David Forsythe was recognized by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Emeriti and Retirees Association at its first meeting Sept. 24. The meeting, held virtually via Zoom, was hosted by Chancellor Ronnie Green.
Forsythe, Charles J. Mach distinguished professor of political science, emeritus, received the 2020 Wisherd Award for Outstanding Community Service.
Since retiring in 2010, Forsythe has continued engagement in the Nebraska Chapter of the United Nations Association, been active in leading Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes, and has organized the annual Winter Lecture Series sponsored by the Unitarian church.
The award carries a $500 honorarium and all recipients donated their honoraria to the university’s Emergency Aid to Students program.
Wisherd awards memorialize Maude Wisherd, who was a librarian at Nebraska from 1916-1955. After retiring, she worked at the historical society for another 10 years. During her lifetime, faculty received very little in retirement benefits; Wisherd helped establish the Emeriti Association in 1961 to help destitute retirees. She died in 1978. Her only survivor, a sister, Zelma, herself a Nebraska graduate, left 20 percent of her estate to the University of Nebraska Foundation to benefit emeriti.
