Nixon's Visit

The 1970s at the University was not immune to conflict. However, the community during this time was strong. National championship football seasons definitely contributed to the zest of the community. As a result President Nixon made a visit to the University where he made a speech at the Coliseum. The speech was supposed to be about the importance of youth in American society. Nevertheless, the speech segued into a type of football pep rally that, while restricted to students and faculty, had a big impact on the community of the University (University of Nebraska News Service).

The community was very supportive of the University’s football team. Naturally, winning a national championship strengthened the bond between the University and the community. The bond strengthened further when the President came to give a special trophy to the University. However, the bond was also tested because, consistent with the conflict of the decade, not everyone was happy with the President and didn’t want him coming to Lincoln. Protests within the community were formed and planned for the event.

Four groups in the community formed to protest the event. Peace groups were the ones primarily protesting. The group Mothers for Peace consisting of singing mothers and children was not alone. The Free Speech Movement even tried to make their protest reflect football cheers (“Peace Groups”). Overall, the President’s visit was a positive one for the community and the University. Only some of the students at the speech did raise clenched fists or peace signs (Rosenbloom).

4-H

One of the strongest outlets between the University and the community during the 1970s was the 4-H program. It served as an outreach for youth and adults in the community. While the 4-H program did not become an extension of the University during the 1970s, it was a strong program that wasn’t hindered by conflict like much of the University was. It was able to help the community throughout the state by sending out pamphlets and correspondences directly to homes.

The positive impact on the community couldn’t be carried out without more help to the University. Donors to the 4-H program provided financial support, time, and counsel to help the extension of the University run smoothly. One chancellor during the 1970s, Joseph Soshnik, was one who took the time to send out special recognition to those who helped keep the 4-H program running, which served as the bridge between the University and the community (Soshnik). Due to the 4-H program’s success, men could receive farming advice, women could receive baking and sewing information, and youth could benefit by being directly in the 4-H program.