Lincoln, Neb., Nov. 14, 2002--The Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Nebraska Art Association have announced the appointment of Terry Nygren as Sheldon's development director. This new position for the museum is funded by grants from the Woods Charitable Fund and the University of Nebraska Foundation.
"Terry Nygren brings outstanding credentials to our new development director position," said Janice Driesbach, director of the Sheldon. "Her experience in all aspects of nonprofit fund-raising, from membership programs to capital campaigns, art and higher education is invaluable. Moreover, her familiarity with both art museums and our community promises to significantly advance the operations and programs of Sheldon and the NAA."
Nygren began her career at the Sheldon as a founding member of the Friends of the Ross Film Theatre. In the 1980s, she worked to establish the annual fund program and a major capital campaign at Doane College. Nygren left Lincoln in 1989 and served as director of development for the St. Louis Art Museum, executive director of the historic Columbian Theatre and Art Center in Wamego, Kan., and as vice president for advancement at the Kansas City Art Institute. Most recently, she was assistant vice president for major gifts at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
A Lincoln native, Nygren has bachelor's and master's degrees in English from UNL. An active community volunteer, she served on the board of the Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee, Unity Temple on the Plaza, and the College of Arts and Sciences alumni board of directors.
"I first learned to truly love art at the Sheldon, helping to form the Friends of the Sheldon Film Theatre," said Nygren, who joined the Sheldon staff in October. "I have had wonderful opportunities in the past 12 years since leaving Lincoln. This is an exceptional opportunity to bring back home what I have learned in order to help build the future of Sheldon. It is also a pleasure to be close to my family and old friends."
In her new position, many opportunities await Nygren.
"In coming months, Terry will focus on a corporate membership campaign for the NAA; seek corporate and foundation underwriting for Sheldon/NAA exhibitions, programs and collections care initiatives; and develop applications for grant funding from federal, state and local agencies. She will design and implement effective development strategies and foster relationships between Sheldon/NAA and community partners," Driesbach said.
CONTACT: Jessica Kennedy, Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, (402) 472-2461 (jkennedy7@unl.edu)
For questions regarding these releases, contact:
tsimons1@unl.edu
(402) 472-8514, Fax: (402) 472-7825