Berns create scholarship for Webster County area engineering students

The first Berns Scholarship was awarded by UNL to Ben Wademan, a sophomore industrial engineering major who is a graduate of Blue Hill High School. The $1,000 scholarship is renewable for three more years.

Henry Berns graduated from the University of Nebraska with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1961 and a master's degree in 1962. He then attended Kansas State University, where he received a doctorate in mechanical engineering in 1968 before going to work for Deere and Co., in Moline, Ill.

Berns recalled that being a student, and paying for college, is not easy. "I got along on peanuts, and I was glad to receive a scholarship or two. I've always thought if I ever got to where I could help someone else, I'd like to do that."

Henry and Marilyn Berns also give their time to a program through the United Methodist Church, Nomads on a Mission Active in Divine Service. With their 10 years of involvement in NOMADS, the Berns most recently volunteered at a boy's ranch in Gore, Okla., which helps troubled youths.

The University of Nebraska Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation that has raised private gifts to support the University of Nebraska for 72 years. Last year, almost $90 million was provided for students, faculty, academic programs, research, and for campus and building improvements on all four campuses. More information is available at www.nufoundation.org.