pacific. Dr. Grosshans spent most of his career at Washington State University, where he taught, published, and mentored several students to match his Rhodes scholarship achievement. Henry’s specialty was authoring articles on European history, as well as writing several books, including German Dreams and German Dreamers, Hitler and the Artists, and The Search for Modern Europe. In 1960, Dr. Grosshans wrote and narrated an award-winning short film titled “The Great Russian,” broadcast on many NPR stations across the country.
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Beyond his personal academic pursuits, Grosshans served for a number of years on the grant panel for history, philosophy, and political science of the National Endowment for the Humanities and on the Washington selection committee for Rhodes Scholars. In 1977, his accomplishments were recognized by honoring him with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree in a ceremony at Doane College. It is only fitting that 48 years later, he is being inducted into the AO Hall of Fame.
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Glenn Mitchell | Lifetime Achievement | 2025
Dr. Glenn Mitchell was a standout Football and Track athlete and a 4-year letter winner at Doane. His academic success also earned him a spot on the Dean’s List. He received his Master’s degree and a Ph.D from the University of Nebraska.
Mitchell spent his career in education, mentoring youth as a teacher and administrator. Dr. Mitchell took on the role of principal of Memorial High School beginning in 2013. Additionally, Dr. Mitchell has served as a coach for football, basketball, and track. Dr. Mitchell loves the arts and considers himself an advocate for their placement in schools. He particularly has a love for jazz music. Dr. Mitchell’s passion is for developing troubled kids into better people.
Each year, Doane’s Academic Success Center presents the Glenn Mitchell Leadership Award to the Tiger Mentor who embodies the spirit of Dr. Mitchell. In 1988, Dr. Mitchell was awarded the Doane Alumni Educator of the Year, and in 2002, he was inducted into the Doane University Hall of Fame. We are honored to call him the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and an inductee of the AO Hall of Fame.
Matt Franzen | Service to the University | 2025
Matt Franzen is an American college football coach and former college athletic administrator. He is the head football coach for Hastings College, a position he has held since 2021. Franzen was the head football coach at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska, from 2007 to 2017, compiling a record of 65–49. He was also the athletic director at Doane from 2018 to 2020. Under his leadership, the Tigers made steady progress, and in 2011, the team was ranked in the NAIA top 25 poll. He earned GPAC Coach of the Year in 2014 and also took Doane to the NAIA playoffs in 2015 and 2016. He was also named the Omaha World-Herald Midlands Coach of the year for 2015-16.
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In his time as the head football coach, Matt mentored and inspired many student athletes to excel on and off the field.
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Matt Heckman | Service to the Fraternity | 2025
Mr. Heckman has been a continual supporter of the fraternity and has volunteered his time as part of an early AO alumni council, as well as serving on the AO Alumni Association board in its first two years. He has shown an unwavering dedication to the fraternity, going out of his way to stay connected to multiple generations of AOs, and continues to be a resource of wisdom to the AO alumni association in his emeritus status.