Donna and Lyle Dorsey were the proud parents of a first-born child on July 7, 1967. They named their beautiful daughter Jennifer Lynn. She grew and thrived in the warmth of their love.

Music, Joyful, Smiling

Moving from a small north Lincoln apartment to a home build on 17th and Otoe Street, the family of three was soon to become a family of four. In 1969, a new baby brother, Matthew, placed Jennifer in the roles of protector, defender, companion, and advocate. Hand in hand, they faced adversity, as well as celebrated life's joys.

Jennifer was the center of her neighborhood preschool playgroup. She directed the pretend stage and organized the parts others would play. Upon entering Beattie Elementary School In the fall of 1972, she widened her circle of friends to include classmates, Indian Guides, and Brownies. Jennifer began piano lessons at the seven and set off along a path that would captivate her love of music the rest of her life.

After moving to Southwood and completing elementary grades at Hill Elementary School, she found Irving Middle School opened new doors of enrichment. Vocal music became an important part of her life, as she was chosen to be a member of elite singing groups.

Entering Lincoln Southeast High School in the fall of 1982, Jennifer was a young 15-year-old sophomore who loved the excitement of what high school life offered. She spent time with friends, attending sporting events, worked part time and studied hard enough to earn a spot on the honor roll. Jennifer continued to play the piano, as well as sing in various advanced choirs. She loved to perform, whether on the school stage with Ars Nova or at Gateway Mall with Countesses & Noblemen. Jennifer embraced life, find tuned her people skills, deepened her love of music, and exercised her independence.

Believer, Achiever, Resilient

Jennifer faced difficult life-changing obstacles In early childhood. She became deaf In her right ear as a toddler and her mother died from a brain aneurysm when Jennifer was six years old. As she grew through adolescence towards adulthood, her confidence and resiliency steadied her along the way.

She ventured out on her own as a high school graduate and moved to New York at age 18. Hired as a nanny to two small boys, she reached out, met new friends, and put forth her best. Time passed and the family who employed her moved out state, leaving her jobless and homeless. Jennifer was not discouraged. She continued to believe she could make it in the Big Apple with a little fortitude and a lot of hard work. Within weeks, she had found a place to live and was hired for an entry-level position at an insurance company. Jennifer defined challenges as opportunities for growth.

Committed, Focused, Driven

Jennifer thrived on learning and succeeding. When she was given the position of Vice President, she told her boss that someday, she would sit at his place in the company. She was promoted from Senior Vice President to her final position as Director for the AON Corporation on the 92nd floor in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

Leader, Respected, Dedicated

Jennifer could always detect the best in everyone. Many of her colleagues have told of their Individual successes, due in part to Jennifer's support and encouragement. She made sure equal opportunity was given to all who had the potential to build on It. Having reached a high position in a Fortune 500 company, with just a high school diploma and a well-developed resume, she set the benchmark for all who sought success.

Vibrant, Stunning, Sincere

Jennifer was stunning, barely five feet tall and slim in stature, dark brown hair, saucer-sized blue eyes that looked Into your soul. But her real beauty glowed from within. Jennifer would seek out the individual who needed reassurance and offer It. She would hug grandma or grandpa sitting along and take the time to make them feel special. She would make sure a struggling family member received the help and encouragement they needed. She made friends from every walk of life.

Jennifer met her husband, Brian, through friends. They married on March 8, 1997 in New Hyde Park, New York, on Long Island, where they made their home together. Jennifer and Brian enjoyed vacations on tropical beaches and spent time with their large circle of friends. They were expecting their first child in January of 2002.

Loving, Laughter, Gracious

Jennifer loved to laugh! She liked to joke and tase in a kind way. Along with her brother, Matt, as they would carry out funny spoofs, on unsuspecting friends and relatives. She had a smile that lit up the room. When she smiled, everyone else did too.

Family was very important to Jennifer. She held the sense of home In her heart. She would visit Nebraska often and keep in contact through long phone calls and holiday greetings or presents. Her love caressed everyone who knew her.

Hope

Jennifer had high aspirations. Her "I can do that" belief always extended the possibilities of her future. She had faith that she could do anything, through hard work, determined learning, and perseverance. Jennifer made her dreams come true. Her faith in the future guided her present day ambition.

Now as the lights dim, the curtain rises, and the actors take their place on the stage, the Jennifer L. Dorsey-Howley Performing Arts Center opens to a new generation of students prospecting their individual desires and dreams. Students who are forming new memories on a stage where the petite brunette named Jennifer once sang soprano and held the hope for her future In her heart.