Military and Veteran Services Director Hannagan Recognized for Patriotic Support

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Office of Military and Veteran Services (OMVS) Director Rebecca Hannagan, Ph.D., has been recognized with the Patriot Award by the Nebraska division of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for her outstanding efforts.

ESGR, a U.S. Department of Defense program, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. 

"It is an honor to be recognized for our office’s work supporting reserve and active duty service members and a privilege to promote their engagement in our university community," Hannagan said. "Whether as employees of our institution or as students, individuals who took an oath to serve our country will continue to find the resources they need to thrive here at UNO."

Hannagan, who assumed leadership of OMVS in March, was nominated for the award for being highly supportive of her employee, Staff Sgt. Joe Froehner, a member of the Nebraska Air National Guard.

Cathy Pettid, UNO Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Success and Dean of Students, congratulated Hannagan.

"In her time leading the Office of Military and Veterans Services, Dr. Hannagan has gone above and beyond to ensure that those who serve or have served are supported in their personal, professional, and academic endeavors," Pettid said. "I thank Dr. Hannagan for doing her part to uphold our institution’s reputation as one of the top universities in the nation for veterans, active duty members, and their families."

Hannagan was presented with the award during a virtual presentation by Ron Boro, a volunteer representing Nebraska ESGR.

"The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them have answered their nation’s call to serve," Boro said during the presentation. "Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units, and it’s a pleasure for me to recognize Dr. Hannagan with this award."