Family Tree Award presented to three

Following is information about each of the families.

The Dinnel-Schultz Family

Sharon Helm Dinnel Bilstein earned a degree from Chadron State College in 1974, the first of five members of her family to attend the institution. She is lives in Torrington, Wyo., after retiring from 36 years as a classroom and special education teacher.

Sharon’s daughter Janelle earned a master’s degree from CSC in 2005. She lives in Scottsbluff with her husband Mark Schultz and is a teacher at Gering High School. Mark, a partner in Western Sleep Medicine and Western CPap Supply, attended CSC in 1987 and 1998.

The Schultz’ daughters, Brittany and Kortany have been among CSC’s outstanding health professions students in recent years.

Brittany is in her first year at the University of Nebraska Medical Center after earning a bachelor’s degree this May. Kortany, a senior at CSC, plans to attend medical school after graduating in May 2010. Both were accepted to the Rural Health Opportunities Program and have been active in a long list of extra-curricular activities at CSC. One of those activities is the Cardinal Key National Honor Society, in which Brittany served as national president. Both were chosen to lead CSC’s chapter.

The Keenan Family

The Keenans have had one member from three generations graduate from Chadron State College.

The first was Mary Keenan, who took her first course from CSC in 1925. She obtained a degree in January 1960 after many years teaching in rural schools of the Sandhills. She taught at schools near Ashby, Lewelyn and Oshkosh while ranching with her husband, Orville.

One of the couple’s two children, Harold Keenan, wasn’t far behind his mother, graduating from CSC in May 1960. He went on to earn a degree in medicine from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He served patients at Ogallala for nearly 20 years ending in 1988. He now practices in Oshkosh and lives on a farm north of Big Springs with his wife, Cheryl. Recently, Dr. Keenan has been instrumental in establishing an endowment for CSC’s health professions students.

Harold and Cheryl’s son, Patrick, earned an agribusiness degree in 1995 to represent the third generation of the family to attend CSC. After years of farming, he recently returned to CSC to study toward a career as a clinical laboratory manager.

The Stein Family

The Stein family has become well-known for its association with Chadron State College, its football program and western Nebraska.

Dick Stein, now retired after a successful career as teacher and head football coach at Chadron High School, earned a specialist’s in education degree from CSC in 1989. He still lives in Chadron with his wife, Marcia.

Each of Dick and Marcia’s five children has been highly involved at CSC through the years.

Chris is a former standout tight end for the football team who now coaches the quarterbacks and directs the Eagles’ passing game. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1991 and a master’s degree in 2005. He and his wife Nancy live in Chadron and have five children.

The oldest daughter, Lisa White, is employed as the academic credentials technician in the admissions office. She is taking courses at CSC and has two daughters.

Twins Jennifer and Lynn also attended CSC.

Lynn graduated from CSC in 1996 and is a teacher in the Shannon County School District. She lives in Chadron with her son.

Jennifer lives in Whitestown, Ind., with husband Craig Carey and their two children. Craig earned a master’s degree from CSC in 2003 and was coordinator of the Nelson Physical Activities Center. He also coached the Eagles’ wide receivers.

The youngest, Kevin, earned a bachelor ’s degree in 1995 and a master ’s degree in 2003. He is a former starting quarterback for the Eagles and now teaches and coaches at Gordon-Rushville High School. Kevin and his wife, Brandi, have three children.

In addition to Chris’ coaching duties, other members of the Stein family remain involved with the football program. Dick serves as the clock operator for the Eagle’s home games. In addition, Lisa, Lynn and Jennifer have become a fixture along the Elliott Field sidelines while helping keep statistics through the years.

Four of Dick and Marcia’s grandchildren are either enrolled at CSC or have previously attended. From Chris’ family, Kassandra took pre-nursing classes through 2002 and Karyssa, a high school senior, is enrolled in a course this semester. From Lisa’s family, Ashley attended in 2007 and Lauren is currently enrolled.