Alum's Clients Have Stubborn Reputation
Alum’s Clients Have Stubborn Reputation
By: Dan Silvia
Scott Shehan works with jackasses… and he loves it.
Shehan, who graduated from Bellevue University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication, helped found Lusco Farms Rescue, a nonprofit, donkey rescue operation located in Malvern, Iowa. The farm is currently caring for 12 donkeys and has rehomed or cared for over 60 donkeys since 2011.
“I come from a family of animal lovers,” Shehan explained. “My wife and I cared for four Cocker Spaniel puppies on our wedding night after they had been left at the church door during rehearsal. I believe the donkeys chose us. We rescued a small donkey named Nester in 2009 and we have been taking care of donkeys ever since.”
Scott Shehan with Daisy
Shehan recently took on a new challenge as well accepting a job as a Distribution Manager with Sergeant’s Pet Products at their new Omaha location at 10077 S 134th Street. Sergeant's is currently building a 350,000 square-foot distribution center in Omaha and the company will be one of the five largest employers in the Omaha area.
“One of the key points on my resume was the degree in Organizational Communications that I earned at Bellevue University,” he said. “They were looking for a leader who had the skills and ability to build a new team for the Omaha distribution center.”
The Shehans are founding members of the Southwest Iowa Animal Coalition, a group of nonprofit rescues who have come together to support each other and hold community educational events and adoption fairs.
“My goal is to get the animals out of the bad environment and into the rescue where we can help them,” Shehan said. “Fundraising and being a good spokesperson is critical to attract volunteers and financial supporters.”
In addition to his bachelor’s degree, Shehan has gone on to earn his MBA and now teaches at Buena Vista University.
“My educational experiences at Bellevue have aided me in communicating with the public and the media more effectively,” he said. “While earning my degrees, I had to learn to manage time to get my course work completed, work full time and still be a father and husband. I believe those challenges have prepared me to be successful in the business world both at a full time career, the nonproft donkey rescue and continue my passion for teaching.”
Shehan credited Dr. Dan Warren for inspiring his own desire to teach.
“Dr. Warren was very helpful in guiding and encouraging me,” he said. “What I discovered was my desire to teach others. Towards the end of my program, I discussed what I needed to do to become an instructor myself.”
There are several upcoming opportunities to support the donkey rescue operation. On Saturday, June 28, Beers for Ears, a benefit concert featuring Jared Blake will be held at Warrior’s Sports Bar at 701 1st Street, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. Attendees can come greet the donkeys from noon to 3 p.m., while Blake will perform at 9 p.m.
In addition, Lusco Farms Rescue and Loess Hills Harley Davidson are raffling off an HD Street Motorcycle at the 3rd Annual Ride You’re A$$ Off for the Donkeys on Saturday, August 23 at the dealership in Pacific Junction, Iowa. Visit the Lusco Farms Rescue site for more information.