Bellevue University Honors Young Professional With 2023 Ethical Leadership Award
Honoree Grew Up Involved in After-School Programs and Today He’s Helping Direct Them
Omahan Braxton Crowder, a young professional who participated in after-school programs when he was growing up and today is actively involved in directing multiple after-school programs for youth, has been named the recipient of the Ethical Leadership and Service Award by Bellevue University’s Ethical Insights Committee. The award was presented to Crowder in a ceremony at Monroe Middle School on Feb. 5, 2024.
The son of a single, hard-working mom, Crowder was involved in the Monroe Middle School’s Activity Center and credits the center for playing a pivotal role in shaping his character and career path. Crowder is currently employed as Experience Manager at the Kiewit Luminarium and previously has worked as a YMCA Camp Counselor and as Site Director for after-school programs at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo, Kids Can, Jackson Elementary, and as a consultant for MENTOR Nebraska.
Through these roles, Crowder has impacted youth across all parts of the Omaha metropolitan area. “His efforts show how one person can make a positive contribution that benefits many,” said Bellevue University President Mary Hawkins when presenting Crowder with the award.
“Ethical leadership is all about doing the right thing even when you don’t think anyone is watching,” said Crowder.
“Being able to see the impact of your actions is important,” Crowder said. “I remember being in after-school programs and the programs changing my life and changing my outlook. As I got older, I remembered those key skills I learned and they’ve helped me become the person I am today.”
Ethical Insights is a faculty-driven initiative which fosters the teaching and learning of ethics across the colleges at Bellevue University. The current members of the Ethical Insights Committee include Committee Chair Karla Carter, Associate Professor; Pat Artz, Associate Professor; Leo Mayhan, Assistant Professor; and Dr. Carlos Del Rio, Associate Professor.
The Ethical Leadership Award is presented annually to a community member or student for outstanding leadership in ethics as demonstrated by professional and community service.
Previous winners of the Ethical Leadership and Service Award include:
2022 - Debra Parsow
2021 - JR Richardson
2020 — Beth Riley
2019 — Katherine (KC) Noble
2018 — Pete Heineman
2017 — Gina Ponce
2016 — Mike Livergood
2015 — Dr. Jon Kayne
2014 — Rabbi Pesach Lerner
2013 – Frank Kumar
2012 – Dr. Robert Saniuk
2011 – Prof. Del Stites