Since graduating from Nebraska Wesleyan, Joyce Halvorsen has worked in healthcare, first as a medical technologist and later as a member of an open heart surgery team. Several years ago, she took a career path detour and moved from the testing and ordering side to communicating and promoting the need for volunteer blood donors at the Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB). NCBB is a nonprofit, community resource that has been Connecting People ~ Saving Lives since 1968. At NCBB they collect, test and distribute blood products from volunteer donors to medical facilities in six southeast Nebraska counties.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Being a part of NCBB’s growth. Since 2000, we have added three collection sites, moved to larger administrative facilities and doubled the number of volunteer blood donors and donations.
Tell us a little about your family.
My husband, Dave, is a realtor. We have one son, Brandon, who is also an NWU grad. Brandon and his wife Jessica live in Lincoln.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Attending graduate school and realizing my strengths are in public relations and marketing. Having a strong healthcare background combined with creativity and communications make for a very rewarding job.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I enjoy theater productions. Anytime I can see a Broadway show on stage at a high school, at the Lincoln Community Playhouse or in NYC, I’m happy!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
The fact that I worked in open-heart surgery as a perfusionist for eight years.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
There are two: Be slow to say “no” when it comes to new ideas and a positive attitude is priceless.
How would your friends describe you?
Motivated, creative and loyal.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
I am fortunate that I can utilize my talents at work. On the other hand when it comes to home, I am a good cook, but there never seems to be enough time to bake or make a great meal.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Doesn’t everyone want to have at least a little musical talent? I would like to be able to sing and/or play the piano.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
A little athletic ability would be appreciated. I can’t remember ever being a first choice when it came to choosing teams in elementary school. However, I am a top bowler when it comes to Wii.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Wellbeing, the Five Essential Elements by Tom Rath, What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell or The Disney Way.
What is your favorite movie?
The King’s Speech
What is your favorite TV show?
Mad Men, Selling New York (HGTV), or Law & Order
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
I enjoy tying new restaurants. My latest discovery is Joe Bochgaloopies in Murdock, Ne.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Teddy Roosevelt. It is been said he was fearless, a natural leader and was a wonderful conversationalist because of his wide range of interests. What an interesting dinner it would be!
What is the best way to contact you?
Call (402)486-9414 or visit http://www.ncbb.org/