The Otto Bauer Humanitarian Service Award was created in 1999 to honor Dr. Otto Bauer, former Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at the University of Nebraska–Omaha, for his many years of demonstrated leadership and dedication to Clarkson College.
Dr. Bauer’s affiliation with Clarkson College began in 1981 as a consultant. He became a member of the Board of Directors in 1992 and Chair of the Board of Directors in 1997. His mentorship played a major role in helping the College transition from a diploma-granting nursing school to a fully accredited institution offering associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees and post-master’s certificates.
Since its inception, the Otto Bauer Humanitarian Service Award has been presented to the following recipients:
Established with the idea that only a set number of individuals/organizations could receive the award, just one medallion remained since Dr. Canedy became the 2012 recipient. The College felt it was only appropriate to award the final medallion to Clarkson College President Emeritus Dr. Louis Burgher. College President Dr. Tony Damewood presented Dr. Burgher with the award at the summer 2016 graduation commencement, held Saturday, Aug. 6.
After acknowledging Dr. Burgher for the various accomplishments the College achieved during his term as President, such as the establishment of a Nurse Anesthesia program option and the institution’s first ever doctorate degree programs; the development of two high-fidelity Simulation Labs to enhance student learning experiences and outcomes; the multitude of national awards and recognitions received; the continued impact of the Gateway to Success Minority in Nursing Scholarship program and the implementation of annual College-wide strategic planning meetings, Dr. Damewood delivered the following message:
“On Aug. 1, our leader of the last nine years transitioned into his new role of President Emeritus. In this role, Dr. Burgher will continue his service as a member of the Clarkson College Board of Directors. On a personal note, I would be remiss if I didn’t express my gratitude to Dr. Burgher for serving as my trusted mentor and role model over the years. And I speak on behalf of the entire College when I say we are humbled by his service and truly appreciate his commitment to the College, its traditions and its students.”