Chancellor James Moeser made the following comments at the Journalism Alumni awards luncheon on Friday, April 9.
I echo Terry’s comments regarding the Andersens’ remarkable dedication, loyalty and service to the University of Nebraska. But they have also contributed to the state and to the wider community in many other ways. I can think of no one in Nebraska whose contributions are more deserving of recognition.
Harold and Marian Andersen’s dedication to education, to the university and to the ideals of good journalism are unparalleled. We are excited to have the opportunity to honor them in this fashion while at the same time helping to promote their personal values. The new building helps Nebraska sustain its century-old reputation for excellence in journalism and education.
The ability to improve the academic facilities for students of journalism and mass communications is an exciting opportunity to create a state-of-the art learning environment. We are grateful to Harold and Marian Andersen for providing the leadership that enables the university to prosper and grow.
It is particularly fitting for us to name a journalism building for the Andersens. As you know, Harold Andersen’s lifelong journalism career stared when he was editor of the Daily Nebraskan. He is a 1945 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Nebraska. He was a reporter for the Lincoln Star and later the World-Herald, where he rose in the ranks to chief executive officer, chairman and publisher. He continues writing a column for that newspaper.
He was the first American Newspaper Publisher Association chairman and also chaired the World Press Freedom Committee. He also has served in many capacities in areas of personal interest including conservation organizations, Junior Achievement and the arts. I cannot fail to mention his service to the University of Nebraska Foundation, including his chairmanship of the board of trustees.
Marian Andersen is also a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Nebraska. Her numerous civic responsibilities also include service to the University of Nebraska Foundation. Her father, C. Wheaton Battey, was one of the Foundation’s original trustees. She was elected a trustee in 1974 and became the first woman elected chairman of the board, preceding her husband in that office by several years. Her life of service and philanthropy has included leadership roles in Planned Parenthood of Omaha, the Junior League of Omaha, the American Red Cross, the Public Broadcasting System and the Nebraska Arts Council, to name but a few organizations to which she has given of herself.
The Andersens’ broad leadership in everything from the Red Cross to the Omaha Zoo to the Game and Parks Foundation to Joslyn Art Museum and their dedication to the standards of a free press and the best journalistic practices are unrivaled in Nebraska.
I suspect they would suggest our honoring them in this manner is just a bit too flashy. But they honor us by their interest in serving us. This devotion is remarkable because in today’s busy world we find that time is the most valuable commodity, and they have invested so much with us and for us. We are humbled by their generosity.
The Andersens have given generously of their time, but they also have joined the cavalcade of friends and alumni of this university whose substantial monetary donations to Campaign Nebraska will clearly make this university a better university. They show their faith that current leaders will use this gift wisely in laying the foundation for an ideal future. And while they many not be direct beneficiaries – it is doubtful that either Marian or Harold Andersen will ever take a journalism class in the building that soon will bear their names – it is their hope that future students will benefit from their vision. We thank them for that vision. More importantly, we are honored to be able to call them friends.
I hope everyone here today takes time to thank this peerless couple for their many contributions to the University of Nebraska. We should all strive to emulate their commitment and devotion.