On Thursday, May 6, the KBD Phi Chapter at Metropolitan Community College (Omaha) honored 21 new members. Inducted honorees included 19 student scholars and 2 honorary members. Among those in attendance were Business Administration Division Dean Dr. Lori Lothringer, Dean of Student Engagement & Retention Robin Hixon, and VP for Student Affairs Project Coordinator Shonda Clark, KBD Board President Dr. Trina Lynch-Jackson, and ACBSP Region 5 Chair Dr. Liliana Petersen.
Phi Chapter Advisor Debbie Gaspard awarded two KBD honorary memberships. Mr. Jeffrey P. Alderman, President & CEO of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) delivered an inspiring speech about his spouse, Brenda Alderman's service journey as a US Navy Veteran as well as her academic and professional success that includes a solid foundation provided by community college education.
Also receiving an honorary membership was Joshua Vinson Jr., a local celebrity known as "Little Josh." Four-year-old Little Josh is the undisputed winner of the Inaugural Josh Fight, an event that started as a viral joke during the pandemic lockdown that ended with a live, friendly battle among Joshes across the country with pool noodles as the weapon of choice. Josh Fight 2021 raised over $50,000 in donations to Omaha's Children's Hospital & Medical Center and 200 pounds for the Food Bank of Lincoln. Little Josh's message to fellow inductees was a simple "Never Give Up!"
@Little_Josh has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, People, USA Today, ESPN and CNN.
Debbie Gaspard
Phi Chapter Advisor
Metropolitan Community College (Omaha)
