C.L. Werner’s face to go on the ‘Barroom Floor’









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C.L. Werner
C.L. Werner — a legend in the trucking industry and strong supporter of UNMC — will be saluted by the Omaha Press Club as the next “Face on the Barroom Floor” on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

The honor has been extended to Omaha newsmakers since 1971, including UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., who along with his wife, Beverly, received the honor in 2008.

Werner founded Werner Enterprises — which is among the five largest truckload carriers in the United States.

He also is known for his philanthropic endeavors and his generosity is seen throughout the Omaha area, including at Creighton University and UNMC.







“UNMC and the University of Nebraska Foundation gratefully salute C.L. for his investment in children and their well being.”



John Niemann, Ed.D.



Among his most recent acts of support for UNMC include his investment earlier this year in the new, technologically advanced Werner Neurodevelopmental Research Laboratories in the Durham Research Center II.

“These are believed to be the most comprehensive biomedical research laboratories of their kind in the U.S.,” said John Niemann, Ed.D., senior vice president, University of Nebraska Foundation. “In doing so, C.L. has once again demonstrated his extraordinary vision and leadership in positively attacking a special challenge to many families.

“UNMC and the University of Nebraska Foundation gratefully salute C.L. for his investment in children and their well being.”

Those scheduled to roast Werner are:

  • Gale Wickersham, CEO, Wick’s Truck Trailers, Omaha (emcee);
  • Russ Gerdin, chairman and CEO, Heartland Express;
  • Duane Acklie, chairman and CEO, Crete Carrier Corp.;
  • Ken Bird, Ed.D., executive director, Bright Futures Foundation, and a member of board of directors of Werner Enterprises; and
  • Derek Leathers, chief operating officer, Werner Enterprises.

The event is open to the public and begins at 5:30 p.m. with a no-host bar. The roast and toast begins at 6:30 p.m. An optional dinner follows.

Reservations are required only for the dinner. There is no charge for the roast and ceremony. Dinner is $50 per person for nonmembers and $40 per person for members. To make dinner reservations, contact the Omaha Press Club at (402) 345-8008 or (402) 345-8587.