Howard Vann’s life fits the definition of a philanthropist, a person dedicated to financing and supporting humanitarian institutions. Serving as Chairman of the Rotary International Foundation Fund, he became involved in efforts to eradicate polio from the face of the earth. He has been instrumental in working with the United Nations and the World Bank to accomplish this goal. In recognition of his many civic volunteer leadership roles he has received awards and honors from over 20 nationwide, Nebraska, and Omaha organizations. At Central he was on the staff of the Register and O-Book, and ROTC officer, played football, and performed in the Road Show and his senior play. After graduating from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln he started his own Omaha realty firm. He has built and managed 16,000 apartments in seven states.
Howard passed away in 2002 at the age of 68.