College of Liberal Arts Alumna of the Year Jeanne Hamrick, ’88 BA Psychology, ’94 M.Ed Psychology, is the president of JBH LINK, a Las Vegas-based consulting firm that advises and assists organizations of various sizes on the implementation of long-term development planning, strategic planning, philanthropic and major gift counsel and coaching. She has been involved with campaigns that have raised more than $100 million for various organizations and their projects over the course of her career.
Tell us about a moment when someone showed you unexpected kindness. How do you pay it forward?
When I was a student in high school, I had a speech and debate teacher and coach named Bob Forbuss who encouraged me to join the debate club. Bob went to great lengths not only to encourage me to have big goals but he also helped me develop my skills. And he always went out of his way to make sure those of us who could not afford to travel to debate activities had the scholarship monies we needed so that we could participate. This was one of many acts of kindness he extended to everyone he touched.
Bob not only made a lasting impression on me but left a lasting legacy on so many young people in our community. His enthusiasm and dedication to all of his students is part of the reason I was inspired to enter counseling. Whether it’s through my professional or community work, I like to think I pay his kindness forward whenever I spend time mentoring young people.
Helping fund Southern Nevada's most important charities
A life-long Nevadan who was born and raised in Las Vegas, Hamrick graduated from Bishop Gorman High School prior to attending UNLV, where she earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology. For several years, she utilized her skills working for the state of Nevada, counseling adolescents and adults through an in-patient and special-needs independent living project.
With her background in counseling, Hamrick developed a strong understanding for how to bring people together to work toward a common cause. Hamrick maintains a diverse client base and has worked with organizations such as Nevada Public Radio, Make-a-Wish Southern Nevada, the Animal Foundation, UNLV Football Foundation, Las Vegas Academy, and Opportunity Village.
Following graduation from UNLV, Hamrick remained active with the university in various volunteer roles, including working on the inaugural TEDxUNLV event, and for the past 15 years as part of the College of Liberal Arts Advisory Board, of which she now serves as chair.
In addition to her love and support of education, Hamrick and her dog, Ace, visit numerous facilities as a nationally certified Pet Partners therapy team.
Deeply committed to her community, she has been involved with campaigns that have raised more than $100 million for various organizations and their projects over the course of her career. One of her more notable campaigns was the successful completion of a $52 million capital campaign for the relocation and development of a new campus for Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. Throughout her life she has been supported by her husband of 35 years, Don, and their three children.
