Two years after his inauguration, President Richard Nixon visited the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to honor the Huskers’ first national football title.
During the Jan. 14, 1971, event in a packed Coliseum, Nixon presented a presidential plaque to coach Bob Devaney and team captains Dan Schneiss and Jerry Murtaugh. The plaque noted Nebraska’s No. 1 ranking by the Associated Press, Orange Bowl victory and Big Eight championship.
Devaney was humbled by the president’s visit.
“This is the greatest honor ever bestowed on any team,” Devaney said. “To think the President of the United States would take time to make this presentation. It means a tremendous lot to the team and the university. Thank you.”
Nixon also delivered a speech directed at America’s youth. He outlined his 1970 executive order that created a National Center for Voluntary Action, noting that it would “open new opportunities for millions of Americans of all ages to the extent that they wish to contribute their time, their talents and their hearts to building better communities and a better world.”
He further called for rolling the Peace Corps, VISTA and other volunteer agencies into the national center. Nixon said he planned to send a message to Congress asking for the merger.
The presidential visit came in the days of Vietnam War protests nationwide. Due to the celebratory nature of Nixon’s visit, no major upheaval was recorded on campus that day. However, two minor protests — including a student chant of “Peace now” that was drowned out by applause — quickly fizzled.
The other “protest” came as Nixon walked across campus and a student tossed a snowball at the president. Nixon responded by making his own snowball and playfully lobbing it toward the student.
Today, another politician will visit the Coliseum and talk directly to students as Nebraska’s 150th year celebration rolls into Charter Week. Sen. Ben Sasse (R – Nebraska) will discuss how Huskers can change the future in a face-to-face discussion with students at 5:30 p.m.
The presentation is open to students, faculty and staff. Tickets are available at the welcome desks in the unions on City and East campuses. A valid NCard is needed to receive a ticket and for admission into the talk.
Learn more about the conversation with Sasse and other Charter Week events.
