Keystone Award Luncheon
2026
brought to you by Home Instead
Keystone Award Luncheon Honors Service to Seniors Thursday May 28, 2026
Time: 1130 a.m. - 1 p.m. Doors open at 11 a.m.
Location: Country Club of Lincoln
3200 S. 24th St., Lincoln NE
Master of Ceremonies:
Master of Ceremonies: Rod Fowler, Anchor - KLKN
At an early age, Rod had a desire to work in broadcasting, which eventually led him to work at a small radio station. It was just the spark he needed and Rod enrolled at Iowa State University in Ames.
At that time, WOI-TV was only one of two TV stations owned and operated by a state university. During his college days, he worked part-time for WOI and was a DJ on a rock and roll radio station.
After graduation, with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, Rod remained at WOI-TV as a full-time reporter/anchor. When the opportunity arose for him to make a move within the company, he jumped on it. In 1995, Rod was offered the anchor position at sister station KLKN-TV.
Keynote Speaker: Glenn Van Ekeren
Glenn Van Ekeren is the (recently retired) President of Vetter Senior Living in Omaha, Nebraska. His passion as a leader is to create a work environment where people feel good about themselves, their jobs, the people they work with, the people they serve and their organizations. As a speaker, he is known for his inspiring, enthusiastic, and down-to-earth approach for maximizing people and organizational potential. Glenn has traveled the country over the years providing more than 1,500 seminars and keynote addresses to 150,000 people.
Glenn is the author of several books. His latest publications include a three Volume Series entitled: Little Leadership Lessons. . . from an Old Guy as well Leadership Matters. . .Make Where You Work A Place People Love To Be. Glenn’s pens a popular inspirational blog entitled Stuff To Think About. . . and another entitled Little Leadership Lessons. . . from an Old Guy.
Keystone Award
The Keystone Award recognizes an individual couple or group who has provided a lasting legacy that enhances the quality of life for older adults in the community.
Keystone Award Winner 2026
Keith Fickenscher
The Seniors Foundation is proud to present the 2026 Keystone Award to Keith Fickenscher for his enduring contributions to older adults and veterans. Throughout a distinguished career in public service and health care leadership, Keith has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving quality of life, dignity, and care for those he serves. From his work as Nebraska’s Director of Veterans Affairs to his leadership roles in long-term care, his impact has been felt across the state.
Keith’s leadership helped shape and strengthen critical services for seniors, including his time as president of Tabitha Health Care Services and administrator of Lancaster Rehabilitation Center. He played a key role in developing facilities, advancing care standards, and supporting both residents and staff. His service also extended into professional and community organizations, where he contributed to initiatives that continue to benefit older adults and veterans today.
Even after facing significant health challenges, Keith has remained a dedicated advocate, using his personal experiences to educate health care providers and support patients and families. Through initiatives like “The Other Side of the Door,” he and his wife Gail have provided meaningful insight into the patient and caregiver experience. His resilience, leadership, and lifelong dedication to service make him a truly deserving recipient of the Seniors Foundation’s 2026 Keystone Award.
Seniors Foundation Remembers Award
The Seniors Foundation Remembers Award recognizes a person who has passed away who has helped to make Lincoln a City that values its seniors.
Seniors Foundation Remembers Award Winner 2026
Lily Hans
The Seniors Foundation is proud to honor Lily Hans with the Seniors Foundation Remembers Award for her extraordinary legacy of service to older adults in Lincoln. A woman of remarkable intellect, global perspective, and compassion, Lily dedicated more than five decades to strengthening the community through volunteerism, leadership, and advocacy.
Lily played a vital role in developing and leading programs that continue to support seniors today, including Project HELP, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Lincoln/Lancaster County TRIAD. Through this work, she helped mobilize volunteers, protect vulnerable adults, and foster partnerships that improved safety and quality of life for older residents. Her advocacy was recognized statewide, including being named Nebraska’s Elder Abuse Prevention Advocate of the Year.
Her influence extended across numerous organizations, including the Red Cross, the Broadway Theatre League, and the Lincoln General Auxiliary. Remembered for her grace, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to service, Lily Hans leaves a lasting legacy that continues to shape and strengthen the Lincoln community.
Seniors Foundation Remembers Award Winner 2026
Alice Dittman
The Seniors Foundation is honored to recognize Alice Dittman with the Seniors Foundation Remembers Award for her lifelong leadership and service to the Lincoln community. A pioneering business leader, Alice broke barriers for women in banking and civic leadership while dedicating her career to helping others succeed.
Throughout her career, Alice served in numerous leadership roles, becoming the first woman to chair several major organizations, including the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce. In 1993, she further cemented her legacy as the first woman Chairman of the Nebraska Bankers Association. Her commitment extended far beyond the boardroom, as she supported a wide range of community initiatives and worked to create opportunities for others through mentorship, philanthropy, and service.
Even in her later years, Alice remained actively engaged in her community, continuing to build relationships and contribute to the well-being of others. Her generosity, vision, and belief in the power of opportunity leave a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations.