Buffy Bush Honored with Bellevue University’s Ethical Leadership Award for Community Advocacy
Buffy Bush, founder of Families of the Stolen (FOTS), received the Ethical Leadership Award from Bellevue University’s Ethical Leadership Committee. Bush founded FOTS after the loss of her sister and continues work in grief support, anti-violence awareness, and community engagement. The award recognizes leadership in ethics through professional and community service.
Key Facts
- Buffy Bush is the founder of Families of the Stolen (FOTS).
- She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bellevue University.
- Bush founded FOTS in 2012 after the death of her sister, Jameila Hesseltine.
- FOTS provides grief support, anti-violence awareness, and community engagement.
- Bush worked with Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer on Cold Case Awareness Month.
- The City of Omaha recognized the “Gone, But Not Forgotten” campaign.
- Bellevue University presents the Ethical Leadership Award each year.
Award Recognition
Buffy Bush, founder of Families of the Stolen (FOTS), has been named the recipient of the Ethical Leadership Award by Bellevue University’s Ethical Leadership Committee.
Bush, a graduate of Bellevue University with both her bachelor's and master's degrees, founded FOTS in 2012 after the loss of her sister, Jameila Hesseltine, to violence. FOTS is a nonprofit organization that focuses on grief support, anti-violence awareness, and community engagement. The organization helps families who have lost loved ones, offering a shared bond through memories and community support.
Community Work and Advocacy
In addition to her nonprofit work, Bush has worked with Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer to help establish September as Cold Case Awareness Month, a campaign titled “Gone, But Not Forgotten.” This initiative was recognized by Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, furthering the city's commitment to advocating for victims of unsolved violent crimes.
Ethical Insights and Award Background
Ethical Insights is a faculty-driven initiative that 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, and Assistant Professor David Thomas.
The Ethical Leadership Award is presented annually to a community member or student for leadership in ethics as demonstrated by professional and community service.
Previous winners of the Ethical Leadership and Service Award include:
- 2023 – Braxton Crowder
- 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 Kumor
- 2012 – Dr. Robert Saniuk
- 2011 – Prof. Del Stites
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 70,000 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 85 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).