More than a dozen students or faculty at the University of Nebraska have received Pulitzer Prizes since the awards were established and endowed in 1917 by Joseph Pulitzer. The prizes are awarded annually in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in journalism, letters, music and drama.
Three others with connections to NU have received Peabody Awards, established in 1940 to recognize distinguished achievement and meritorious public service by electronically-delivered programming.
In preparation for its centennial reunion in September, the Daily Nebraskan compiled a list of prize winners who were either students or faculty members at the University of Nebraska.
The award recipients are as follows:
Pulitzer
Editorial Writing
Harvey Newbranch of Evening World Herald Omaha, Neb.
For an editorial titled “Law and the Jungle”
1920
Novel
“One of Ours” by Willa Cather
1923
History
“My Experiences in the World War” by John J. Pershing.
Pershing was a professor of military science at NU from 1891 to 1895.1932
Music
Symphony No. 4, Opus 34 by Howard Hanson
Performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra on December 3, 19431944
Poetry
“V-Letter and Other Poems” by Karl Shapiro
1945
Public Service
Nebraska State Journal Raymond McConnell Jr., managing editor
For the campaign establishing the “Nebraska All-Star Primary” presidential preference primary which spotlighted, through a bi-partisan committee, issues early in the presidential campaign.
1949
Editorial Writing
Robert Lasch of St. Louis Post-Dispatch
For his distinguished editorial writing.
1965
National Reporting
James V. Risser of The Des Moines Register
For disclosing large-scale corruption in the
American grain exporting trade.
1976
National Reporting
James V. Risser of The Des Moines Register
For a series on farming damage to the environment.
1979
Explanatory Journalism
Staff of New York Times
Charles Mohr, one of five staff reporters.
For a six-part comprehensive series on the Strategic Defense Initiative, which explored the scientific, political and foreign policy issues involved in “Star Wars.”
1986
Explanatory Journalism
Karen Blessen, artist, co-recipient, The Dallas Morning News
For special report on a 1985 airplane crash, the follow-up
investigation and the implications for air safety.
1989
National Reporting
Marjie Lundstrom, co-recipient, Gannett News Service
For reporting that disclosed hundreds of child abuse-related deaths undetected each year as a result of errors by medical examiners.
1991
Peabody Award
Howard Hanson
WHAM Radio Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y. Personal award for outstanding entertainment in music.1945
William (Bill) H. Lawrence
ABC Television, New York City Personal Award for television news. 1964
Johnny Carson
Personal award for almost 25 years of late-night humor on NBC’s “The Tonight Show.1985