Copple fund

Davises make 1st donation to Copple Fund

A gift that “represents generations of Nebraskans” is the first donation to the Neale and Olive Copple College of Journalism Excellence Fund at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, according to Dean Will Norton.

Mr. and Mrs. Woolsey (Josephine) Davis, Nebraska City, in February made the first donation to the fund, named in honor of the long-time dean who retired in 1990. The Davis’ $10,000 donation will be placed into an endowment fund with income to be used to supplement operating monies received from the state, Norton said.

The gift represents “generations of Nebraskans” because, Mrs. Davis said, four generations of her family have now graduated from UNL. Her father Joseph Berggren earned his degree from UNL and practiced law in Wahoo. She herself earned a bachelor of fine arts in education degree and taught music in Nebraska City, where she met her husband.

The two Davis children are also graduates of the university, both with distinction. William Davis of Littleton, Colo., earned a degree in electrical engineering, and Barbara Coen of Norfolk graduated from Teachers College.

The fourth generation graduated on Dec. 22, 1990, when Lisa Carstenson, daughter of Barbara Coen, earned a bachelor of journalism degree with high distinction.

“We’re proud that Lisa represents the fourth generation of our family” to graduate from UNL, Mrs. Davis said. “We’re so proud of the College of Journalism and all it did for our granddaughter.” It was appreciation for the education Lisa received in the College of Journalism that influenced the Davis’ decision to donate to the Copple Excellence Fund.

“This is a very special donation,” Norton said. “It is the first gift to the newly created Neale Copple Excellence Fund, and it also represents the commitment of generations of Nebraskans – a commitment not only to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln but also to the state and its communities.”