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Ostergards Lead CBA Campaign

Tonn & Holly Ostergard

Tonn & Holly Ostergard

When Tonn ’81 and Holly (Acklie) Ostergard ‘80 were asked to chair the UNL College of Business Administration Campaign for Nebraska, they immediately agreed due to their “collective affection” for CBA. Tonn is an accounting graduate and though Holly received her degree in elementary education, she took many courses in CBA.

“We knew that leading the campaign would be a unique opportunity, as it was the first time the University Foundation was relying so substantially on volunteers. We feel very fortunate to live in Lincoln and have such a strong affinity to UNL. The University is so important to our state and an investment in the future of Nebraska,” Tonn said.

A native of Gothenburg, Tonn is the President and CEO of Crete Carrier Corp. After graduating from UNL, he worked five years in public accounting and completed a three-year executive education program at the Harvard Business School.

“The first day at Harvard, I was intimidated. There were 110 people in the program from all over the world, but it didn’t take me long to realize that my education from UNL and my Nebraska values put me on par with everyone else in the program,” Tonn said.

An active volunteer, Holly said her teaching degree came in handy when working with individuals with an array of personalities and working styles. She has served on numerous boards and taught Bible and Sunday school.

The Ostergards have two children who are also connected to UNL. Halley received her undergraduate degree from Middlebury College in Vermont and worked for Senator Ben Nelson for two years. This fall, she will attend the UNL Law College. Winston graduated in December from CBA with a degree in economics and management, and is currently at Navistar International in Naperville, Ill., in the management training program.

Tonn and Holly also serve on the UNL Campaign Committee. Tonn, who has received the UNL Alumni Associations Alumni Achievement Award, is on the Board of Directors of the University Foundation and chairs the nominating committee.

“It’s remarkable how well the College of Business Campaign is doing despite the challenging economic times. The generosity of donors is a compliment to the university as a whole, and shows the strength and support of the alumni,” Tonn said. “It is amazing to work with Dean Donde Plowman and being part of the Big Ten has raised the bar for us to achieve and exceed our goals.”
Published: July 20, 2011