Lohaus Named Rising Star 4/4/13 04/04/13 12:25:25 AM
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Judge Sheryl Lohaus (left) receives the UNO Criminal Justice Rising Star Achievement Award from Dr. Samantha Clinkinbeard, Criminal Justice assistant professor. – Photo courtesy of Jeff Beiermann, UNO
Lorraine BoydLohaus Named ‘Rising Star’ by Alma Mater The Daily Record Douglas County Court Judge Sheryl Lohaus was presented the Rising Star Achievement Award at the University of Nebraska Omaha School of Criminology and Criminal Justice annual Scholarship and Awards Luncheon last Friday. Lohaus received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at UNO in 1985. She earned her law degree at Creighton University in 1990 and was appointed to the bench in 2011 by Governor Dave Heineman. Before becoming a judge, she worked in private practice in Omaha, most recently at Gross & Welch P.C., L.L.O. Bill Wakefield, UNO professor and director of outreach for criminal justice, said the award is given to school alumni who are contributing to the community in a meaningful way. “Sheryl is a great young woman,” Wakefield said. “We are very proud of her.” He noted that Lohaus has placed “heavy emphasis” on global activities, including serving as an AYUSA International Host Parent to students from Japan and Germany. Lohaus studied international relations and German at the University of Vienna in the summer of 1984. She has also been recognized by Legal Aid Society (now Legal Aid of Nebraska) for “dedicated advocacy;” Pi Gamma Mu, International Honor Society in Social Science; and Delta Phi Alpha, German Honorary Society. “When I was first notified by Bill Wakefield about the award, I was surprised and delighted. I’ve never won anything in my life,” Lohaus said with a laugh. She was especially gratified to see fellow judge Susan Bazis there, as well as retired judges Patricia Lamberty and J. Patrick Mullen. She recalled the UNO trip to London, led by Wakefield, with a side trip to Germany, that sparked her interest in international travel and was influential in her decision later to serve as a host to exchange students at the behest of her daughter. Some of those fellow travelers have stayed in touch, she said. She noted that one even became a prison guard at Attica. The event “was fun,” she said. “I was pleasantly surprised.” Fellow Douglas County Court Judge Susan Bazis received the award in 2010. This is the fifth year for the award. |
