BETTE (ERCA) SWANSON

Class of 1946
​Inducted in 2011

Bette was inducted into the SHSAA Hall of Fame in 2011.

Bette (Erca) Swanson enjoyed a 24-year career at Philips Stores in South Omaha, where she was a buyer and coordinated the style shows which were fundraising events for many churches.  She became merchandise manager of the ladies and children’s division.

After she retired, she became the President of the Bellevue Little Theater; as well as chair for production, finance, advertising, promotion and fundraising.  She began her career with the theater as an actress and singer, and eventually became a producer.

She received the Theater Arts Guild Production Award in 1988 and was the Bellevue Leader’s 1994 Person of the Year.  She received the Theater Arts Guild Lifetime Award in 2000, was named Bellevue Volunteer of the Year in 2002, received the Bellevue Worthy Woman of Distinction Award in 2010, and the Bellevue Public Schools’ Champion for Children Award.  She is a member of the Bellevue Women’s Club, Altrusa International of Bellevue, and the City of Bellevue Business Improvement District.  She has served as President of local PTA Councils and is active in her church.  Bette was Chair of the South Omaha Council of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce.