The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action" 

Fraternal MVPs—Week of March 12, 2007

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is proud to recognize the following individuals as Fraternal MVPs (Most Valuable Participants) for the week of March 12, 2007. Fraternal MVPs are “Fraternalists-in-Action” who volunteer their time, energy and compassion to strengthen their communities through participation in local lodge activities and other charitable endeavors.

Nina S. Schuster

Catholic Order of Foresters

Marian Court #2126

Cincinnati, Ohio

Since joining Catholic Order of Foresters (COF) 47 years ago, Nina Schuster has devoted her energies toward advocating fraternalism. She serves as Marian Court #2126 financial secretary, Cincinnati Central Chapter recording secretary and Ohio State Court trustee. She always can be counted on to join committees hosting golf outings, memorial services and family picnics. “I strive to provide members with the best fraternal opportunities possible,” Nina said.

Nina chaired COF’s Ohio State Convention and hosted a hospitality room for the Ohio Fraternal Congress meeting. She also is affiliated with the Greater Cincinnati Lithuanian Community and devotes countless hours supporting fundraisers like the Christmas auction, spring social, her court’s matching-funds events and food drives. Her driving passion is to help the less fortunate and those with disabilities.

Since retiring in 1999, Nina and her husband keep busy creating memories with their two children and five grandchildren.

Daniel R. Gilbert

Knights of Columbus

Council #2681

Scotts Bluff, Nebraska

Daniel R. Gilbert’s life has been a service to many. As a Grand Knight, he organized the parish picnic held in conjunction with the St. Joseph’s Children’s Home, a Council project for 75 years. He started all-day Lenten Retreats for all parishioners. Daniel is active in the Toys for Tots program, helps with the monthly Council breakfasts and calls bingo for the elderly at Vista Villa.

He is a board member of Valley Christian Men’s Association and a member of the Valley Christian Neighbors in Need, helping with the food pantry, soup kitchen and distributing food baskets at Christmas. He is a blood donor for the Red Cross Gift of Life blood drives.

For the last 18 years, he has been a Godparent and a youth minister leader at St. Agnes Catholic Church. He also serves as a special minister of Communion and a lector, and he provides transportation to Mass weekly for widows.

He received his Master’s Degree in Adult Education in 2005 and currently is the program director at Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology. He is chair of the board of the Nebraska Society of Radiologic Technologists and has been chair of the Region V Assembly of the American Society of Radiologic Technoligists. In this position, he has lobbied in support of the CARE bill, to establish minimum educational standards for individuals operating medical radiation equipment in Washington, D.C.

When the youngest member of his Council, and a close friend, was killed in Iraq, Daniel organized a Rosary attended by over 200 people and led the Rosary and headed the Honor Guard at the wake and funeral.

Nicole A. Mihalic

KSKJ Life, American Slovenian Catholic Union

Christ the King Lodge #226

North Olmstead, Ohio

Nicole is the Assistant Youth Activities Director for the KSKJ Christ the King Lodge #226. In this role, she plans events for the youth and young adults in the lodge. Nicole is heading the organization and establishment of a KSKJ Greater Cleveland Young Adult Committee to plan joint events for local lodges. She also attended the KSKJ National Convention as an intern in Washington, D.C., in August 2006, and the First KSKJ Annual Youth Conference in Chicago, Illinois, in July 2005.

Nicole is a member of Rotaract (Division of Rotary International). As a member, she completes service projects that benefit her local community and carry out the Rotary mission.

Nicole is the oldest of five children and the first in her family to attend college. She is a student at Baldwin Wallace College, working on her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Political Science and a minor in International Studies (expected graduation is fall of 2007).

In addition to her studies, Nicole also works for the Cleveland Indians Baseball Company as a Head Cashier/Management Team Member. For her hard work and efforts in her job, she was honored with the On the Spot Recognition Award in January 2006 and the Star Employee Nominee Award in April 2004.

Pauline Vician

National Slovak Society of the USA (NSS)

Assembly #70

Cleveland, Ohio

Pauline has been a member of the NSS for 70 years, serving the past 15 years as Secretary of Assembly #70. She has been a staunch supporter of the NSS, attending all regent meetings and the last five conventions as a delegate.

“Pauline, throughout her life, has been a caring, giving and dedicated woman, not only to her family, but to her friends, her beloved church, the NSS and Assembly #70,” said Daniel Bobby, President of Assembly #70.

Pauline has been a member of Dr. Martin Luther Church for more than 70 years. She has served as President of Katrina Bora for many years, served as President of Choir Nitra for more than 20 years, served on her church council and has been a member of Couples Club.

Pauline also has been active in fundraiser activities for Dr. Martin Luther Church, including supervising its two annual rummage sales for the past 25 years, supervising its noodle-making for more than 45 years and assisting in its oblatky (wafer) making for 10 years. She also has assisted at dinner functions and making strudel for 45 years.

Somehow Pauline has found the time to serve on the Visitation Committee for the Elderly and Housebound, including those confined at nursing homes. Through her many visitations and deliveries of goodies, she found it rewarding to see the joy and happiness it brought to those people knowing that they are not forgotten.

Here also is a woman who was active outside of her church. While Pauline’s children were attending school, she took an active part in their education, serving as President and Secretary for the PTA for 10 years and attending many of their conventions.

Pauline was a member of Dames of Malta for 35 years, serving at different times as Secretary and as Queen (equivalent of President). For the past seven years, she has served at the voting booths for the Board of Elections.

Pauline is very proud of her son, Daniel Vician, who was appointed to the Air Force Academy where he graduated with honors. Dan served in Desert Storm in 1991 and numerous other operations, receiving many medals throughout his career as a pilot. Recently, he retired from the U.S. Air Force after 30 years of service with the rank of Colonel.

The NFCA salutes these outstanding Fraternalists-in-Action for their dedication, kindness and generosity. They embody the heart of fraternalism through their volunteer efforts and commitment to their communities.


To view previous weeks' MVPs, click here.