Brian Depew, Center for Rural Affairs executive director, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext. 1015; or Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext 1025
LYONS, NEBRASKA - Chuck and Barb Francis, of Lincoln, Neb., will receive the Center for Rural Affairs’ 2016 Seventh Generation Award at an awards ceremony on March 10 in York, Neb.
The Seventh Generation Award is a lifetime service award presented to an individual or individuals who have made major contributions in improving rural life and protecting our land and water.
“Chuck and Barb are longtime friends of the Center, having supported multiple areas of our work through both their personal and professional affiliations and as advocates for a more sustainable rural future,” said Brian Depew, Center for Rural Affairs executive director.
Chuck is an agronomist on the faculty of the University of Nebraska. He also teaches agroecology for Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Several Center staff have taken Chuck’s classes at the University of Nebraska. Barb is a Spanish teacher at Montessori School for Young Children, active in Wachiska Audubon Chapter, a long-term supporter of local food and farmers, concerned about water conservation and recycling, and has worked with refugees in Nebraska.
“Chuck has partnered with the Center on a number of projects, often providing an important university partnership that makes projects come together,” Depew said.
While the Center’s work focuses domestically, Chuck and Barb’s vision knows no such bounds. Their work and volunteer efforts have touched people in Colombia, the Philippines and Norway, where Barb has worked with asylum seekers.
They are longtime supporters of the Center for Rural Affairs.
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