Kiewit Helps Dedicate School,
Lauds Father's Love of Learning
Story by Jena Janovy
World-Hearld Staff Writer
reprint from 1988
Peter Kiewit Jr., son of Omaha builder, civic leader and philanthropist Peter Kiewit, said Sunday that the Kiewit family recently changed its policy of not naming any more area buildings for his late father.
"My father had a profound belief in and commitment to education," Kiewit said at Sunday afternoon's dedication of Peter Kiewit Middle School, 15650 Howard St, in the Millard School District. "His love of learning ended only with his death."
Kiewit encouraged school officials and teachers to motivate, inspire and instill that same love of learning and "unquenchable thirst for knowledge in your students."
The elder Kiewit was an Omaha civic leader and chairman of the Omaha-based international construction company that caries the family name.
Before selecting a name for the new middle school, members of the Millard school board said they wanted to name the school for a Nebraskan who could serve as a role model for students.
About 300 people attended the dedication at which a ceremonial key was passed from Charles Wilscam, the building's architect, to representatives from the school, community, staff and students.
The Kiewit School band and eighth-grade chorus performed, and Millard Schools Superintendent Don Stroh also spoke. Afterward, visitors were encouraged to tour the school.
The 100,155 square-foot structure cost more than $5 million and can serve, at capacity, about 950 students. The present enrollment of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders stands at 637.
The building houses about 45 classrooms, band and vocal rehearsal rooms, an art room, shop room, media center, gymnasium, cafeteria-multipurpose room and special education facilities.
This page was created by
Scott L
8th grader, Kiewit MS
