Why We Support Elizabeth

As the US Army Europe Entertainment Director, I first became aware of Liz Winkler’s onstage talents in 1995, when she was one of four stars in the Stuttgart Theatre Center’s production of Spoon River Anthology. We had instated an annual Army Europe One Act Play Festival, a training program for community theatre practitioners. As adjudicated by a team of critics that included the celebrity Charles Nelson Reilly, the show won Best Play.

This was the first of many times I experienced Liz’s dedication and exemplary spirit of volunteerism. Happily, I often had the opportunity to see her exceptional teamwork on- and off-stage. Over the years, Liz donated thousands of hours of her time to produce, direct, provide logistical support, and participate in performances that directly benefitted soldiers, their families, DoD civilians and host nation guests. She was an integral part of giving folks the “gift” of live entertainment.

I watched her growth over time in leadership areas, as she sought out training and education, and developed into a poised director, who inspired and unified her creative teams. Her success was admired and respected. As one of my last official acts before retiring from Army Entertainment, it was my pleasure to commend her and present her with a 1st Place Best Director Award for the Kent R. Brown drama, Hope ‘N Mercy.

Liz was always a great community partner, with a fine intellect and healthy curiosity, and she proved an excellent cultural ambassador. I am certain she would bring these qualities to any situation or position.

About Jim Sohre

After completing a forty year career as civilian in the Army Entertainment Program (33 years in Germany), Jim Sohre has been involved with Opera Las Vegas since 2013. He began as a board member, then became Production Coordinator, and subsequently Artistic Director on his way to assuming the position of General Director in 2017. He also reviews internationally for Opera Today.

Elizabeth Winkler will be an outstanding addition to the school board of the Savanna School District. I knew Ms Winkler when she worked with the International School of Stuttgart in Germany as Drama teacher, while also providing instruction in the German language and ESL departments of the school. Ms Winkler was committed to her work with students, always attempting to guide them in meeting their fullest potential, regardless of their personal gifts or challenges. She is able to recognize student needs and take action to address them.

I am also aware of Elizabeth’s extensive acting experience and know her to be a person of strong character, who strives for personal excellence onstage, as well as in life, accepting challenges with enthusiasm. She will serve the Savanna School District well.

About Karen Ekman-Baur

Karen has been involved in the field of education for many years in both the United States and Germany. She transitioned to college advising in 2002, initiating a comprehensive university counseling program at the International School of Stuttgart, where she served as Head of College Counseling until 2008, when she founded StudyHorizons, an educational consultancy focused on international university advising. In addition to working with private clients, Karen has led numerous university tours in the U.S. and Canada and has served as Acting Director of College Counseling at both the Leysin American School (2012-13) and Aiglon College (2016-17) in Switzerland.

Karen is an active member of the International Association for College Admission Counseling, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and the Independent Educational Consultants Association. She is also a Certified Educational Planner, recognized by the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners.

Elizabeth works as a volunteer and has taught pre-school and high school students at the non-profit, Community Bible Study. She is currently a core group leader for adults. She loved making the Bible stories come to life for both the children and the teenagers, and the feedback I got was always positive. Elizabeth was background checked and participated in emergency procedures, including active shooter training.

Because of Elizabeth’s background in education and her dedication to children and families, I think she would be a great addition to the school board.

Elizabeth Winkler is a unicorn. She is an educator, a compassionate listener, a mediator, and a brilliant mind. She, well, plays well in the sandbox. Have you ever met the person that everyone instantly likes and trusts? That’s Elizabeth Winkler.

School boards have become so political and filled with board members that spend their time trying to gain media attention and social media followers that they forget about our children and our educators. Elizabeth will never forget why she is on the board and who she represents.

About Larry A. Zucker

Author of “Forget All You Thought You Knew About Fundraising Events” (2020); “Uncover the Secrets of Charity Fundraising Events” (2017). Named # 16 of “44 Best Charity Books of All Time” by Book Authority (2019).