Alumni & Friends
March 16, 2009
Alumnus and geologist Bill Walker donates to two funds for future geology students
"The state of Nebraska, the university, and especially the Geosciences Department have meant so much to us over the years," Bill Walker said. "They provided me with the support, the training and the encouragement to forge a rewarding career."
"Our goal will be to reproduce, as best we can, the great field trip Bill Walker participated in when he was new to geology," David Watkins, professor and chair of the department, said. "That trip showed him the wonders of geology, and helped to set his course in life toward his successful career. We hope we can do the same for the geologists of the next generation."
Teachers at the university provided the encouragement Walker now recalls as being so important. He was especially inspired by Professor Sam Treves, his academic adviser.
"Professor Treves provided much inspiration and is someone you look up to," Walker said. "He's such a fine teacher and individual, and he played an instrumental role in the success of students."
January 15, 2009
Distinguished emeriti Robert Knoll has passed away
"Robert was a unique individual whose passion for and understanding of this University were unmatched. He wrote a history of the University which remains definitive and he shared with many of us some of his observations about that history that were not 'printable.' He was during his time with us larger than life and he remains so." Chancellor Harvey Perlman
During his 40-year career at UNL, Knoll taught generations of students to enjoy the rich beauty of English language and literature, pioneered a number of innovative teaching initiatives, and was an exemplary academic citizen and first-rate scholar.
"Our first, continuous and inescapable responsibility is teaching our students," Knoll said. "All else follows from this."
Read Transitions: Honoring Members of the UNL Family from University Communications
Read Robert Knoll, longtime NU educator, dies from the Lincoln Journal Star
December 15, 2008
Friend and donor Harold Spencer passes away at age 96
"It is with great sadness that I notify you of the death of our dear friend, Mr. Harold Everett Spencer, who died Thursday night in Lincoln at the age of 96. Some of you had probably heard of Harold's death late last week, but I wanted to wait until the family had time for an official announcement (see the JournalStar link below), before sharing the information with you.
"He was a great friend to the College and University, donating thousands of dollars to undergraduate study abroad scholarships, and creating the Harold E. Spencer Professorship in Modern Languages in 2005.
"Many of you knew Harold through the scholarships he provided for our students studying abroad, or through the faculty development funds he made available through the creation of the Harold E. Spencer Professorship in Modern Languages. Several members of our faculty knew him personally, and visited frequently with him over the years. As one of those lucky enough to be considered Harold's friend, what struck me the most about him was his gentle and intelligent disposition, as well as his genuine interest in providing opportunities for Nebraska High School and University students. There was no motivation for Harold's generosity other than the realization that international education is essential in today's world. Harold was fascinated with the way other cultures thought and lived. In his mind, the best way to connect with the world was through language and music. Setting the example himself, Harold spoke multiple languages and continued learning them until his death. He was also an expert in classical music, and twice served as Guest Conductor of the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra.
"Harold practiced law in Chicago for 50 years, and maintained a residence there until his death. His health had failed in recent years, but he did make it to campus in March of this year (driving himself at the age of 95!), to address students as part of our spring LPS Recruitment Day Event. This was one of many events that Harold funded, and it gave him the opportunity to connect personally with students while talking about the importance of foreign language. The last time I saw Harold was in late October of this year. We had a long lunch at his residence in Lincoln and talked about his days as a Naval Officer in the Canal Zone, as well as his favorite museums in Chicago. He even gave me recommendations on French Bistros in the Windy City.
"Harold's loss is tremendous for all of those who knew and loved him. It is difficult to think of a person who had more of an impact on our students and faculty in the last decade. Each of us will miss his warmth, good humor, witty conversation, and kind smile. I know you will join me in sending our condolences to his family, especially to his sister Jean Armstrong. Appended below is an Introduction I wrote for Harold during the inaugural of his Professorship in 2005. It provides a bit more detail about his life and work.
"Please note that the family has decided on a private memorial with no visitation. Inurnment will take place in Chicago. Generous to the end, Harold asked that donations be sent to the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra and to the Harold E. and Phyllis V. Spencer Fund for Excellence in Modern Languages, c/o the NU Foundation."
~ Russell Ganim, Professor and Chair of the Department of Modern Languages
Read the obituary in Lincoln Journal-Star.
November 17, 2008
Alumnus names new scholarship after former professor who encouraged him
While studying at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, John "Jack" M. Campbell Jr. took classes from many professors, but one teacher stood out as being different than the rest.
Now, decades later, the Lincoln native is honoring the man he describes as a mentor by establishing the Carroll R. McKibbin Scholarship Fund. His gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation, matched by the GE Foundation, created a $30,000 permanent endowment that will provide scholarships for years to come to students majoring in history or political science at the UNL College of Arts and Sciences.
Campbell, left, said the gift provides the opportunity to publicly recognize his former professor, advisor and friend, Dr. Carroll McKibbin, and that he can still remember why McKibbin's classes stood apart.
"He spiced his lectures and teaching with practical events that occurred in his own life and made it possible for us to see beyond the text and the lecture format," said Campbell, who graduated in 1972 and then received a master's at the University of Pittsburgh.
The two remain in contact despite living on opposite coasts. McKibbin, who lives in Southern California, recently retired from teaching at California Polytechnic State University. Campbell lives in Connecticut and is the director of environmental programs for GE Capital, but the two exchange phone calls or visits throughout the year.
"One of the great satisfactions of teaching is getting to know your students," said McKibbin, who taught at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from 1965 to 1974. "It's those special relationships that make 40 years of teaching so rewarding."
Campbell, a trustee of the University of Nebraska Foundation, welcomes others who know Professor McKibbin to contribute to this scholarship fund or to establish their own fund in honor of a teacher or mentor. He feels this scholarship recognizes the meaningful relationship often formed between students and faculty.
"I created this scholarship to encourage students to come to the University of Nebraska and to find a professor who’ll encourage them, like Dr. McKibbin encouraged me," Campbell said.
The first scholarship was awarded by UNL to Kevin Healy of Yankton, S.D., who holds a 4.0 GPA and is studying political science, history and Russian.
November 14, 2008
Political consultant Jim Crounse talks politics
Jim Crounse is partner at the Mack/Crounse Group, one of the pre-eminent direct mail consulting firms in the Democratic Party. He's also an alum from the class of '75 who majored in Political Science and was recently named one of the 2008 Masters by the University.
In his 30-year political career serving on Capitol Hill and as a consultant, Crounse has helped elect many of the key figures in the Democratic Party.
Jim returned for a week of lectures, small group meetings, and other events. He spoke in several Political Science and Journalism classes about, among other things:
- why the presidential race turned out like it did
- direct mail techniques and how direct mail is used in a political campaign
- market segmentation of voters and polling
- Ways to improve the look of printed publications
- Job opportunities for young people who are interested in politics and direct mail
He also spoke at a forum the night after the election.
Masters are alumni "who have shown great promise, success and leadership in their chosen fields" and "whose success and insight into their careers will be shared person-to-person with students." Every year, the University invites these alumni back to campus to share their career experience one-on-one with students as part of Masters Week. Masters Week is sponsored by the Innocents Society, Mortar Board, Alumni Association and the chancellor’s office.
September 30, 2008
Friend of the College John Angle passed away, age 85
John C. Angle was a retired Chairman of the Board and CEO of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of New York City. He was a graduate of Lincoln's public schools and the University of Chicago, a third-generation Nebraskan and was the second Nebraskan to become a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.
He served as an Air Force weather officer during World War II and the Korean War.
In 1995, John Angle chaired a Task Force appointed by UN President Dennis Smith. Its report, the "Angle Report", was adopted and its recommendations implemented.
Angle also served on the Future Nebraska Task Force, which called for a renewed emphasis on Research and Graduate Education at UNL.
John and his wife Catherine served on the Council of Visitors created by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and they endowed two professorships: the J.L. Sellers Professorship in History and the Angle Professorship in the Humanities.
The memorial service is at 11 a.m. on October 1, 2008. Leave a condolence and find out more in the obituary on Journalstar.com.
