THE NEBRASKA SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON, D.C. 2005 YEAR END REPORT 2005 was a wonderfully prosperous year for The Nebraska Society of Washington, D.C. The Society received a record number of donations, increased its membership and hosted several successful and well-attended events under the leadership of President Nathan Mick. Thanks to the generous support of our members and donors, the Society was also able to provide seven deserving Nebraska student interns with a scholarship to help them defray the cost of their stay in Washington, D.C. The successes of the past year would not have been possible were it not for the hard work and tremendous efforts of our 2005 Officers, Board Members and Congressional Representatives. We would like to offer them our sincere thanks and appreciation for their help in continuing to support our mission to strengthen cultural and patriotic ties between Nebraskans living in the Washington, D.C. area and promoting the welfare of Nebraska, its citizens, traditions and institutions. 2005 HONORARY CHAIRMAN The Honorable Lee Terry, US House of Representatives Officers President - Nathan Mick Immediate Past President - Clara J. Ohr Vice President - Jeffrey Shapiro Secretary - Kara Heideman Treasurer - Pete Berlowitz General Counsel - Clara J. Ohr Board of Directors Pete Berlowitz - Nathan Mick - C. Monty Seidler Jeff Dircksen - Randy Moody - Angelyn Shapiro Max Larsen - Clara Ohr - Jeffrey Shapiro Congressional Representatives T.J. Berkel - Tyler Grassmeyer - Daffnei O'Bryan Shelly Blake - Erin Hagge - Brad Schweer Cory J. Colhouer - Kara Heideman - Lindsey Witt Kally Malcom INTERNSHIP COMMITTEE Chair: Jeffrey Shapiro In 2005, the Nebraska Society's Intern Scholarship Program awarded scholarships to seven outstanding young Nebraskans. For the first time, scholarships were offered to interns serving outside of Congress and the Nebraska Society looks forward to expanding the program in the future. The Society remains grateful to our sustaining members and generous benefactors who make this program possible. The following is a brief description of the Nebraska Society's Intern Scholarship winners: Joe Selde Mr. Selde spent the weeks from June 1st to the beginning of July interning in the Washington office of Congressman Lee Terry. Joe, a member of the crew team at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, is a resident of Omaha and has previously interned for OPPD. A 3.7 GPA student, he is a member of the Dean's List. Sarah Aguirre Ms. Aguirre, the 2005 Nebraska Cherry Blossom Princess, interned in the Washington office of Congressman Tom Osborne. A native of Gering, Sarah is a sophomore at Western Nebraska Community College where she is a 3.99 GPA student studying political science; she is a 6th generation Nebraskan. . Tai Dickerson Mr. Dickerson, a 4.0 senior at UNL studying political science and international relations, interned for Congressman Jeff Fortenberry's Capitol Hill office from May 16th to July 8th. Tai is a non-traditional student, having spent five years as a squad leader in the U.S. Army while stationed throughout Europe. In addition to numerous military honors, Tai is a member of the Dean's List who earned a Masters degree in public policy. . Sam Beutler Mr. Beutler has earned a GPA of 3.45 from Yale University; he spent the month of June interning for Senator Ben Nelson's Washington office. Sam is active in his fraternity as well as in community service, both in New Haven, CT and Lincoln, Nebraska. . Adam Schleich Mr. Schleich interned in the Capitol Hill office of Senator Chuck Hagel from May 16th to July 1st. A junior at Hastings College studying political science, Adam is a member of the varsity soccer team and has still managed to maintain a 3.3 GPA; he has also spent a summer in Oxford, England studying international economics, and is a co-founder of a shaved ice business. . Faith Kroeker Ms. Kroeker spent July 5th to August 26th interning for Senator Hagel. Aside from stellar academic credentials (she is a 3.86 GPA junior at Bethel University in St. Paul studying third world studies), Faith has spent the past several summers working on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana coordinating a daily Kids Club. A native of Wayne, Faith has spent time studying in Uganda, Honduras, Venezuela, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Tanzania, Kenya and the Galapagos Islands. . Maria Bernadette Van Etten Ms. Van Etten, a 3.821 GPA student at UNL studying international studies and political science, spent June and July interning at the Department of Homeland Security. Maria is interested in human rights and has spent time in Washington previously as part of Presidential Classroom's Future World Leaders Summit, hosted by Georgetown University. She has traveled to South America, is studying both French and Spanish and is involved in a number of extracurricular activities. She is a graduate of Pius X High School in Lincoln. ------------------------------------------- Lunch with Governor Dave Heineman Chair: Nathan Mick Members of the Nebraska Society had a chance to celebrate the state's 138th birthday on March 1st with its newest first couple. Governor Dave Heineman and First Lady Sally Ganem were in Washington for the National Governors Association's winter conference. The lunch at Charlie Palmer's Steakhouse gave the couple a chance to relax among friends and fellow Nebraskans after four days of meetings. The Governor used the gathering to talk about the challenges of improving the education system and growing the state's economy. Heineman was sworn in as Nebraska's 39th governor on January 21st. He succeeded Mike Johanns who resigned to become the United States Secretary of Agriculture. Heineman's service as Lieutenant Governor began in October of 2001, when he was appointed to the position. He was then elected to that office in November of 2002. As Lieutenant Governor, Heineman also served as the State's Director of Homeland Security, and in March of last year, then Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge appointed Heineman to his Homeland Security Council. Heineman called his new position "an incredible opportunity" and a "dream job." Before discussing policy issues, Heineman spent a few moments talking about settling into the new job. He thanked Johanns for being a mentor and including Heineman in the decision-making process. Johanns was also thanked for leaving behind a growing economy. Heineman observed that an improving economic picture makes the life of a governor that much easier. After being in Washington for four days, Heineman said that he was anxious to return to "the good life." Even with looming challenges ahead, the Governor said that the state was clearly moving forward. Before the first couple moved on, they were presented with honorary memberships by Society President Nathan Mick ------------------------------------------- 93rd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Co-Chairs: Shelly Blake and Erin Hegge In contrast to the exhaustive selection process, the "royal visit" to Washington by Nebraska's 2005 Cherry Blossom Princess Sarah Aguirre was a whirlwind of activity. With several "state visits," meetings with government leaders, a number of ceremonial events and a coronation ball that left her just one step away from the Cherry Blossom Festival crown, Aguirre certainly received the royal treatment while in town for the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival where she represented the state on behalf of the Nebraska Society. For a number of years, the Society has selected a princess to represent Nebraska in the nation's Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The Festival commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees given to the District of Columbia by the mayor of Tokyo in 1912. Each state society selects a student to serve as a princess during the Festival, a tradition that began in 1948. These princesses are then joined by their international counterparts in Washington for the Festival. The Cherry Blossom Princess program is sponsored by the National Conference of State Societies and is designed to be an educational, leadership development and cultural exchange opportunity. Aguirre's road to royalty began earlier this year when she submitted her application to the Nebraska Society hoping to become the state's 2005 Cherry Blossom Princess. According to selection committee co-chairs Shelly Blake and Erin Hegge, "The application process is extremely competitive, but Sarah's application really stood out. Her list of accomplishments is impressive, and she has been extremely active in her community. She was a great choice to represent the state and the Nebraska Society." Not only will Aguirre be able to add Cherry Blossom Princess to her resume, but also that of first runner-up in the contest for Cherry Blossom Queen. The coronation took place in the posh ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel where Aguirre and the other princesses were feted by the Japanese Ambassador and his wife along with the Master Sushi Chefs from the All Sushi Association and Sapporo Beer, USA. Aguirre, who was accompanied by a midshipman from the Naval Academy, mingled with Members of Congress, governors, and a number of Japanese mayors before being selected first runner-up. Teresa M. Sablan, from Guam, was crowned as the 2005 Cherry Blossom Queen. Unfortunately, no Nebraskan has ever been chosen Festival Queen, but Aguirre's selection means that a Nebraska princess is just a heartbeat away from the crown. The coronation ball was but one event that kept Aguirre and her fellow princesses swirling through town. From tea and cake at the Lithuanian Embassy to a meeting with the Japanese Ambassador at his private residence, the princesses circulated effortlessly among members of the Washington diplomatic corp. With the same ease, Aguirre and the other princesses met with a number of government officials, including First Lady Laura Bush at the White House. Aguirre had several opportunities to meet with members of Nebraska's Congressional delegation. She chatted with Senator Ben Nelson at a reception given by the Society in her honor, where Society President Nathan Mick awarded her an honorary Society membership. Later in the week, Congressman Tom Osborne escorted the princess to the Festival's Congressional reception. Aguirre's visit to Washington wrapped up with the National Cherry Blossom Parade and the Sakura Matsuri Festival. ------------------------------------------- Congressional Reception Co-Chairs: Daffnei O'Bryan and Erin Hegge On June 13th, members and patrons, donors and friends of The Nebraska Society gathered in a capacity crowd in the House Agriculture Committee room in the Longworth House Office Building. Senator Hagel, Senator Nelson, Representative Lee Terry, Representative Tom Osborne, and Representative Jeff Fortenberry were in attendance. The purpose of the Nebraska Society's Annual Congressional Reception is to honor the members of the Nebraska Congressional Delegation and their staff and to recognize their dedication to Nebraska and distinguished public service. In addition, several Nebraska Society Intern Scholarship recipients were present and were briefly introduced to the room. Many guests took advantage of the warm weather and enjoyed the beautiful view of the Capitol Building while mingling outside on the balcony. ------------------------------------------- 4th Annual "States of the Big XII" Softball Tournament Co-Chairs: Nathan Mick and Pete Berlowitz With the gracious support and assistance of Colonel Anthony 'Lazer' Lazarski, Bolling Air Force Base was the site of the States of the Big XII Softball Tournament. Nine teams participated this past July under a picture perfect blue sky. The only thing hotter than the temperature was the bar-b-que provided by Red Hot & Blue. Nebraskans were represented by two teams - the Cornhuskers captained by Ali Tinkham and the Nebraska Society Mavericks led by Scott Shiller. Before his team took the field, Shiller said, "Everything looks good. We have a lot of talent. It's just a matter of putting it in the right place." During the Cornhuskers' pre-game warm-up, Tinkham was likewise optimistic, "There's a lot of tough competition out there. We're hoping to hold our own and be around at the end of the day." Both Nebraska squads battled hard against teams from Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, but did not make it past the first round. Unfortunately for Big Red fans, the color of the day would be burnt orange. The RBI's of Texas would defeat Kansas in the championship game to claim this year's title (the second win in as many years for the RBI's). During lunch, Society President Nathan Mick thanked Red Hot & Blue and Coca-Cola for their generous sponsorship. He also praised Pete Berlowitz and Cory Colhouer for their hard work in getting the tournament up and running. ------------------------------------------- Distinguished Nebraskan Award Reception Co-Chairs: Alexandra Tinkham and Jeanne Howe The Nebraska Society was proud to honor Hal Daub and Bob Kerrey as co-recipients of the 2005 Distinguished Nebraskan Award (DNA). The Award is presented annually by the Society "to individuals who help enhance the quality of life for Nebraskans around the nation and around the world by their service and dedication to the State." The DNA has been awarded since 1963. Among Mr. Daub's outstanding accomplishments are serving four-terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, being elected twice as Mayor of the City of Omaha, being appointed by President G.H.W. Bush to the National Advisory Commission on Public Service and being nominated for the Social Security Advisory Board. Mr. Kerrey served a four-year term as the Democratic Governor of Nebraska, and in 1988, was elected to the first of two terms in the U.S. Senate. Among many other impressive endeavors, he also served as a member of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States (911 Commission). Even though Daub and Kerrey were on opposite sides of the aisle during their political careers, they were more than ideological partisans. As Society Board Member Max Larsen observed, "What's interesting about these two is that they're both independent thinkers. They don't give you the standard party lines. That's very exciting." Both honorees agreed that results were more important than politics. Daub recalled that in his first month as Mayor of Omaha that he and Kerrey worked together to deal with the cleanup of a lead refinery, which helped to bring about a renaissance in the city's downtown area. According to Daub, "We didn't care about the politics, but rather what we could get done for Nebraskans." Whether it was cleaning up the Missouri River or trying to improve America's health care system, Daub said that his relationship with Kerrey was positive and cordial. Then with a smile he praised Kerrey for Kerrey's "Republican-like focus on getting things done." Kerrey said that he was honored to receive the DNA with Daub. "We competed, but we also cooperated on a variety of issues." Also recalling their work on river development as well as health care, Kerrey said that the two had become not only good partners on policy issues but also "good friends." In his introduction of Kerrey, University of Nebraska President J.B. Milliken noted how Kerrey ignored party labels and orthodoxy. Over the years Milliken said that he had been inspired by Kerrey's "courage and sense of humor that puts life in perspective" - two important qualities that Kerrey never lost, according to Milliken. He also touched on Kerrey's love of Nebraska. "No matter where he lives, he will be a Nebraskan, and a distinguished one at that," concluded Milliken. Kerrey expressed his appreciation to the Society for the award saying, "It's nice to be back among Nebraskans." He said, "It's very moving to come back and be with people that know you and to be honored by people who you admire so much." Daub was introduced by the Society's Honorary Chairman Congressman Lee Terry. Terry noted the current "morass of bitter partisanship" that pervades Washington but observed that Daub was dedicated to policy, not politics. "Daub's service," Terry said, "to the state and the nation has earned him the right to be added to the list of distinguished Nebraskans." Daub also shared his appreciation for the honor as well as his surprise at being selected. He added, "Those things you expect the least are those things that mean the most." Society Vice President Jeffrey Shapiro said the event reflected the non-partisan nature of the Society "where two pillars of Nebraska politics can come together in the best traditions of the State." Kerrey said that he appreciated the bipartisan nature of the evening but lamented the fact that it might go unnoticed by the rest of Washington. Nebraskans, however, have noticed and appreciate that Daub and Kerrey were not just politicians but statesmen and ambassadors on behalf of all Nebraskans. 2005 SPONSORS The continuing success of the Nebraska Society of Washington, D.C. would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We are proud to recognize our 2005 sponsors for their contributions and continuing assistance. 2005 PLATINUM CIRCLE MUTUAL OF OMAHA NORTHROP GRUMMAN UNION PACIFIC 2005 GOLD CIRCLE NATIONAL CAPITAL CORNHUSKERS 2005 SILVER CIRCLE AG PROCESSING INC. ALEGENT HEALTH AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY BLACKWELL SANDERS PEPER MARTIN LLP JIM AND SUSAN CLIFTON FIRST DATA CORPORATION FIRST NATIONAL BANK GENERAL MILLS, INC. PETER KIEWIT SONS, INC. LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY MIDWEST AIRLINES MORTGAGE BANKERS ASSOCIATION 2005 BRONZE CIRCLE ACKLIE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION AMERITAS LIFE INSURANCE CORPORATION THE COCA-COLA COMPANY COUNCIL OF INSURANCE AGENTS AND BROKERS OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT RED HOT AND BLUE 2005 PATRON MEMBERS LINDA AND FRED AERNI THE HONORABLE BILL AND ELSIE BARRETT JAMES AND MARY ANN BARRETT PETE AND SALLY BERLOWITZ GORDON J. BERNHARDT BORSHEIM'S FINE JEWELRY CHUCK AND CANDIE BRUSE CAROLYN C. CHANEY DR. LINDA AND JOSEPH DANIEL THE HONORABLE HAL AND MARY DAUB EDGAR C. EDWARDS LOIS M. FAHRLANDER DR. JOHN AND SHEILA HEIECK WILLIAM C. JOERN RICHARD AND JOANNE JOHNSON-LEBOVITZ KATIE JUHL LOU ANN AND KEVIN LINEHAN DANIEL AND DIANE NELSON DR. JASON AND KIMBERLY OHR CARLOS OTERO ROGER L. PETERSON AND LOUISA J. HAYWARD CONNIE RATH CAPTAIN RAYMOND AND ROBERTA SCHMIDT JAY A. SHIBA TODD AND MARY SMITH KEITH AND MELODY UPAH ROBERT AND JERI WEAVER SHIRLEY YBARRA

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