Thursday, 26 June 2008 11:31

In his book Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History, NU graduate Theodore "Ted" Sorensen recalls his role as a legendary speechwriter, counselor and close friend of President John F. Kennedy. Sorensen played a critical part in the decisions and communications surrounding the Cuban missile crisis, civil rights movement, development of the space exploration program and other turning points in the Kennedy administration. With his recent gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation, Sorensen has left one more legacy: The Theodore C. Sorensen Public Service Scholarship.

The permanently endowed scholarship will be awarded by the UNL College of Arts and Sciences to one or more seniors who, in the legacy of Sorensen, have demonstrated superior academic performance and a commitment to public service in the United States. Sorensen previously established an endowed fellowship fund in the College of Law to support students committed to public service.

Sorensen is a native of Lincoln. After earning a bachelor's degree from UNL in 1949 and a Juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1951, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he met and began working with John F. Kennedy. After JFK's death, Sorensen worked in New York City as a lawyer, where he continued to advise governments and corporations worldwide.

"My new book makes clear that much of what I have accomplished in these 80 years is due to my upbringing and education in Nebraska," Sorensen said. "It is my hope that my fellowship at the law school and these new scholarships at the College of Arts and Sciences will help other young Nebraskans in the future who share my interest in public service." Sorensen visited Nebraska in June for an event hosted by University of Nebraska President J.B. Milliken and several book signings.

With the support of Ted Sorensen, students dedicated to pursuing an education in public service can actualize their abilities now, while at the University of Nebraska, and later, in local, national and global endeavors.