Charlyne Berens, emeritus professor and associate dean at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (University of Nebraska–Lincoln) College of Journalism and Mass Communications, will be honored as an Outstanding Civic Health Partner by Civic Nebraska on April 12.
“Even in retirement, Charlyne has been an active and engaged member of the Lincoln community,” said Amy Struthers, interim dean of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications. “ By advancing quality journalism and public discourse, Charlyne has remained a tireless advocate for the creation of vibrant democratic communities in Nebraska.”
Berens was concerned about a lack of civil discourse in Nebraska communities following the 2016 general election. Using her extensive experience as both a journalist in Nebraska and professor of journalism at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications, she developed a course in civil discourse and media literacy for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). To date, the course has benefited more than 70 adult learners.
“It is a truly wonderful partnership that allowed Civic Nebraska to get civil discourse programming off the ground and working for Nebraskans,” said Amanda Barker, Civic Nebraska’s deputy executive director.
Berens retired from University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2014, where she taught courses in writing, reporting and editing as well as an honors seminar on the First Amendment. She was the editor and co-publisher of the Seward County Independent from 1976 until 1990.
Berens will be honored at the annual Civic Nebraska Strengthening Democracy Awards on Thurs., April 12, from 5-7 p.m. at Chez Hay, 210 N. 14 St., Lincoln. Tickets to the event can be purchased here.
Civic Nebraska is a nonprofit organization founded by Adam Morfeld to create a more modern robust democracy through youth civic leadership programs in K-12 schools, civic health initiatives in communities across the state, and ensuring our elections are modern and accessible to all Nebraskans.
