Last Thursday, the Life West Nebraska community gathered for a heartfelt farewell luncheon in honor of Dr. Ron Oberstein, marking the culmination of his impactful presidency and visionary leadership.
The event brought together students, faculty, and distinguished guests to celebrate Dr. Oberstein’s unwavering support for the Nebraska campus and its growth.
In attendance were Dr. Oberstein and presidential spouse, Dr. Mary Oberstein, along with Bellevue University leaders Dr. Mary Hawkins and Jim Nekuda. Life West’s Executive Vice President, Dr. Marilyn Al-Hassan, was also present, highlighting the collaborative spirit between campuses and institutions.
During the luncheon, Dr. Oberstein was presented with two meaningful gifts. The first was a beautifully crafted clock set to the Central Time Zone—symbolizing the Nebraska campus and presented by the original Nebraska Directors, Dr. Jen Howard and Dr. Jess Rivera. The second was a framed photo of the Nebraska student body, a powerful reminder of the lives he’s impacted. This special piece will be permanently displayed in the Life West Museum as a tribute to his lasting legacy.
Students and faculty enjoyed a delicious lunch and Dr. Oberstein took time to show appreciation to Bellevue University with small tokens of gratitude. The event also served as a celebration of the strong and growing partnership between Life West and Bellevue University—a relationship rooted in shared vision, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence in education.
As Dr. Oberstein steps into the next chapter, the Nebraska campus continues to thrive, thanks in large part to the foundation he helped build. The future is bright, and the spirit of gratitude and connection remains strong.
