More than 970 University of Nebraska-Lincoln employees were recognized for their contributions to the university during the 2024 Celebration of Service Sept. 6 at the Coliseum.
“We celebrate their commitment, we celebrate their passion, we celebrate their achievements and we celebrate all the lives that they have touched and the communities across Nebraska they have impacted through their teaching, through their research and through their service,” said UNL Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett after presenting awards to the most senior honorees.
He credited the university’s deeply committed faculty and staff for helping achieve increases in enrollment and an improved retention rate to be revealed Sept. 9.
“Our students cannot be successful without you,” Bennett said. “ We cannot reach our goals without you. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln cannot be successful without talented and dedicated faculty and staff like you.”
Held annually, the ceremony honors faculty and staff who have reached five-year milestones in their employment. Individual recognition went to 13 Huskers who have given 45, 50 and 55 years of service. Emcee Rick Alloway, associate professor of broadcasting at the College of Journalism and Mass Communication, introduced each honored cohort with highlights of national, state and university history from their year of hire.
R. George Corner, collection manager for the University of Nebraska State Museum Morrill Hall, was presented his award for 55 years of service to cheers and a standing ovation. He was hired in 1969 – the year Ernie, Bert and Big Bird debuted with the Sesame Street children’s TV program and the year D.B. Varner replaced Clifford Hardin as university president.
Corner is a Nebraska U alumnus and has been with the university since 1966 when he enrolled as an undergraduate. His career with the University of Nebraska State Museum has included having a turtle species (Terrapene corneri) named in his honor. Corner discovered the 13-million-old turtle fossil 53 years ago at a dig site in Webster County.
George Corner (left) stands with Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett during the Sept. 6 ceremony. Corner was honored for 55 years of service to the university.Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing
Sharon Hachtel (left) stands with Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett during the Sept. 6 ceremony. Hachtel was honored for 50 years of service to the university.
Anita Kreps (left) stands with Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett during the Sept. 6 ceremony. Kreps was honored for 45 years of service to the university.
Catherine Urban (left) stands with Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett during the Sept. 6 ceremony. Urban was honored for 45 years of service to the university.
Linda Young (left) stands with Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett during the Sept. 6 ceremony. Young was honored for 45 years of service to the university.
Sharon Hachtel, an office associate for the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, and David Wishart, emeritus professor with the School of Global Integrative Studies, were honored for their 50 years contributing to the university. The 45-year honorees were Joni Duff, athletics; Richard Duncan, College of Law; Anita Kreps, University Libraries; H. Doak Nickerson, Nebraska Forest Service; Catherine Urban, Office of the University Registrar; Steven Willborn, College of Law; John Woollam, Electrical and Computer Engineering; and Linda Young, Nutrition and Health Sciences.
“At UNL, there is no shortage of individuals who are willing to raise their hands and volunteer for difficult assignments,” Bennett said. “At UNL, there is no shortage of individuals with the wisdom to solve complex problems. At UNL, there is no shortage of individuals who are committed to seeing resolution through to the end.
“That was true five years ago, it was true 55 years ago,” he said. “It will be true in five years and it will be true in 55 years.”
