Foundation Facts
50th Anniversary Edition, 2013
50th Anniversary
NSBF Logo
Greetings, Friends!

In just four short weeks, the Bar Foundation will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with a gala event at the La Vista Conference Center.  The date is Friday, November 15, beginning with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m.

This edition of Foundation Facts will provide you with some details about the anniversary and the dinner that is planned. I am looking forward to seeing you there!

 

   

Cordially, 

Doris  

Executive Director  

 

 Our Founders
Seven Visionary Leaders 

On November 20, 1963, the following lawyers became the founding fathers of the organization now known as the Nebraska State Bar Foundation.

  • Laurens Williams, Chair
  • Ralph E. Svoboda
  • George A. Healey
  • Barton H. Kuhns
  • Flavel A. Wright
  • Julius D. Cronin
  • Hale McCown
Flavel A. Wright*  was elected as the Foundation's first president, and he served from 1963-1968.  The following Nebraska lawyers have served as president from 1968 to present:

1963-1973     *John J. Wilson, Lincoln
1973-1977     *Thomas M. Davies, Lincoln
1977-1979      *Marvin G. Schmid, Omaha
1979-1981      *Otto Kotouc, Jr., Humboldt
1981-1986      Deryl F. Hamann, Omaha
1986-1987      *Hans J. Holtorf, Jr., Gering
1987-1990      *Robert G. Scoville, South Sioux City
1990-1993      Richard A. Knudsen, Lincoln
1993-1996      Keith I. Frederick, Omaha
1996-1999      Charles Thone, Lincoln
1999-2002      Harold W. Kay, North Platte
2002-2005      *George E. Svoboda, Fremont
2005-2008      Dean G. Kratz, Omaha
2008-2010      *Robert H. Berkshire, Omaha
2010-2012      Kile W. Johnson, Lincoln
2012-Present  Gary W. Radil, Omaha

The Fellows and members of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation owe a great debt of gratitude to these volunteers who have served as in the top leadership role, exemplifying the tenants of fellowship in the Foundation.  Thank you so very, very much for your outstanding service!
 
The Anniversary Dinner

November 15, La Vista Conference Center

6:00 p.m.    Cocktail Reception with hosted bar and live music
7:00 p.m.    Dinner with recognition of founders and donors
8:00 p.m.    Presentation by award-winning Great Plains author Dan O'Brien
8:30 p.m.    Dessert Bar, book signing, cash bar, and live music

The price of the dinner is $80 per person.  Reservations are due by October 31.  If you have questions, please contact Doris.

A block of rooms has been reserved at a special rate at the adjoining Embassy Suites - La Vista.  See below.
 
AnniversaryAnniversary Dinner to Feature Great Plains Author Dan O'Brien
November 15, 2013 - Embassy Suites - La Vista

Dan O'Brien 
Author, wildlife biologist, and falconer Dan O'Brien will inspire us with his award-winning stories at the anniversary dinner.  Having been admitted to Law School at the University of South Dakota in the early 1970s, O'Brien chose instead to start writing books.  Asked if he regrets his decision, he comments, "depends on what day you ask..."

O'Brien, one of the most powerful literary voices on the Great Plains, is described by the New York Times as "a writer with a keen and poetic eye."  His non-fiction book. Buffalo for the Broken Heart, explores the history of his ranch (the Broken Heart) and the conversion from beef to buffalo.  This book was chosen as One Book South Dakota in 2009. 

O'Brien is a two-time winner of the National Endowment for the Arts individual artist's grant, a two time winner of the Western Heritage Award, and a 2001 recipient of the Bush Creative Arts Fellowship.  His novels include The Spirit of the Hills, In the Center of the Nation, Brendan Prairie, The Contract Surgeon, The Indian Agent, and Stolen Horses.  You may sample O'Brien's writing by reading his blog posted on the Wild Idea Buffalo website.


Contributors to Infinity Fund to Be Honored
Gifts to Be Presented at Anniversary Dinner

Donors of the lead gift and other gifts at the level of $1,000 or more will be recognized and presented with gifts at the Anniversary Dinner. 

Mrs. Irene Williams made the lead gift of $512,000.  Her most generous contribution  was announced this past spring, and we will honor her on November 15.  Other Fellows' contributions as well as anonymous donations will be also be announced at the dinner.
Donate to the Foundation's Infinity Fund!
Contribute quickly and easily through the Bar Foundation's Website. Give to the Infinity Fund in recognition of the Foundation's 50th anniversary. Or give a general gift, a Legacy of Liberty gift, or leave a bequest. The Bar Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and contributions may be deductible as allowed by law. 

ReservationsReservations at Embassy Suites - La Vista
Special Rate Applies

A block of rooms has been reserved at the hotel for the evening of November 15 at the rate of $109, plus tax, for single or double occupancy.  A cooked-to-order breakfast is included in the room rate.  Click here to access online registration.  Reservations may also be made by phoning 1-800-EMBASSY, and requesting the group name, "Nebraska State Bar Foundation."  Deadline for reserving at this rate is October 31.
 
About the Foundation's Programs
If you have questions about the Foundation's programs of Law-Related Education, please contact me at doris@nebarfnd.org

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