Bellevue University’s Eli Rigatuso Receives 50 Over 50 Award
Bellevue University’s Eli Rigatuso, Senior Video Producer/Director of Design and Development and founder of SpeakingOfHappy.com, has been selected as a 50 Over 50 honoree by the philanthropic nonprofit The Bloc.
The Bloc, an organization based in Lincoln, Neb., recognized Nebraskans 50 and older who have contributed to the state during an awards ceremony held on Saturday, Sept. 25. The 50 Over 50 event honored older Nebraskans who have made an impact in five categories: nonprofit, innovation, business, community and health care.
Rigatuso was honored in the community category.
"I learned about the 50 Over 50 award after a colleague shared that they had nominated me,” Rigatuso said. “The fact they took the time to nominate me means the world to me. I later found out that a number of people I know and respect had also submitted nominations for me. I will be forever grateful to them and deeply honored to be listed with so many people I love and respect.”
Speaking of Happy is a virtual outlet documenting the amazing stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) people and community allies.
“The work I have been doing to uplift and educate folks about what it means to be transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse along with being Two Spirit is core to my being,” Rigatuso said. “To be recognized for this work on such a large platform is priceless."
For a complete list of 2021 award winners, visit 50over50ne.com/nominees.
View a video Rigatuso created for the event below.
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 80 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).