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Dr.
C.C. and Mabel L. Criss
The Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation was established in 1978. The foundation’s support has been for educational and scientific purposes, including higher education, cultural agencies, youth and social service activities. The gift from the Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation establishes the Criss Foundation Seminar Center in the Durham Research Center. The Criss Foundation Seminar Center on the sixth floor will consist of multiple spaces designated to accommodate educational and professional needs. The insurance industry giant that is today’s Mutual of Omaha began in 1909 in the mind of a young Creighton University medical student who sold insurance part-time to help finance his studies. The student, C.C. Criss, saw a need for more comprehensive health and accident coverage than the limited policies then available. In 1910, while still in school, Dr. Criss and his wife, Mabel, bought the year-old charter of the Mutual Benefit Health and Accident Association. Serving first as treasurer and eventually as president and chairman of the company that became Mutual of Omaha, Dr. Criss pioneered the concept of offering simplified, liberal policies to minimize liability from accident or illness. Mabel Criss provided the organizational and business management skills that enabled the young company to grow and gain a reputation for superior customer service. Beginning as stenographer and office manager, she became Mutual of Omaha’s first woman officer and a director of the company, as well as head of personnel and planning. She oversaw construction of the original Mutual of Omaha Home Office and is credited with the company’s family-oriented culture and emphasis on service to customers and the community. A highly regarded business leader, Mabel Criss received the Fellowship Award from the National Office Management Association in 1951 – the first woman to be so honored. |
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