FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 15, 2019, 10:00 a.m. CDT

Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State College Marketing and Communications, 402-872-2429


LINCOLN -The NEBRASKALand Foundation honored Dr. Sara Brandes Crook, Ernie Weyeneth, and Ray and Jennifer O’Connor during Statehood Day Dinner on March 2, 2019. The recipients


Sara Brandes Crook’s love of history goes back to her youth growing up on a farm, going to a country church, and attending a one-room country school.  Now a Professor of History at Peru State College, Nebraska’s first college, she has created several educational and entertaining programs on Nebraska history.


Crook has served as president of Nebraska State Historical Society and received several professional honors.   She was elected Chair of the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission that organized and directed the fantastic year-long celebration of Nebraska’s 150th Statehood Anniversary in 2017.


Crook told attendees, “It is the people of Nebraska that have afforded me the opportunity to share my passion for Nebraska with others.  It has been my honor to work with some outstanding individuals, many of whom the NebraskaLand Foundation has previously honored with this award.”


Crook is wearing a blue gown.

Dr. Sara Crook, center-right, in the capital building, with Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College; Elaine Hanson, First Lady of Peru State College; and Dr. Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System.


Crook went on to thank many previous award winners, members of the Nebraska State Sesquicentennial commissioners, Nebraska’s First Lady Suzanne Shoe, the Peru State College administration and staff, including its president, Dr. Dan Hanson, “What a privilege it was to work side by side with these incredibly talented and steadfast fellow Nebraskans.”


“But it isn’t just the past and the present that has afforded me opportunities. It is the hope of the future that can be truly transforming.  My job at Peru State College for the nearly 35 years has provided me with a lifetime of inspiration working with thousands of our students, part of the future of this great state and nation.”


Crook concluded her remarks, “Let me close with one of favorite quotes Picasso that is often shared with family, friends and students, ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift.  The purpose of life is to give it away.’ Thank you for this honor when all I did was to find my passion for Nebraska and then spent my life ‘giving it away.’”


The NEBRASKALand Foundaation was formed in 1962 under the leadership of Governor Frank Morrison and continues to promote Nebraska through programs and awards that celebrate the state’s social historical, cultural, educational and economic heritage.


# # #


The post NEBRASKAland Foundation honors Dr. Sara Crook appeared first on Media.