The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s May 2025 commencement ceremony at Baxter Arena was a powerful tribute to leadership, service and Maverick pride. Eartha Johnson (BS 83), CEO of LegalWATCH, and Tobi Mathouser (BS 01), president and CEO of Goodwill Industries Serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, were recognized with the Citation for Alumni Achievement Award for their outstanding professional accomplishments and community impact. The ceremony also featured a keynote address by four-division world champion boxer Terence “Bud” Crawford, who was honored with the inaugural Spirit of the Maverick Award –– a distinction celebrating individuals who embody UNO’s values of excellence, engagement, discovery and integrity.
Eartha Johnson – Citation for Alumni Achievement Award
Eartha Jean Johnson, Esq., graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 1983. Today, she is CEO of LegalWATCH, an award-winning Corporate Liability Training and Professional Staffing Company that specializes in training corporations on legal strategies. Johnson formed LegalWATCH in 1997 after practicing law for a Fortune 100 company and working for the United States Department of Justice and an international law firm.
She has conducted numerous training courses; spearheaded governmental audits; designed compliance programs; and negotiated settlements with third parties and governmental regulators across the United States.
Johnson uses the knowledge and expertise she acquired practicing law to train corporate executives about protecting themselves from liability and avoid mistakes that can often result in settlements, regulatory compliance sanctions, or litigation.
In addition to her degree from UNO, she holds a juris doctorate; a master’s degree in energy, environmental and natural resource law; and an associate degree in criminal justice. Johnson is certified in training and development and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
Tobi Mathouser – Citation for Alumni Achievement Award
Tobi Mathouser earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2001 and was a recipient of UNO’s Goodrich Scholarship. Today, in her role as president and CEO of Goodwill Industries Serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, Mathouser oversees the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of mission programs, federal contracts, and retail operations. She began her career with Goodwill as a mission program coordinator in October 2006.
Since then, she has provided oversight in a variety of areas from Organizational Development, Federal Contracts and Mission Programming. Mathauser is a member of Vistage® Worldwide, Rotary Club of Omaha, and a trustee of the Business Ethics Alliance®.
Mathouser currently sits on the board of Daniel J. Gross Highschool, The Rotary Club of Omaha Foundation and the Omaha Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of Leadership Omaha and Goodwill Industries International’s Senior Leadership and Executive Development Programs, globally respected, award-winning programs designed to mold experienced leaders within Goodwill organizations.
She was born and raised in South Omaha, graduating from Gross Catholic High School and is an active member of St. Gerald’s parish. Together, with her husband Matt, they are proud parents to three children, Ian, Connor and Paige.
Terence “Bud” Crawford – Spirit of the Maverick Award
Stepping out of the ring and onto the commencement stage, Terence “Bud” Crawford, Omaha’s own four-division world champion boxer, delivered a keynote address to the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) May Class of 2025 on Friday at Baxter Arena. He addressed graduates at both the morning and afternoon ceremonies.
In recognition of his leadership and commitment to the community, he was also honored with the inaugural Spirit of the Maverick Award. This award celebrates those who exemplify strength, resilience, curiosity, independent thinking and entrepreneurialism. Individuals who — though not formally part of the UNO family — are recognized as Mavericks for their excellence, engagement, inclusion, discovery and integrity. They serve others and contribute positively to their communities.
As a local athlete who fought his way to global stardom, Crawford exemplifies the perseverance and service-oriented leadership that UNO strives to instill in its students. Bringing this hometown hero to the commencement stage gave graduates a tangible example of the Maverick spirit in action, someone who achieved world-class success without forgetting his community.
“All I heard growing up is no boxers come out of Omaha. Where would I be if I listened to them?” said Crawford during his speech. “Do you think your basketball team listened to people who said they would finish second to last in their league? They believed in each other, won a conference and gave UNO its first-ever March Madness appearance.”
Crawford is widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound boxers of his generation. He remains undefeated as a four-division world champion and made history as the first male boxer to capture undisputed titles in two weight classes during the modern four-belt era.
Outside the ring, Crawford co-founded North Omaha’s B&B Sports Academy, a nonprofit gym that offers free boxing and fitness programs for youth in his hometown. It’s a passion project that reflects his commitment to giving back and providing a safe, positive outlet for local kids.
“We all have greatness in us. When we try to be like other people, it alters our greatness. Just be real, be true to yourself, and keep working. You control your own destiny. You get to determine your greatness. You have everything you need to be a champion,” said Crawford.
