Thomas C. Sorensen Policy Seminar Series

In 1996, Nebraska native Tom Sorensen approached Dean Brian Foster of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to discuss three problems that troubled him, and continue to trouble people today.

The first, as Dr. Sorensen described it, is the paucity of public discussion of policy issues with a dominance of what discussion there is by only those directly affected by particular issues. The second and related problem is that too few citizens participate in public affairs and run for office. Finally, the third is that many newly elected officials, especially at the local level, know very little about their role, relevant policy issues, and policy matters in general upon assuming office.

Dr. Sorensen gave an endowment to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Arts and Sciences with the understanding that its income would support educational activities to help promote discussion of policy issues among Nebraskans, encourage their participation in public affairs and running for office, and educate newly elected officials.

For more details on past and upcoming seminar events, please see the Thomas C. Sorensen Series website.

Key Partners
University of Nebraska –Lincoln College of Arts and Sciences

Funding
Thomas C. Sorensen Endowment