IDEAS IN PROGRESS RAPPORT ISSUE 21 | WINTER 2019 WARRIOR WRITERS PROGRAM RECEIVES GESKE AWARD VETERANS WRITING WORKSHOP RECOGNIZED FOR CONTRIBUTION TO LITERACY PGS 2-3

The Healing Wall (excerpt) by Andy Gueck The family who searches the Wall to find a name, to put closure to the hole torn within their hearts every parent hopes that the telegram was wrong, That the name they seek is not there. As they reach the year, the day, the line, they find the name they so hoped was not there. Tears stream down her cheeks, weathered with age and sorrow, his eyes lose some of their luster in knowing the truth. The child seeking someone who was never there, touches a name, takes a shading, but receives no answers.

Visitors to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. search for the names of loved ones and frequently copy the inscription as a memento. Photo by Chris Sommerich 1950s CHAUTAUQUA: PG 3 • GOVERNOR’S LECTURE RECAP: PG 4 • MEETING DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER II: PG 5 RECENT GRANTS: PG 8 • WELCOME NEW INTERNS: PG 9 • GRANT SPOTLIGHT: FORGIVENESS LINCOLN: PG 9 ONE BOOK ONE NEBRASKA: PAGE 9 • JACK CAMPBELL: PAGE 10 • NEW SPEAKERS BUREAU TOPICS NOW AVAILABLE: PG 12 ON WRITING by Sara Hollcroft NEBRASKA VETS FIND SUPPORT IN WRITING WORKSHOPS N NOVEMBER 9, NEBRASKA WARRIOR WRITERS RECEIVED THE 2019 JANE GESKE AWARD FROM THE NEBRASKA OCENTER FOR THE BOOK. THIS PROGRAM, A COOPERATIVE EFFORT BY HUMANITIES NEBRASKA WITH THE NEBRASKA WRITING PROJECT AND THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, GIVES MILITARY VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL RAPPORT ACCESS TO FREE COACHING FROM PROFESSIONAL WRITING INSTRUCTORS. SHARING HER THOUGHTS ON THIS ISSUE 21 | WINTER 2019 IMPORTANT PROGRAM IS SARA HOLLCROFT, AN ENGLISH TEACHER AND FACILITATOR FOR THE LINCOLN PROGRAM.

On a crisp Saturday autumn Gueck, one of the original UPCOMING EVENTS morning, several men and members of the Warrior MINI GRANT DEADLINES women entered the Veterans Writers, states he was not a January 2, March 2, May 1 Administration office in Lincoln, writer before attending the (details on our website) Nebraska. Their counterparts in writing group, but now he is. Omaha were also gathering at Mary Baker, one of the MEDIA GRANT DEADLINE their meeting place. Since 2014, female vets present, likes the January 15 (details on our website) they have met six weeks in the safe place to share her writing fall and again in the spring. They and her heart with veterans who HN BOARD MEETING are vets or family members of understand what she has been January 1 8, Lincoln vets, and they are called the through in her career. They have MAJOR GRANT DEADLINE Warrior Writers because that is become her friends who push March 2 (details on our website) what they do. her to be a better person. Several are Vietnam vets Another female writer writes HUMANITIES ON THE HILL who find a safe harbor for about her sexual assault while in March 3-5, Washington D.C. writing with other vets. Or as the military. Another is outlining another veteran from a different a book on her own assault, CAPITOL FORUM DAY deployment, John Petelle, ready to name names. Writing March 30, Lincoln states, “A knowledge that we helps liberate them from their are not alone.” past shadows. Perhaps then, PATRON’S CIRCLE EVENT They want to write. they can retake control. Perhaps April 17, Omaha Andy Gueck says of the then, sleep comes easier. group, “We all wore the uniform Perhaps then, the powers-to-be of our country, and we accept will listen. IN THIS ISSUE each other unconditionally.” Nebraska Warrior Writers Nebraska Warrior Writers . . . 2 1950s Chautauqua ...... 3 Governor’s Lecture Recap . . . 4 Meeting David Eisenhower . . .5 Governor’s Lecture Donors . . .5 Thank You, Donors! ...... 6 Patron’s Circle ...... 7 Recent Grants ...... 8 Meet the New Interns . . . . .8 Grant Spotlight ...... 9 One Book One Nebraska . . . .9 In Memory ...... 9 Honoring Jack Campbell . . . 10 Legacy Donors ...... 10 New Speakers, Topics . . . . 12

TO UPDATE ADDRESS OR CANCEL SUBSCRIPTION, CALL 402.474.2131 or Several participating veterans and facilitators from the Lincoln and Omaha Nebraska Warrior Writers groups joined program director E-MAIL [email protected] Dr. Erika Hamilton. center, in accepting the Jane Geske Award from Nebraska Center for the Book on November 9.

2 is a partnership between the and trust their growth as Nebraska Writing Project and writers. It often tells them ON WRITING Humanities Nebraska that gives something they didn’t know these vets support and hope. about themselves—that they NEBRASKA VETS FIND SUPPORT IN WRITING WORKSHOPS Warrior Writers do not are stronger than they thought. usually write about their Writing empowers them. experiences of combat, but Writing is a way to shine a some write about their attempt beacon of light for others. It to heal afterwards. The poem can be an act of defiance, but “The Healing Wall” by Gueck for most of the vets, it is a speaks of family and friends labor of love, faith, and hope. who visit the wall for hope As to the name of the writing when the name they seek is not group, in the words of Elwell there or for closure when it is. and Gueck, “The title, ‘Warrior ABOVE: Vets develop skills with the help of professional However, it might be said Writers,’ describes who we instructors, books, guest that the wall is not for the were, not who we are.” speakers, and reviewing soldier, but for the person And so, the warriors write on. each other’s work. RIGHT: who spit on the soldiers, who Lincoln facilitator Tom Seib called them “worthless” and Humanities Nebraska thanks the Cooper Foundation reads Andy Gueck’s moving “baby killers.” It is those people and other donors who have made Nebraska Warrior poem, “The Healing Wall,” who need to heal, to learn to Writers possible. If you’d like to help fund this program, as part of the award forgive themselves. please call Heather Thomas at 402.474.2131. acceptance speech. The Warrior Writers program helps vets heal through the sharing and acceptance of ASHLAND TO HOST “THE FIFTIES IN FOCUS” their writing with others. They laugh together hearing a story Nebraska Chautauqua will return about grilling meat on a car’s next summer. Ashland will host “The engine as a fellow vet’s family Fifties in Focus,” a comprehensive drives the long miles to their and objective look at a decade destination. Laughter heals. that is often viewed with a sense of And they understand the nostalgia and romanticism - hot rods, sorrow of death of another rock-and-roll, fashion, and the like. vet’s family member. There is But the ’50s were marked by sweeping a sense of knowing without change as Americans dealt with Cold War actually knowing when a fellow tensions related to the Korean War, and vet needs comforting, who is watched the U.S. and Russia compete for struggling with life itself. They dominance in space. Domestic resources were strained have been there themselves. by the baby boom, while women and minorities sought to Warrior Writers helps vets be succeed in the labor market. The Civil Rights movement began heard, accepted, appreciated, to solidify, and McCarthyism compromised families, friendships and valued. and working relationships. Veteran Joel Elwell, a novelist Mark your calendar for July 31-August 1, and plan to join your in the making, shared that the family and friends in exploring the social, economic, political, Saturday sessions help him and international changes of the 1950s. There will be a variety to hone in on his writing skills of activities and events for Nebraskans of all without outside pressure. The ages to enjoy, led by experts and scholars. Warrior Writers guest speakers “The Fifties in Focus” just might change and the books covering topics the way you look at America’s most iconic such as revising, publishing, and decade, forever. More details will be shared on the overall craft of writing (paid the HN website soon and in the spring edition for by HN), all help Elwell and of this newsletter. For information, contact the other participants improve Kristi Hayek Carley, program manager, at and expand their writing. [email protected] or 402-474-2131. Writers learn to recognize

3 Photos by GOVERNOR’S LECTURE RAISES MORE THAN $200,000 Sara Rogers RIGHT: Event co-chairs, More than 1,200 humanities Pete Zandbergen and donors, friends, students and Brenda Christensen. community members attended BELOW RIGHT: Governor the 24th annual Governor’s Pete Ricketts and Dwight Lecture in the Humanities on David Eisenhower II. ABOVE: Standing: Kyle Cartwright, Paul Ternes, Julia Gale. Seated: October 24 at the Holland Rich Vierk, Sally and Jack Campbell, June Performing Arts Center in Pederson, Marilyn and Galen Hadley. Omaha. David Eisenhower’s speech was titled, “D-Day + 75; In the Eyes of America’s Postwar Generations.” Preceding the lecture, more ABOVE: Chuck Shoemaker, Jalaene and than 550 humanities donors Tom Choquette, and Lynne Friedewald and friends gathered for a RIGHT: Joe Starita accepted the 2019 Sower Award in the Humanities from Nebraska benefit dinner which raised Humanities Council Chair Amy Sandeen. BELOW: Omaha Central History teacher more than $200,000 for HN’s Scott Wilson, Foundation President Cynthia Milligan, Governor Pete Ricketts, David statewide programs. Co- Eisenhower, Amy Sandeen, HN Executive Director Chris Sommerich and Joe Starita. chaired by HN board members Brenda Christensen and Pete Zandbergen, the dinner set a new record for attendance and funds raised. In the moments before the lecture, Joe Starita received the 2019 Sower Award in the Humanities. He was recognized for his “significant contribution to the public understanding of the humanities in Nebraska” via his work as an author, teacher, journalist, and speaker who RIGHT: David Eisenhower BELOW: Several people who attended the lecture gathered focuses on Native American in the Holland Center’s Skyview Terrace for Humanities After Hours, an informal civil rights and history. opportunity to discuss themes addressed in the lecture. BOTTOM: A group from First David Eisenhower then took number of students. National Bank at the benefit dinner. the stage to talk about the The evening closed with U.S. invasion of Normandy. He Humanities After Hours at the explored how the events of Holland’s rooftop bar, Skyview June 1944 changed the tide of Terrace. Guests mixed and World War II as an historian, mingled and talked about the sharing little-known insights evening’s lecture. about his grandfather, the The lecture was rebroadcast Supreme Allied Commander in on NET Radio on November charge of the invasion, General 8, and a full transcript is now Dwight D. Eisenhower. available on the HN website. Following the lecture, Scott KIOS Radio in Omaha will also Wilson, a history teacher from rebroadcast the lecture soon. Omaha Central High School, HN is grateful to the moderated questions from the 2019 Governor’s Lecture audience. Earlier in the day, committee and for the many UNO hosted a campus visit sponsors and donors who during which Mr. Eisenhower supported and attended this engaged in discussion with a year’s event. Thank you!

4 MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER II

During David Eisenhower’s A group of Omaha ROTC visit to Omaha, he shared cadets also shared a special meaningful connections with connection with the speaker. several Nebraskans who came On June 6, 2019, some 70 to the Governor’s Lecture. students from various Omaha Nancy Seaton of Hastings high schools took part in ABOVE: Michelle Swain of Omaha gave Eisenhower two Nebraska has an unusual relationship 75th anniversary ceremonies newspapers from June 7, 1944, which he had never seen before. to President Dwight David commemorating D-Day in INSET: David Eisenhower with Nancy Seaton of Hastings. Eisenhower: Her father-in-law, France. The students had also about their time in service. Fred Seaton, was the Secretary laid American flags on the Michelle Swain arrived with of the Interior in his cabinet. graves of fallen service members a gift: newspapers from the Nancy shared several pieces from Nebraska and Iowa. David Fremont Guide and Tribune of Eisenhower memorabilia Eisenhower took some time to dated June 7, 1944, one day that she wished to give to visit with a contingency from after D-Day, which had been David Eisenhower during his Omaha Central after his lecture, stored in her mother’s attic for visit to Nebraska. One of her posing for a photo with them. decades. Michelle waited in wonderful donations was a Another person in the line during David Eisenhower’s portrait of President Dwight audience was Frank Dye. Dye book signing to give him the D. Eisenhower. The portrait is was one of Eisenhower’s Navy newspapers as a memento of called “Ike,” the late president’s shipmates. The speaker shook his grandfather’s courageous renowned nickname. his hand as they reminisced and exceptional leadership.

2019 GOVERNOR’S LECTURE IN THE HUMANITIES DONORS C0-SPONSORS: W.K. Kellogg Foundation • Union Pacific • University of Nebraska

GRAND BENEFACTORS Anne & Nick Baxter Beverly Kracher & Semrad Family SUSTAINER Carol Gendler Cindy & Mogens Bay Jerry Stegeman Chuck Shoemaker & Security National Bank Cynthia & Robert Milligan John K. & Lynne D. Paul & Lynette Krieger Lynne Friedewald Thermo King Christensen Boyer Foundation Ellen & Charles Lierk / Slosburg Family INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS Union Bank & Trust Cline Williams Wright Patty & Terry Miller Charitable Trust Marian B. Andersen Joan Carnaby Valmont Industries, Inc. Johnson & Oldfather, LLP Angenette & Bob Meaney Smith Slusky Law Judy & Jack Ekeler John Conley & Cathy Lang Mutual of Omaha Kenneth E. & Ann Stinson Barbara & Dave Haggart BENEFACTORS Cox Communications Mutual of Omaha Bank Streck, Inc. Margaret & Charles Hermes DA Davidson / Heather & Nebraska Arts Council University of Nebraska Creighton University Roger & Carol Lewis Nebraska Community Medical Center President / Kenefick Chair Bryan Schneider John M. Northrop Foundation UNL – College of Journalism in the Humanities Gloria & Roy Dinsdale David & Trixie Schmidt First National Bank Kim & Tom Dinsdale Nebraska Cultural & Mass Communications Mark Howard Schulze Omaha Steaks Doane University Endowment UNL – Office of the Chancellor J. Richard Shoemaker & Pinnacle Bank Sandy & Kate Dodge Nebraska Wesleyan University UNO – Arts & Sciences Becky Van de Bogart Rhonda Seacrest Connie & Todd Duncan Bob & Mary Nefsky UNO – Office of the Laurie Smith Camp Annette & Paul Smith Katherine & Dick Endacott Natalie & Sam Olson Chancellor Christopher & Vicki Kay Fowles Omaha Track, Inc. Gail & Irv Veitzer Sommerich TABLE SPONSORS The Gallentine / Wood Family Peru State College Katherine L. Walter Sen. John & Rita Stinner Anonymous Gallup, Inc. R&R Realty Group R. Ted & Sheila Weschler William & Heather Thomas Adams Land & Cattle Co. Hawks Foundation Kim M. Robak & Roger & Iris Winkelhake Travel & Transport Ameritas HBE LLP William J. Mueller Zandbergen Bros. Craig & Elizabeth Wanamaker Fred & Robyn Amis John & Karen Higgins Thompson H. Rogers Chris & Art Zygielbaum Caren & Mark Woodruff Paul & Lynne Anderson Jane Renner Hood Lynn & Dana Roper

5 HUMANITIES NEBRASKA DONORS: THANK YOU! Gifts received between Many donors make multiple gifts throughout the year. Donors are listed July 1, 2019 & October 31, 2019 at the level of their cumulative giving for the year in our annual report.

ORGANIZATIONS INDIVIDUALS Bryan & Heather Schneider Judy & Jack Ekeler John A. (Jay) Yost & Gifts of $10,000 or more Mutual of Omaha Gifts of $10,000+ Scott Semrad Paul & Sally Fine G. Wade Leak Cooper Foundation Mutual of Omaha Bank Donald W. Pederson* Chuck Shoemaker & Betty Foster in honor of Nebraska Cultural Nebraska Arts Council Lynne Friedewald in memory of Carol Jane Renner Hood Endowment Nebraska Cultural Gifts of $5,000-$9,999 Kenneth E. & Ann Stinson “Tommie” Parker W.K. Kellogg Foundation Endowment Cynthia & Robert Milligan Gail & Irv Veitzer Gary Gates Gifts of $100-$249 Nebraska Wesleyan Chris & Art Zygielbaum Lisa & Mick Hale Anonymous (2) Gifts of $5,000-$9,999 University Gifts of $2,500 - $4,999 Howard & Rhonda Hawks Margaret Allington Union Pacific Omaha Track, Inc. Anne & Nicholas Baxter Gifts of $500-$999 Tami & Jerry Hellman Mrs. Marian B. Andersen University of Nebraska R&R Realty Group Brenda Christensen & Anonymous Charles & Margaret Hermes Lafe Anderson Valmont Industries, Inc. Security National Bank Michael Morris Andrew Alexander & R. Kay Horner Mr. Terry Annable Slosburg Family Carol Gendler Linda Kruckenberg Con & Barbara Keating Margaret & J.S. Berry Gifts of $2,500 - $4,999 Charitable Trust Jane Renner Hood Gerald & Kit Dimon Ramona & Doug Kluth Patty H. Beutler Creighton University Smith Slusky Law Rhonda Seacrest James & Sandra Gallentine Duane & Helen Krause Eric & Ruth Brown President’s Office/Kenefick Streck, Inc. Annette & Paul Smith Ron & Chris Harris Jean Laing Judy & Gale Bullard Chair in the Humanities University of Nebraska Peter & Kristae Zandbergen Kile & Virginia Johnson Roger & Carol Lewis Duane & Jacqueline Burns First National Bank Medical Center Roger & Shirlee Lempke Kenneth C. Lierley Dennis & Janet Byars Kaufmann-Cummings UNL - College of Journalism Gifts of $1,000 - $2,499 Ellen & Chas Lierk John M. Northrop Joan Carnaby Foundation & Mass Communications Fred & Robyn Amis Gerald & Lee-Ellen Matzke Molly & Tim O’Holleran Leeann Chinn Nebraska Environmental UNL - Office of the Lynne & Paul Anderson in memory of David & Lori Pankonin Norma Cunningham Trust Chancellor Cindy & Mogens Bay Don Pederson Leona Pepper Spencer & Vivian Davis Omaha Steaks UNO - Arts & Sciences John Conley & Cathy Lang Patty & Terry Miller Harvey & Susan Perlman Steve Elliott Pinnacle Bank Gloria & Roy Dinsdale Jane & Randy Moody Dr. John & Cathy Pershing Paul & Ruth Few Thermo King Christensen Gifts of $500 - $999 Kim & Tom Dinsdale John S. Schleicher Lewis & Winifred Pinch Nancy Finken & Tom Ernst C.W. Yount Foundation, Inc. Sandy & Kate Dodge David & Trixie Schmidt Brenda Robinson Bruce & Beth Forney Gifts of $1,000 - $2,499 Heider Family Foundation Katherine & Dick Endacott Pamela H. & in memory of in memory of Anonymous (2) in memory of Kay Fowles Marcus J. Snow Cal Robinson Don Pederson Adams Land & Cattle Co. Don Pederson Julie & Lance Fritz Chris & Vicki Sommerich Carol & Rick Russell Larry Frederick Ameritas Travel & Transport Jan Gradwohl Janet Strauss Larry & Pat Ruth Allen T. Freye Cline Williams Wright John & Karen Higgins Sue & Ed Tricker John & Lori Sajevic Julia Gale Johnson & Oldfather, LLP Gifts of $100 - $249 Anne M. Hubbard Craig & Elizabeth Mark Howard Schulze Diane Gonzolas Doane University History Nebraska Paul & Lynette Krieger Wanamaker Nancy Seaton Jim & Margaret Griesen Gallup, Inc. Scully Estates Mike & Denise Linder Larry & Sue Wood Charles & Joan in memory of Hawks Foundation Angenette & Bob Meaney Matthew Wood & Sudmann Shapiro Don Pederson John K. & Lynne D. Gifts of $50 - $99 Natalie & Sam Olson Tracy Sanford J. Richard Shoemaker & Mike & Kathy Gross Boyer Foundation Greeley Irish Festival Kim M. Robak & Becky Van de Bogart Galen & Marilyn Hadley Kelley Bean Company The Most Unlikely Place William J. Mueller Gifts of $250-$499 Robert L. & Paulette Stefka John & Nancy Haessler Anonymous Gene & Kristen Stohs in memory of John & Virginia Aita Dr. Hal & Bette Anne Thaut Don Pederson Bob & Barbara Bartle Anne & Charles Trimble Barbara & Dave Haggart Kate Bradley Harriet Turner R. W. Hasebroock David & Laura Buntain Ann M. Van Hoff Jerry & Judy Hayes Ray Carr Carol & Tom Waring Stephen P. Herman John & Bonnie Cederberg Don Wesely Ernie & Jane Hines Sara & John Crook David & Lorma Wiebe Mary Jellen John & Susan Dittman Rick & Susie Windle Andrew & Becca Jewell Kathy & Jim Duval Caren & Mark Woodruff Gerald & Arlene Johnson

*deceased Prime Time Family Reading Time participants and facilitators from Grand Island.

6 Join these generous contributors and help to cultivate an understanding www.HumanitiesNebraska.org of our history and culture. Thank you for becoming part of our mission!

Ruth Keene Peggy & Arlyn Sen. John & Rita Stinner Ruth Asboe Betty Kenyon G. Roundey Dianne Kennedy Montgomery Duane Tappe Deb Billiar Andrea S. Lowe Molly & Paul Rundle Vivian & Fred Kiechel Leonard Murphy William & Heather Thomas HoneyLou & Darrell Bonar Esther Mackintosh in memory of Dick & Jane Kittridge Kent Neumeister Betti & Jim Troshynski Kendall Burns in memory of Don Pederson Louis & Carmen Kleager Richard & Joan O’Brien in memory of Dianne & Keith Bystrom Don Pederson Kathy & Larry Schmidt Ron & Betty Kort Glenn & Pat Ohlmann Don Pederson in memory of Randy & Catherine Ginger Schultz Pat & Lou Lamberty June Pederson Steve Wake Don Pederson McKiddy Gary & Linda Stengle Ellen & Chas Lierk Marilyn Peterson in memory of Laura & Josh Capp Pauline Miller Ruth Stephenson in memory of in honor of Don Pederson Matt Connealy & Judith Maxine Mitchell in memory of Dorothy Crawford Katherine Wilson Kent & Susan Warneke Scherer Connealy J. Marlene Mueller Don Pederson Norman & Betty Mapes Jennifer & Bill Pospichal Roger Wehrbein Gerry Cox Mary Ellen Mulcahy Karen Tegler Jerry & Suzi Martin Steve & Peg Pribnow Robert & Katy Wilson Dennis & Ardith Davenport in memory of Timothy & Judith Thietje Jim & Georgianne Mastera Ronny & Kimbra Roberts Dan Yost Mark & Barbara Engler Ann Spence in memory of in memory of Ted & Susie Rudberg Marilyn Zehring John & Carol Gale Theresa Petr Don Pederson Don Pederson Amy Sandeen Bryan Zimmer Patsy Gubbels Sherry & Mike Polk Janice Tompkins Sen. John S. McCollister Jack & Judy Sandeen Margy Harrington Anna Preisinger Cindy Weitzenkamp Mel & Michelle McNea Dale & Kathy Schultz Gifts of $50-$99 Patricia & Britt Harris Marjorie Raess William Workman in memory of Patty & Earl Scudder Anonymous John & Ruth Henderson Donna Rector Steve Wyant Don Pederson Linda Simonsen Elizabeth Abel Luella Hodson Mary Jane Rosenthal Mary & Randy Yager Paula Missing Laurie Smith Camp Dee Adams Dr. Mae Colleen Jones Mr. & Mrs. William

Anonymous Julie & Lance Fritz Catherine Lang & Rhonda Seacrest Colleen & George Adam The Gallentine/Wood John Conley Todd & Betiana Simon Connie & Bill Adams Family Carol & Roger Lewis Martha & D. David We thank these generous Virginia & John Aita Carol Gendler Ellen & Charles Lierk Slosburg individuals who helped Robyn & Fred Amis Wanda & Michael Denise & Mike Linder Annette & Paul Smith ensure a vibrant cultural Lynne & Paul Anderson Gottschalk Mary & Rodrigo Lopez Vicki & Chris Sommerich life in Nebraska with Maggie & Ed Bates Jan Gradwohl Angenette & Bob Meaney Gene Spence cumulative annual gifts Anne & Nicholas Baxter Amy Haddad & Cynthia & Robert Milligan Paulette & Robert Stefka totalling $1,000 or more Ann & Kenneth Stinson made between September Cindy & Mogens Bay Steve Martin Jane & Randy Moody 1, 2018 and October 31, Laura & David Buntain Chris & Ron Harris Angie & Dan Muhleisen Wendy & Christopher 2019. To learn more about Brenda Christensen & Megan & David Hawk Mary & Bob Nefsky Swenson the Patron’s Circle, please Michael Morris Tami & Jerry Hellman Michael J. Nolan Heather & William Thomas contact Heather Thomas at Linda & Cloyd Clark Karen & John Higgins Natalie & Sam Olson Harriet Turner 402.474.2131 or heather@ David Clark & Jay Conrad Linda Hillegass & Alexander Payne Gail & Irv Veitzer HumanitiesNebraska.org. Dottie & Al Davis Jim McKee Kim Robak & Bill Mueller Katherine L. Walter Thank you! Gloria & Roy Dinsdale Pamela & Harold Hoff Brenda Robinson Dori Wanitschke Kim & Tom Dinsdale Jane Renner Hood Thompson H. Rogers Carol & Tom Waring Kate & Sandy Dodge Anne M. Hubbard Lynn & Dana Roper Susan & Kent Warneke Connie & Todd Duncan Jane & Calvin Johnson Constance Ryan Katie Weitz Judy & Jack Ekeler Virginia & Kile Johnson John S. Schleicher Sheila & R. Ted Weschler Katherine & Dick Endacott Rossell & Robert Kelley Barb & George Schlothauer Beth & Kelvin Whited Kay Fowles Beverly Kracher & Trixie & David Schmidt Iris & Roger Winkelhake Lynne Friedewald & Jerry Stegeman Heather & Bryan Schneider Kristae & Peter Zandbergen Chuck Shoemaker Lynette & Paul Krieger Ruth & Bill Scott Chris & Art Zygielbaum

7 HN AWARDS 21 GRANTS TOTALING $102,035

Humanities Nebraska recently Lincoln Orchestra Association, Lincoln, $1,750 to awarded the following grants: help fund seven pre-concert chats held prior to Lincoln Symphony Orchestra concerts. African Culture Connection, Omaha, $9,850 to help Lux Center for the Arts, Lincoln, $1,800 to help fund expand its in-school & after-school residency programs the Lincoln Day of the Dead Celebration, held at the THIÉMARD VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS RAPHAËL BY PHOTO for the 2019-2020 school year. Nebraska History Museum and Bennett Martin Public El Museo Latino, Omaha, $6,675 to fund a series of Library on November 3. gallery talks and a film discussion. Three occurred this Lydia Foundation for Social Engagement, Lincoln, The University of Nebraska at Omaha received a grant to fund fall, with the remaining scheduled for Spring 2020. $2,000 to fund a moderated discussion program at the events for the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Friends of the Homestead, Beatrice, $1,700 to help UNL Nebraska Union auditorium. The first in this “Good Rabble Mill, Lincoln, $1,700 to help support a forum fund a fiddle festival on May 23, 2020, at the Education Talks for the Good Life” series was held in October. convening journalists, editors, and thought leaders Center of Homestead National Monument. Nebraska Writers Collective, Omaha, $8,960 to from across the nation to discuss reporting from the Heartland United for Puerto Rico, Omaha, $2,000 support a visiting artists series, bringing four nationally middle of the country. for creation of a multi-media exhibition to open in acclaimed performance poets to mentor students Unitarian Church, Lincoln, $2,857 to help support September 2020. involved in the ninth annual Louder Than a Bomb: their annual lecture series. Held on Sunday evenings History Nebraska, Lincoln, $2,800 to help support Great Plains Youth Poetry Festival. from February 9-March 15, 2020, the series topic is “The a screening and discussion of a few short films NET Foundation for Television, Lincoln, $10,000 U.S. & Latin America: Problems and Prospects.” from the “UNLADYLIKE 2020” series, in honor of the to fund a series of civics interstitials to play between University of Nebraska-Lincoln Board of Regents, 100th anniversary of the 19th regular programming. Lincoln, $9,698 to help fund production of a short film Amendment. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Lincoln, $5,800 on the repatriation of native lands called “Return of the John G. Neihardt to help support a symposium commemorating the 19th Pawnees;” $7,750 to help support a conference in April Foundation, Bancroft, $2,405 Amendment’s centennial; $1,875 to help support three 2020, which is to be titled “Climate Change and Culture to help fund their 2020 spring film discussions in October and November 2019 and in the Great Plains.” conference at the Neihardt April 2020. The spring event will be held in conjunction University of Nebraska at Omaha Board of Regents, State Historic Site in Bancroft. with the Vision Maker Film Festival. Omaha, $2,900 to fund various events commemorating

PHOTO COURTESY Kearney Area Plainsman Museum, Aurora, $10,000 to help the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. OF HISTORY NEBRASKA Community Foundation, develop and create their own localized exhibit, called Vision Maker Media, Lincoln, $2,000 to help Kearney, $7,515 to help fund their annual storytelling “Community Works”, which focuses on the where, how, support the 2020 Vision Maker Film Festival, scheduled festival at multiple locations in Kearney. who and why of work in Hamilton County. for April 22-30, 2020 at various locations in Lincoln.

WELCOME, NEW HUMANITIES NEBRASKA INTERNS Annelise Jacqui Ortega recently Rudy Vrtiska became Christen joined Humanities Nebraska HN’s new communications recently joined as the program intern. Jacqui intern, helping with social Humanities is currently double majoring media and other projects. Nebraska as a in elementary Rudy is double majoring special projects education and in business administration intern. She is special education and communication studies at majoring in advertising and at Nebraska Nebraska Wesleyan University. public relations and minoring Wesleyan A Falls City, Nebraska, in communications at the University. native, Rudy spends his free University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jacqui grew up time competing During her free time, she in Grand Island, in the decathlon enjoys traveling and working where she attended Prime for NWU’s track out. She also enjoys spending Time as a child. During her and field team. time with her friends and free time, she enjoys spending Rudy also enjoys family and attending local quality time with her friends, going hunting in sporting events. family, and her dog, Brownie. his hometown.

8 GRANT SPOTLIGHT: FORGIVENESS LINCOLN, FAITH COALITION OF LANCASTER COUNTY

One local organization is working to encourage forgiveness and reconciliation towards racial discrimination and race motivated aggression. PHOTO COURTESY OF FAITH COALITION OF LANCASTER COUNTY OF LANCASTER COALITION OF FAITH COURTESY PHOTO Forgiveness Lincoln is a project of Faith Coalition of Lancaster County that promotes reflection and dialogue within the community. The program is centered around breaking the cycle of violence and retribution through healthy cycles of emotions As part of the Forgiveness Lincoln project, Nebraskans were able to attend a presentation by Pardeep Kaleka, co-creator of Serve 2 Unite. He shared his experience as a survivor of a racist attack on his such as processing, understanding, acceptance, family’s Sikh temple and the importance of forgiveness in healing and ending the chain of violence. and forgiveness. From April 26th to May 16th, 2019, “Stories of the Lincoln Mayor’s prayer breakfast and a forum Forgiveness” was staged at Gateway Mall, with the at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Through these help of a grant from Humanities Nebraska. This events, community members could experience the exhibition consisted of a three-week public display incredible story of Pardeep Kaleka. On August 5th, of 18 six-foot art banners that featured true stories 2012, a white supremacist killed Pardeep’s father in of forgiveness and reconciliation from citizens a mass shooting at a Milwaukee Sikh temple. around the world. Pardeep later became co-creator of Serve 2 Lorinda Rice, an art curriculum specialist for Unite, inspiring others with his commitment to Lincoln Public Schools who helped develop foster forgiveness and peace in our communities. Forgiveness Lincoln, said, “The project was an Forgiveness Lincoln provided the community opportunity for the community to see multiple with an opportunity to grow psychologically perspectives of the theme of Forgiveness in the together to cultivate a more compassionate, banners. Reading these experiences and then inclusive, and accepting society. talking with others allows us to unravel our think- After seeing the exhibit, one person said, ing and grow.” “Forgiveness is a natural human need for survival The project also included hosting a speaker at of the soul.”

“ALL THE GALLANT MEN” CHOSEN FOR 2020 ONE BOOK ONE NEBRASKA IN MEMORY During 2020, Nebraskans are encouraged SHIRLEY FLACK, 1934-2019 to read and discuss, “All the Gallant Men: An American Sailor’s Firsthand Account of Pearl Shirley J. Flack of Scottsbluff Harbor” by Donald Stratton with Ken Gire. passed away August 7. Stratton, who hails from Red Cloud, was one of Always a lover of literature, the survivors from the U.S.S. Arizona and Shirley worked for the Scottsbluff Public the only one to write a memoir honoring the Library for more than 40 years; serving 30 1,177 shipmates who were killed in the attack. of those years as library director. She was a One Book One Nebraska is sponsored by member of numerous professional and civic Nebraska Center for the Book, organizations including Friends of the Lied Humanities Nebraska, and the Scottsbluff Public Library, Soroptimist Nebraska Library Commission. International, Panhandle BPW, and American Resources for book clubs, Historical Society of Germans from Russia. libraries, etc., will soon be From 1980-1983, Shirley served on the available. For details, visit board of the Nebraska Humanities Council, OneBook.Nebraska.gov/2020 where she offered wisdom and unbounded or search “One Book One enthusiasm for our literacy programming. Nebraska” on Facebook.

9 JACK CAMPBELL HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Humanities Nebraska has the 1980s, it took a few years 27% of our benefitted from the service of to find its true purpose. That budget. many great leaders over 46 purpose—raising private funds Meanwhile, years of existence. It is difficult and advocating for public federal to imagine where we would be funding for HN—came squarely support now without them. into focus when there were of our Jack Campbell is a prime significant threats to federal revenue example. Thanks to leaders like funding and the very existence is down Sally and Jack Campbell Jack, Humanities Nebraska is a of the National Endowment for to less than financially stable organization the Humanities (NEH). 40%, while the total HN budget that Nebraskans can count on In 1995-96, federal funding has more than doubled from now and in the future. for the NEH—much of which $750,000 to $1.8 million. We are grateful to Jack is distributed out to state Another critical source of and his wife, Sally, for all of councils—was slashed from $172 funding for both HN and the their years of support of HN, million down to $110 million. Nebraska Arts Council since the and thrilled that after being At that time 65% of HN’s 1990s is the NCE. Again Jack co-nominated by HN and the funding was federal, while 16% played a key role through his Nebraska Cultural Endowment was private donations. Jack service on the NCE board. This (NCE), Jack was recognized Campbell provided the vision public-private partnership, with by the Nebraska Chapter of and leadership to invigorate our private dollars being matched the Association of Fundraising Foundation board as a critical one to one in a public fund Professionals with a Lifetime partner for raising private funds managed by the state, has Achievement honor on National for HN programming. As a now grown to the point where Philanthropy Day, November 13. businessman and community 20% of HN’s budget is covered Jack served on our Council leader, Jack saw the potential through earnings from the board from 1987-1993 and our and the urgent need to increase NCE. In these times of political Foundation from 1991-1997 private fundraising for long- and economic uncertainty, this (and as its president), a pivotal term stability. diversity in revenue sources is time in our existence. After Today, that private support critical and exactly what was the Nebraska Foundation for has quadrupled from those envisioned by Jack Campbell the Humanities was created in early years, and is now roughly and others. Thanks, Jack!

LEGACY DONORS PROVIDE GENEROUS SUPPORT MAKE A DIFFERENCE The Nebraska Cultural Endowment (NCE) and Humanities Community Nebraska (HN) are proud to thank and recognize these Legacy Services Fund Donors for their lasting support of the arts and humanities: (CSF) is a coalition of 70 diverse Harold W. & Marian Andersen Louise Kent The Estate of Esther Pilster nonprofits working Robert E. Benzel & Ellen & Charles Lierk The Estate of Jacquelyn Rosenlof Joseph G. (Gerry) Sullivan to build a vibrant, Melissa L. Marvin, Trixie & David Schmidt creative and Jack & Sally Campbell in honor of Sharon and Sam Marvin Pamela Hilton Snow & Marcus Snow healthy community. Larry Carlson Robert & Mary Nefsky HN greatly appreciates Jane Renner Hood Kyle Cartwright Sharee & Murray Newman donors who designated Robert & Karen Duncan Ann O’Hara Rita & John Stinner gifts to us through their The Estate of Mitzi Fox The Estate of Donald W. Pederson John & Nancy Wiederspan CSF workplace giving Don & Janice Hinds The Estate of Christian Petersen Suzanne Wise campaigns. Thank you! Please go online and visit To learn how you may join these donors, contact Kyle communityservicesfund.org Cartwright, NCE executive director (402.285.2226) or Heather to learn more. Thomas at HN (402.474.2131).

10 NEBRASKA HUMANITIES COUNCIL Amy Sandeen, Chair, Hastings Connie Duncan, Vice Chair, Lincoln INVEST IN THE HUMANITIES IN OUR STATE Steve Elliott, Treasurer, Wayne Don Arp, Jr., Lincoln Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, Omaha Humanities Nebraska’s work is • Gifts of stock may help fund Graciela Caneiro-Livingston, Lincoln possible thanks to the support of a specific HN program or create Laura Capp, Ashland Mark R. Ellis, Kearney individual donors like you! As the end dialogue in communities around the Hal France, Omaha of the year approaches, please invest state. Donating shares of stock to Carol Gendler, Omaha in Nebraska communities through the Humanities Nebraska can have tax Barbara Hewins-Maroney, Omaha Lynette Krieger, Hastings humanities with a gift to HN. Your gift advantages too. Please consult a Mike Linder, Omaha elevates our work and our state. HN professional about your individual David A. Nesheim, Chadron welcomes gifts of all sizes. situation. John Schleicher, Past Chair, Omaha Barb Schlothauer, Gering • Outright gifts are always • If you are 70.5 or older, you Paulette Stefka, North Platte Dori Wanitschke, Grand Island welcome. Please use the enclosed may wish to make a tax-free gift to Jaclyn M. Wilson, Lakeside envelope or go to HN’s website, www. Humanities Nebraska directly from HumanitiesNebraska.org to make a your individual retirement accounts NEBRASKA FOUNDATION gift online. (IRAs). For many donors, using funds FOR THE HUMANITIES from their IRA is a convenient and Cynthia Milligan, President, Omaha $15 provides a gift book to a Prime Time family Nicholas W. Baxter, Vice President, Omaha tax-effective way to make charitable Beth Whited, Treasurer, Omaha $50 provides a speaker to a school donations. Don Arp, Jr., Lincoln Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, Omaha $100 sends a student to Capitol Forum Day Brenda Christensen, Omaha Whether you give a one-time John H. Conley, Omaha to deliberate on global policies cash donation, a stock gift, or a Connie Duncan, Lincoln monthly online gift, every donation to Judy Ekeler, Fremont $250 brings the State Poet to a literature festival Kay Fowles, Grand Island Humanities Nebraska helps us partner Hal France, Omaha $500 turns on the sound and lights at an evening with local organizations and connect Julia Gale, Lincoln Nebraskans in meaningful ways. Carol Gendler, Omaha Chautauqua performance Shannon R. Harner, Lincoln Thank you! $875 covers a Prime Time storyteller at a family Tami Hellman, Kearney If you have any questions, please Beverly Kracher, Omaha reading program Lynette Krieger, Hastings contact Heather Thomas, Director Ellen Lierk, Alliance $1,000 provides a leadership gift and recognition of Development, at 402.474.2131 or Amy Sandeen, Hastings John Schleicher, Omaha in the Patron’s Circle [email protected]. Glenn Van Velson, North Platte Kent Warneke, Norfolk Peter W. Zandbergen, Omaha Christine Zygielbaum, Lincoln

STAFF Christopher Sommerich Executive Director Kristi Hayek Carley Program Manager Barbara Grant THE NEBRASKA CULTURAL ENDOWMENT PROUDLY SUPPORTS Office and Grants Coordinator Susan Hale Prime Time Assistant Erika Hamilton HUMANITIES NEBRASKA Director of Literary Programs SheriLynne Hansen Communications Manager Julie MacDonald To learn more about how the Nebraska Cultural Endowment Development Coordinator Liz Makowski promotes the livelihood of arts and humanities in our state, visit Program Assistant NebraskaCulturalEndowment.org Heather Thomas Director of Development Or, contact Kyle Cartwright at [email protected] or 402-595-2722. Mary Yager Associate Director Annelise Christen, Jacqui Ortega, and Rudy Vrtiska Interns TO UPDATE ADDRESS OR CANCEL SUBSCRIPTIONS, CALL 402.474.2131 or E-MAIL [email protected]

11 NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 645 LINCOLN, NE 68508

215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 330 Lincoln, NE 68508 www.humanitiesnebraska.org humanitiesnebraska humanitiesne

NEW SPEAKERS, TOPICS ADDED TO THE HN SPEAKERS BUREAU: BOOK NOW! UMANITIES NEBRASKA IS PLEASED TO INTRODUCE THE FOLLOWING NEW ADDITIONS TO OUR SPEAKERS BUREAU. TO BOOK ONE OF THESE H SPEAKERS, PLEASE VISIT HUMANITIESNEBRASKA.ORG, CLICK ON “SPEAKERS,” AND SELECT EITHER A SPEAKER OR TITLE TO GET STARTED. PHOTOS FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS NEW SPEAKERS: Dr. Diane Bystrom, the Director Emerita for Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University, presents “Winning the Vote: The Campaign for Woman’s Suffrage in the United States,” which examines the history of the 72-year campaign for women’s voting rights. Author Theodore Wheeler discusses “Kings of Broken Things: Bystanders, Historical Wounds, TOP: Sir Barton, America’s first Triple Crown Winner. and the Omaha Race Riot of 1919.” He discusses ABOVE: The signing of the Treaty of Versailles. how historical Omaha and the Riot of 1919 David Wells, an independent historian, compelled him to write a novel that dealt with presents “Vietnam: A Tribute, A Plea, A racism and violence. Reflection.” He will examine how the U.S. Miss V, also known as Rubie Belle, presents involvement developed within the war. “The Modern-Day Homesteader,” which utilizes Remembrance will be paid to the 399 song and story to explore elements of Western Nebraskans who lost their lives during the pioneer life. She draws on personal experiences war and the 16 from Nebraska still currently to inform the presentation with themes such as listed as POW/MIA. cattle drives, the Pony Express, tie hacks, mail Chris Sayre introduces “The British Isles order brides, and other interesting topics. and Irish Sampler.” Sayre performs the songs Miss V also presents “Dawn in the Night,” with button accordion, English concertina, a living-history portrayal of Amelia Earhart, fretted dulcimer, guitar, mandolin, and and “Trails West,” a celebration of the era that musical saw. followed the Civil War with momentous events Thomas King, who teaches a Civil War such as the Oregon Trail, the Gold Rush, and the course for Doane College, presents, “Andrew Pony Express. Carnegie.” He will portray Andrew Carnegie’s true rags to riches story in a first-person, NEW TOPICS: Chautauqua-style event. Thomas Berg, history lecturer for the Jody Lamp, the co-founder, and author University of Nebraska Lincoln, presents “World of American Doorstop Project/Nebraska’s War I and the Treaty of Versailles: How the Agricultural History discusses “Born to Rein.” Treaty that ended the ‘War to End All Wars’ Lamp will share how three native Nebraskans Helped Trigger World War II.” Berg provides and communities throughout the state of historic perspective on how the Second World Nebraska received national notoriety in War was affected by the Treaty of Versailles. America’s oldest sport, horse racing.

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