Foundation Facts
April 2011
NSBF Logo
Nebraska State Bar Foundation
635 S. 14th Street, Suite 120
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508

It is the time of year when school buses line the streets near the Hruska Center, bringing students to tour the State Capitol.  This year, winter coats have been part of the student attire for their "spring" trip to Lincoln.

 

Doris Huffman, Executive Director

It has been a long winter, and like many of you, I am ready for true spring weather to appear.  On a personal note, I lost my Dad on March 19, so it has been a sad time for our family.  I have been comforted by many of you who phoned or sent a note of condolence.  Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement.  I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness.

 

Cordially,

 

Doris

 

Doris Huffman

Executive Director

 

Foundation Loses Dear Friends and Supporters
 
The Foundation was saddened by the passing of Immediate Past President Bob Berkshire

in February.  His son Rick Berkshire was quoted in memorializing his father, "I never met anyone who didn't like him--he was a nice guy." 

 

Bob's best friend and fellow attorney Dean Kratz served with him on the Foundation Board.  Kratz said of his friend, "Whether it was work, charity, or just fun...Bob was not only personable and enjoyable but also very industrious, well organized, smart...and he stuck to business and, therefore, got a lot of things done."   

 

On April 13, Past President George Svoboda

passed away in his hometown of Fremont. He was 93 years old.  Board member Charley Thone described George as wonderful to work with and said that "he was the right leader at the right time."

 

Both Bob and George have left lasting legacies to the Bar Foundation. The Foundation will sincerely miss these outstanding leaders. 

 

Law Day Celebration Features Professor Mike Fenner and Clarence Mock in Debate
Program is May 2 in Lincoln
Professor Mike Fenner
Professor Mike Fenner
   
Clarence Mock
Clarence Mock
The Foundation and Nebraska Supreme Court will honor this year's Law Day Essay Contest winners at a luncheon in Lincoln on May 2.  The location is the Nebraska School Activities Association building, 500 Charleston Street.  The luncheon begins at noon, and the program featuring Fenner and Mock gets under way at 1:00 p.m.  It is expected to last one hour. 

The debate will focus on the issue of protection from cyber-bullying vs. protection of First Amendment rights.  You are cordially invited to attend this law-related education event that is sure to be entertaining as well as informational.  Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 26, to [email protected]

For more information about the annual essay contest, the 2011 question, and the theme, "Democracy and the Digital Age of Media," check the Foundation's web site.

 

Marvin and Virginia Schmid Fund Provides Reaching the Age of Majority Booklet for all Nebraska Graduates
AOM Cover

Through a generous gift from Virginia Schmid, widow of former Foundation President Marvin Schmid, the Foundation's Reaching the Age of Majority booklet is being printed and made available to all 2011 Nebraska graduating seniors. School administrators may order the booklet online in order to receive copies before graduations are scheduled.  Other educators wishing to receive copies of the newly updated publication may download the booklet from the Foundation's web site free of charge.

 

Virginia Schmid was recently recognized as a member of the Let Freedom Ring Society (Legacy of LIberty) for her contribution.  Marvin Schmid was recognized posthumously at the Diamond level of the Distinguished Fellows program, the highest donor recognition given by the Bar Foundation. 

 

Three Fellows Attain Diamond Level of Giving
Recognized at 2011 Fellows Dinner

In addition to the Diamond Fellow award being given posthumously to Marvin Schmid, Tom Davies and Allen Overcash, both of Lincoln, attained the Diamond level of giving through the Foundation's Distinguished Fellows program.

Foundation Board member Charlie Wright thanked Overcash and his wife Ginny for their $50,000 contribution to the Standing Bear Scholarship Fund.  Wright and his wife Suzy established the fund in 2007.  The Overcashes also became members of the Soaring Eagle (Legacy of Liberty) Society through their recent  contribution.

Foundation President Kile Johnson lauded Past President Davies for his recent Legacy of Liberty contribution of $20,000.  Through this gift, Davies also became a member of the Stars and Stripes Society.

Click to learn more about ways to give to the Foundation

 

Foundation Honors 2011 Award Recipients 
Three Awards Presented at Annual Dinner 

Over 160 guests were in attendance on Saturday, April 2, at the Fellows Dinner as the Foundation recognized three most deserving individuals.  The Outstanding Legal Educator Award was presented to John Lenich; the Legal Pioneer Award was given to Linda Crump; and Retired Justice D. Nick Caporale, Nebraska Supreme Court, received the Distinguished Service Award.  

 

Photos of the award recipients are posted onlinePlease be sure to congratulate these honored Fellows when you see them.

 

New Class of Fellows Inducted Into Foundation
Fellows Named in 2010 Received at Dinner

The new class of Fellows was honored at the Fellows Dinner at the Carson Theater on April 2 in Lincoln.  Bar Foundation Fellows are chosen for their integrity and character, legal expertise, public service, and efforts to improve the legal system.  A complete listing of new Fellows may be viewed on the Foundation's web site.

You may also view photos of the Fellows Dinner on the web site.

 

Nebraska Students Head to National Competitions
We the People and Mock Trial Nationals in April and May


WTP Logo 
The 20-member We the People:  The Citizen and the Constitution team from Lincoln East High School will travel to the national congressional hearings in Washington, DC, April 30 - May 2.  This year marks the sixth consecutive year that this school has represented Nebraska at the national competition.  They will be accompanied by their teacher Kevin Rippe, State We the People Coordinator Pam Hastings Carrier, and Lincoln attorney and We the People volunteer John Jelkin.

NHSMTC Logo

The Mock Trial team from V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School in Omaha will travel to Phoenix, Arizona, for the National High School Mock Trial Championship, May 5-7.  This is the third year a team from Skutt has represented Nebraska at nationals.  They will be accompanied by their attorney coaches, Patrick Borchers and Judy Borchers and by their teacher coach Mary Meyer.  The coaches say they are hoping "third time is charm" for this team with eyes on the national title.

The Foundation thanks the Nebraska Council of School Attorneys for its contribution of $1,000 toward sending the Nebraska team to nationals.

Read more about the state competitions where the Lincoln East and Skutt teams qualified for the national competitions on the Foundation's web site.  

 

2011 High School Mock Trial Project Announces New Venue for State Competition
Sarpy County to Host the Event

Judge Robert B. O'Neal from Sarpy County has graciously offered to host the 2011 State Mock Trial Competition.  The championships will be held at the newly renovated Sarpy County Courthouse in Papillion on December 6 and 7.  The Mock Trial Banquet will take place at Embassy Suites - La Vista.

The Mock Trial Case Committee has begun creating this year's original case based on the Foundation's Law-Related Education them, "Democracy and the Digital Age of Media."  

Sarpy County Courthouse
Sarpy County Courthouse

Legacy Legacy of Liberty/Membership Breakfast to Be October 20

At Cornhusker Marriott, Lincoln

 

Legacy of Liberty Logo 

          

The 2011 Legacy of Liberty Breakfast will held Thursday, October 20, at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln. The Foundation will recognize its new Class of Fellows, Silver Quill Award recipients, and volunteers for the Law-Related Education programs.  Your attendance and support are always appreciated.  Please make plans now to attend this complimentary event.

 
About the Foundation's Programs
If you have questions about the Foundation's programs of Law-Related Education, please contact me at [email protected]

1-800-773-5396 or 402-475-1042.

 

Nebraska State Bar Foundation
635 S. 14th Street, Suite 120
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
Nebraska State Bar Foundation
In This Issue
*Debate on Cyber-bullying Is Law Day Program
*Schmid Fund Provides Age of Majority Booklets
*Nebraska Students Head to National Competitions