Past Awardees

The Life Saver Award recognizes philanthropists, scientists, clinicians, educators and organizations who exemplify the Nebraska Cures’ mission to promote, support and advocate for scientific research and health policies that advance both quality of life and the economy. 

Omaha 2026 – The Team Jack Foundation

Kearney 2026- Doug Kristensen

Lincoln 2026  – Dr. Bob Rauner

2019 – Rick & Carol Russell

2018 – Dr. Alison Freifeld & Dr. Ken Cowan

2017 – Andy Holland

2016 – Jim & Diny Landen – Chairman and CEO, Security National Bank and

media executive

2015 – Wally & Barbara Weitz – Founder, Weitz Investment Funds and retired

professor of social work and community volunteer

2014 – Harold M. Maurer M.D., & Beverly Maurer – Chancellor Emeritus, University

of Nebraska Medical Center and community volunteer

2013 – John & Lynne Boyer – Partner, Fraser Stryker and community volunteer

2012 – Fred & Eve Simon – Executive Vice President and owner, Omaha Steaks and

community volunteer

2011 – Linda & Charles Wilson, M.D. – Former member of Lincoln City Council and

Lincoln-Lancaster Building Commission and co-founder and president of the

Nebraska Heart Institute and Lincoln cardiologist

2011 – Walter & Suzanne Scott – Chairman and CEO, Kiewit Sons and

community volunteer

2010 – Michael Yanney & Gail Walling Yanney, M.D. – Chairman Emeritus of the

Board of The Burlington Capital Group LLC and retired physician; co-chairs

of University of Nebraska Medical Center Campaign for Nebraska

2009 – Dorothy & Stanley Truhlsen, M.D. – Community volunteer and Emeritus

Professor and former Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology,

University of Nebraska Medical Center

2008 – Richard Dean Holland – Former advertising executive and philanthropist

2007 – James O. Armitage, M.D. – Joe Shapiro Professor of Medicine in Oncology/

Hematology, University of Nebraska Medical Center

2006 – Harold & Marian Andersen – Former Publisher of the Omaha World-Herald

and community volunteer

2005 – Rik Bonness & Shannon Bonness, M.D. – Activists for life-saving research

whose two sons have juvenile diabetes

2004 – Michael F. Sorrell, M.D. – Professor of Internal Medicine, Chief of

Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center

2003 – Charles Durham – Chairman and CEO, Durham Resources