John Gottschalk remembered for his advocacy of University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska Foundation mourns the passing of John Gottschalk, a longtime supporter of the University of Nebraska who served as the foundation’s interim president and chief executive officer in 2012.
Gottschalk of Omaha, retired publisher and chief executive officer of the Omaha World-Herald, died Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at the age of 81. Gottschalk, who studied journalism and political science at the University of Nebraska, will be remembered for his dedication to his home state of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska. He was known for his work ethic and his belief in active citizenship and philanthropy.
While serving as the foundation’s interim president and CEO from February 2012 to September 2012, he often arrived for work at the foundation’s Lincoln office by 6 a.m. He declined any compensation during his eight-month tenure.
“John stepped in as interim CEO during an important time of transition at the foundation,” said Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation. “John generously gave of his time, using his business experience to help the foundation’s board and management through that transition while strengthening the organization in many ways. I was very fortunate to follow in his footsteps. John cared deeply about the university and understood its importance to Nebraska’s future. He will be missed.”
In 2013, the foundation awarded Gottschalk the Perry W. Branch Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service, which honors individuals who exemplify extraordinary service and commemorates the importance of volunteers to the organization. Gottschalk also served as chair of the UNL Campaign Committee and on the executive committee for Campaign for Nebraska: Unlimited Possibilities, which concluded in 2014 after raising more than $1.8 billion to support the University of Nebraska.
He and his wife, Carmen, supported the University of Nebraska and community causes through their family foundation. The couple also served as University of Nebraska Foundation Trustees. John and Carmen are natives of Rushville, Nebraska, and it was there that John recalled learning about philanthropy as a teen through the example set by his grandfather.
In the 2006 edition of the foundation’s “Portraits of Philanthropy: Personal Reflections on Giving,” Gottschalk reflected on his grandfather’s “quiet gifting of an educated future.” On at least three occasions, he recalled that his grandfather paid the tuition for local youths whose families could not provide the support to send them to college. Through philanthropy, “we strive to make a difference.”
“True philanthropy transforms conditions and, most importantly, people,” Gottschalk said.
About the University of Nebraska Foundation
The University of Nebraska Foundation grows relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. During the most recent fiscal year, a record $388.8 million in new funds were committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. In addition, 57,603 donors supported the University of Nebraska. Alumni engagement and fundraising are efficient, with the University of Nebraska receiving more than $7 in gifts for every $1 spent. Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future is its current campaign with a goal to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. More information is at OnlyinNebraska.org.
