Purpose
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes a graduate who has made outstanding contributions to the legal profession by supporting the community through hard work and diligence, selflessly paving the way for future leaders.
Qualifications
- Properly nominated.
- Graduate of the Nebraska College of Law.
- Brings credit to the Law College by virtue of their recognized professional success.
Recognition
Medal awarded at the Dean's Advisory Board Awards banquet and permanent recognition through a publicly-displayed plaque at the college.
Most Recent Winner
Hon. Cheryl R. Zwart, ’88
Cheryl R. Zwart was a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska from 2010 until her retirement in 2024. Prior to her appointment, Judge Zwart was a law clerk for U.S. Magistrate David Piester and an associate and partner at Knudsen Law Firm. She is a mentor to many young attorneys, including a cadre of law clerks, and students in her role as adjunct professor at the College of Law.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
- 2023: Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly
- 2022: Damon O. Barry
- 2020/21: Sen. Matt Williams
- 2019: Gail S. Perry
- 2018: Hon. Michael G. Heavican
- 2017: Connie Collingsworth
- 2016: Hon. William Jay Riley
- 2015: Deborah Gilg
- 2014: Hon. Vernon Daniels
- 2013: Kim M. Robak
- 2012: John M. & Janice M. Gradwohl
- 2011: Senator E. Benjamin Nelson
- 2010: Robert W. Korba
- 2009: Hon. Arlen Beam
- 2008: Clayton K. Yeutter
- 2007: Charles Thone
- 2006: Hon. Laurie Smith Camp
- 2005: Donald C. Farber
- 2004: D. Nick Caporale
- 2003: Theodore C. Sorensen
- 2002: Duane W. Acklie
CONTACT KATIE WITH QUESTIONS
Katie Pfannenstiel
Assistant Director of Community Engagement
402-472-8382
kabp@unl.edu