Dr. Jerry Pfabe recognized by Seward Women's Club
Seward, NE (09/04/2026) — Former Concordia University, Nebraska archivist and emeritus professor Dr. Jerry Pfabe was recently recognized by the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) Seward Women's Club, which named him the USA 250 History Hero prior to his history presentation at the Seward County Historical Society quarterly meeting in Goehner.
Pfabe came to Concordia University, Nebraska in 1967 to teach history courses and secondary social studies methods. In 1970, he began serving as the university's archivist. Fifty-five years later, he retired from the university in the summer of 2025.
"This was a total surprise to me," said Pfabe. "I was ready to begin my presentation on the Ku Klux Klan in Seward County, but the women wouldn't let me start and called me to the front to receive the award. I really appreciated their thoughtfulness."
Also an avid volunteer local historian, he has presented informational talks at numerous local events and the Seward Fourth of July celebration for many years and has also served as a volunteer judge for the Nebraska History Day state finals for many years.
Pfabe was presented a signed framed certificate of appreciation and sincere thanks for his volunteer efforts to preserve and present historical Seward County to area audiences and groups. Each month in 2026, the Seward Women's Club is recognizing a USA 250 Hero in recognition of the nation's semiquincentennial.
About Concordia University, Nebraska
Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.
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Photo L-R GFWC members make Jerry Pfabe a "History Hero!" Bonnie Kruse, Jeane Loos, Pfabe, Lucinda Johnson, Marilyn Kaliff and Ellen Chafgin
Concordia University, Nebraska
Amy Crawford, 402-643-7387, newsdesk@cune.eduShare this Story
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