Editor’s Note — This is part of a Women’s History Month series featuring women who make a positive impact on the campus community through their work as office/service employees. The Women of Service series is organized by the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women. Stories will run in Nebraska Today through March 30.
Nebraska’s Jeanne Bonnett is a colorful personality that shines through in the work she performs on campus and in the community.
On the job, Bonnett serves the university as a finance associate in the Filley Chase Business Center. Her work supports multiple departments and includes assisting with financial transactions, travel policies and objects on loan.
Through it all — even when explaining how to navigate Concur, the university’s application for booking travel — she maintains a positive attitude and brandishes an infectious smile.
“She likes to make sure people are included and volunteer to help out when we are short-staffed,” said Marissa Kemps, a finance/grants coordinator. “And, talking to Jeanne brightens my day every time because she always greets you with that smile.”
Away from the office, Bonnett’s multihued layers really start to show as she moonlights as a local performer — entertaining youth via hijinks as Twinkie the Clown to dressing up as Mrs. Claus for holiday parties.
Oh, and did we mention she was once a back-up singer for a Pat Benatar tribute band?
“I’m a kid at heart and I do really like to have fun outside the office,” Bonnett said.
Bonnett also performs with her sister, who is Blinkie the Clown. When social distancing hindered visits from balloon-wielding clowns, the duo pivoted and launched a balloon tower/yard art side hustle.
Now, as the pandemic wanes locally, Bonnett said gigs are returning — and she’s ready to break out there and entertain again.
“I really enjoy working with the kids,” Bonnett said. “The smiles when you make them a balloon or show them a face painting in a mirror, are just incredible.
“The smiles are the reason I love being Twinkie.”
The Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women reached out to get to know Bonnett and learn more about her dedication to students, faculty and staff at Nebraska U. Her interview follows.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Since February 2010 I have been with the Filley Chase Business Center as a finance associate. Primarily, I serve several departments as a contact to provide support in navigating Concur and travel policies. I also handle account reconciliations along with reporting and reviewing of objects on loan. I am a member of UNOPA. I’ve worked on campus for 12 years. During the first two, I was a full-time temp.
What do you look forward to when you come to work?
I look forward to seeing what new and exciting things our faculty and students are working on. The devotion and support the faculty shows for the students motivates me to do the same.
What is your favorite campus memory?
I have many memories, but one thing I enjoyed was the field trips we would take to our different departments. These allowed me to learn more about what they do and why. It also provides insight on how I can improve in the way I provide support.
What is your life like outside of work?
I enjoy crafts, painting, movies, old television shows and reading. I enjoy music, concerts and watching my husband’s band play. I play Mrs. Claus and am a clown doing balloon twisting, face painting and airbrush tattoos. I teach Sunday School and on the council for Job’s Daughters International, an organization for girls teaching leadership skills and creating confident young women.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I was a backup singer for the Pat Benatar tribute band, Invincible.
