The University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business honored Marc LeBaron, '76; Lori and Paul Hogan, ’85; Christie Stukenholtz, '08, and Deloitte at the 41st annual College of Business Advisory Board Awards Celebration held in Howard L. Hawks Hall, April 24. Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean, and Lisa Smith, ’90, senior vice president with D.A. Davidson & Co. and chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board, presented the honors with nearly 300 guests in attendance.
"These award recipients showcase the remarkable talent and leadership we have in Nebraska and across our Nebraska Business community. Our honorees join a distinguished tradition, along with past recipients such as JoAnn Martin, Jim Abel, Sid Dinsdale, Allan Noddle, Jim Seacrest, Alice Dittman, Dick Chapin, Tom Henning and Warren Buffett," Farrell said.
She also thanked the following corporate sponsors for their support of the event: Ameritas, Assurity, Bryan Health, Conagra Brands, Cornerstone Bank, D.A. Davidson & Co., Deloitte, Forvis Mazars, Gallup, Lincoln Industries, Lutz, Nelnet, Pinnacle Bank, Runza Restaurants, Speedway Properties, Talent Plus and Union Bank & Trust.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Marc LeBaron, '76
LeBaron spent more than five decades investing in people to help them succeed in work and in life. As chairman and CEO of Lincoln Industries, he guided the company to become North America’s largest metal finisher, expanding with multiple locations in Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The company became renowned for producing large volume, complex manufactured products across the truck, motorsports and digital signage industries.
"The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals for their outstanding leadership and the time, energy and guidance provided throughout their career," Smith said. "Marc's influence is visible across Lincoln in projects and initiatives shaped by his leadership, and we are grateful for his contributions to the university and college, including his service on the Dean’s Advisory Board. Marc brings heart, vision and purpose to everything he does. We’re proud to recognize him for what he’s accomplished and doing it with humility, integrity, generosity and a deep love for Nebraska."
Under LeBaron's leadership, Lincoln Industries earned national recognition from the Great Place To Work Institute as one of the top 25 Best Medium-Sized Companies to Work For in America and received honors such as Nebraska Employer of the Year and Lincoln’s Most Environmentally Friendly Business. The company also became a national leader in wellness initiatives through an annual tradition of taking more than 100 team members to climb a 14,000-foot mountain together to celebrate healthy living and team commitment.
“People often ask me if I envisioned where I'd be today when I first purchased what was then known as Lincoln Plating. The short answer is no, but I’ve always been entrepreneurial, willing to take a risk, focused on growth, and, more importantly, committed to developing a strong corporate culture. As the business evolved, our values — valuing our people, honesty, recognition, leadership, development and supporting healthy lifestyles — have never changed. People come to Lincoln Industries for the job, but they stay because of the culture.”
A graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Lincoln High School, LeBaron supported the community through youth development organizations, preparing young people for careers, and through arts and cultural initiatives that brought global experiences to the community. He also partnered with local and statewide leaders on economic development efforts to help revitalize downtown Lincoln through the Vision 2015 Group.
"I could not be more proud of my daughters, Katie Haszard and Kassy Knudson ('08 biological sciences) and their families, for leading Lincoln Industries for the next generation. They and others are the backbone of our success and will continue to propel the business in the future, " LeBaron said. "I also appreciate the impact the College of Business has had on our business, community and state, and look forward to that continued success."
Business Leadership Award – Lori and Paul Hogan, ’85
The Hogans founded Home Instead in 1994, growing it into the world's leading provider of home care services for seniors. Today, more than 1,200 independently owned franchises deliver more than 90 million hours of care annually across 14 countries. On August 6, 2021, Home Instead merged with Honor Technology, Inc. in 2021 and continues to operate under the Home Instead name, bringing together the largest, highest-touch home care network and the leading home care technology and operations platform to revolutionize the home care industry for the benefit of the professional caregivers, aging adults and their families.
"The Business Leadership Award recognizes individuals who are outstanding examples of successful leaders in their respective fields, including business ethics, community service and overall business excellence," said Smith. "We are honored to recognize Lori and Paul for their extraordinary impact on the Nebraska Business community and across the globe."
A former Miss Nebraska USA, Lori graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She serves on multiple boards, including Nebraska Family Alliance, American Heart Association’s Sweetheart Program, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging, where she and Paul were lead donors. She also enjoys mentoring youth.
"When you start a business, you rely on family to help you out, as they are most trusted. My mother was our first caregiver and also our first office assistant, and my father, who was city editor at the Omaha World-Herald, has been my personal editor," Lori said. "Throughout our time with Home Instead, we built tremendous relationships, and even though we sold it almost five years ago, we still engage and are involved with that family, and Paul sits on the board."
A graduate of Nebraska Business, Paul, '85, shaped global health policy as a World Economic Forum Governor for the Future of Health and member of the World Dementia Council. He earned one of the highest honors the federal government presents in 2008. the U.S. Department of Commerce’s prestigious “E” award, for exporting the home care model internationally. Also recognized as the International Franchise Association’s 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year, he co-authored the USA Today bestseller, "Stages of Senior Care." He serves on boards including the National Forest Foundation, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and the Governor’s Business Roundtable and helped found the Home Care Association of America.
"Nebraska is a great place to start a business and grow and scale one. We had Home Instead for 27 years and were often asked our secret to success," Paul said. "I always refer to the core values Lori and I established before starting our business — honor God and all we do, treat each other with dignity and respect, encourage growth in ourselves and others, and build value in our service to others. Everybody learned those, so they knew what made us tick, no matter what we were doing."
Corporate Leadership Award – Deloitte
For more than 180 years, Deloitte has provided professional services worldwide, including audit, tax, consulting and advisory services. The firm brings together talent, technology and a network of alliances to guide clients through complex challenges. It drives transformation in AI, cybersecurity and sustainability while fostering societal impact. In Nebraska, professionals serve clients daily while investing in the communities where they live and work.
"The Corporate Leadership Award recognizes excellence in Nebraska-based companies that are successful, dynamic and have a high level of commitment to their communities, customers and employees," Smith said. "Congrats to Dan Kinsella, managing partner of Deloitte’s Omaha office, and Deloitte for everything you do for the Nebraska Business community."
Deloitte’s Omaha office proudly partners with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln School of Accountancy and Actuarial Science Program through scholarships, classroom engagement, mentorship and post-graduate opportunities. Huskers won the firm’s 2023 FanTaxTic national case competition and Audit Business Challenges, and 2026 FanTaxTic National finalist honors, and in 2026, that momentum continues as UNL teams advanced as FanTaxTic national finalists. More than 160 UNL alumni work across Deloitte, with many serving on the School of Accountancy Advisory Boards and recognized in the school's Hall of Fame.
"There are four things that make Nebraska different or special: a solid moral foundation, smart that is both book smart and common sense, work ethic and kindness. We have evidence of that being real because the University of Nebraska–Lincoln provides us with the most talent of any office in the nation," said Kinsella. "Those four things define the good life, start at home and come together at the university, and that is what truly differentiates Nebraska from the rest of the world."
Young Alumni Award – Christie Stukenholtz, '08
Stukenholtz leads a team that supports millions of families as they navigate senior living and care each year. She created a platform that allows families to compare and connect directly with options for independent living, assisted living and memory care communities and more. The platform also shares resources to help providers strengthen their digital presence, reduce marketing costs and connect with quality leads.
"The Young Alumni Award recognizes individuals who are outstanding examples of successful leaders and provide inspiration and insight to College of Business students and members of the Nebraska Business community," Smith said. "Christie gives back to the college and her community in many meaningful ways."
She serves as vice chair for the College of Business International Business Program Advisory Board and is a member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. As a community fellow with Nebraska’s Center for Entrepreneurship, she also mentors students and judges entrepreneurial competitions.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in international business at Nebraska, she built a global career with leadership roles in Asia, Europe and Latin America before she established Senior Care Finder’s headquarters in Lincoln.
"Success isn't about what we built. It's about how many people grow because you built it, and in the end, it comes down to this: The quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life," Stukenholtz said.
