Ann Mactier, Co-Founder

Ann Mactier’s Biography

Ann Mactier was born in Ravenna, NE, in 1922.  She moved to Omaha in 1930 and graduated from Central High School in 1940.  She attended college at Northwestern University and graduated in 1944 with a Bachelors of Science Degree.  Also in 1944 she married Allan Mactier and they had three children – Jim, Jan and Robert.  Jan is married to Mick Moriarity and they have two children, Mac and Sheila.  Rob is married to Grazyna and they have two daughters, Helana and Ameila.  In 1964, Allan and Ann built Ponca Hills Farm and in 1966 they started the first NE Chapter of the United States Pony Club, an international youth organization. They also hosted the National Pony Club Rally at Ponca Hills Farm in 1971.  Ann had gone back to school at UNO in 1959 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1963 and a Masters in English in 1969.  Starting in 1975, for many years Ann was the Coordinator in the UNO College of Fine Arts.  While in that position, Ann brought the England Royal Shakespeare Co to NE for six weeks one summer.  Ann was a member of the Omaha Public School Board for 15 years from 1983 – 1998.  In 1998 she was honored by the State of NE as an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy.  Ann was on the State Board of Education for 11 years from 1996 – 2007.  In 2005, Ann received an Honorary Doctorate of Education.  Allan and Ann left an endowment to UNO for local teachers to be trained in Spalding.  Ann has been an endless supporter of the opera and all fine arts in the Omaha area.  She also loves sewing and many call her a gym rat!

Ann’s affiliation with Phoenix Academy began with Patti Clark from the first day as a founding board member and financial contributor and her unending dedication and support continues today.