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
Rebecca L. Gould, ‘01
Rebecca (Becky) is the executive director of Nebraska Appleseed, a non-profit organization that fights for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans. Becky is a native Nebraskan and previously practiced poverty law in Nebraska since 2001. She's served on the Center for Rural Affairs Board of Directors and currently serves on the Granary Board for the same organization.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
- 2024: Hon. Cheryl R. Zwart
- 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