Just a decade short of being a centenarian, like its host city, the Kiwanis Club of Burbank staged its 15th annual gala fundraiser at Lakeside Golf Club this past week. Chaired by Marsha Jackson, this event, established in 1998, which honors dedicated Burbank residents along with business and civic leaders for their leadership, compassion and generosity, this year tipped its hat to recently retired Woodbury University President Kenneth Nielsen and his wife, Rose.
Nielsen, who served as the Glenoaks Boulevard university's 12th chief executive, came to Woodbury in 1996 after serving as the president of the College of Saint Mary in Omaha.
During his time at Woodbury, Nielsen oversaw major accomplishments and milestones, including the development of new master's degree programs, the establishment of a San Diego campus, record increases in endowment, annual giving and alumni participation, and the planning and implementation of major on-campus renovation and construction projects.
Last week's gala, made possible by Kiwanis Club of Burbank President Harvey Branman, gala Co-chairs Gary Peterson and Wally Kendig, and the event committee comprised of Ron Rothacher, Joe Terranova, Bob Penrod, Cynthia Faust, Nancy Serpa, Lisa Malm, Phil Jue, Hazel Schrefel, Angela Akmakjian, Don Hurst, Edsel Curry and Hamilton Lloyd, will add well over $40,000 to the $650,000-plus raised by this event since its inception.
