Sower Award in the Humanities

2026 Sower Award in the Humanities Recipient: Margaret Hornady David.

Humanities Nebraska (HN) has selected Grand Island’s Margaret Hornady-David to receive the 2026 Sower Award in the Humanities. Hornady’s nomination by Bonnie Smith and numerous letters of support highlighted her dedication to arts, history, and culture; her tireless volunteerism and deep generosity; and her unwavering advocacy for the humanities.

With an educational background in history and English, Hornady was the first female mayor of Grand Island. Nominator Smith noted, “Beyond philanthropy, Margi has devoted countless volunteer hours and exceptional leadership to her hometown and across the state . . . Her support extends beyond financial contributions; she actively mentors, cultivates partnerships, inspires civic engagement, and encourages others to invest their time and resources in cultural endeavors and institutions.”

In her letter of support, Grand Island Community Foundation executive director Melissa DeLaet noted that Hornady “has invested her time, talent, and resources in many of Central Nebraska’s cultural treasures, including the Stuhr Museum, Grand Island Little Theatre, Grand Island Partnership for the Arts, and the Museum of Nebraska Art.”

Heartland United Way president Karen Rathke added that Hornady’s involvement with statewide organizations such as the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Nebraska Arts Council, and Humanities Nebraska “has helped ensure that Nebraskans of all ages can engage with history, art, and cultural experiences that deepen our understanding of ourselves and our communities.”

Hornady will be honored on October 27, 2026, at a benefit reception and dinner preceding the 31st Annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities in Lincoln. Following the Sower Award presentation at Embassy Suites, Humanities Nebraska and the E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues will present

About the Sower Award in the Humanities

The 2026 Sower Award in the Humanities will be presented on at Lincoln’s Embassy Suites on Tuesday. October 27, 2026 immediately before the 31st Annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

Humanities Nebraska presents the Sower Award in the Humanities annually to honor an individual who has made a significant contribution to the public understanding of the humanities in Nebraska. This contribution can be made through any combination of time, expertise, or resources. The selection committee will consider how nominees have helped enrich the lives of Nebraskans through the humanities: history, literature, culture, philosophy, and all the ways we explore what it means to be human.

Each year, the Sower Award in the Humanities is presented prior to the annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities. The award recipient must agree to attend the event in person. In some past years the Sower Award was presented to organizations or communities; as of 2016, only individuals are eligible for nomination. Current board and staff members of Humanities Nebraska are not eligible.

Previous honorees have included: 

  • Talented humanities faculty who have taken the humanities to the public beyond their classroom;
  • Committed volunteers dedicating their time and energy to enhancing the cultural life of Nebraska;
  • Thoughtful journalists and filmmakers bringing the humanities to bear on important public issues;
  • Generous philanthropists who have directed significant financial support to humanities-related programs and projects accessible by Nebraskans

Past Sower Award Recipients:

Individuals: Marian Andersen (2015), Robert Audi (1984), Keith Blackledge, Marion Marsh Brown (1994), Gene Bunge (1982), Jack Campbell (2001), State Sen. LaVon Crosby, Beth S. Dotan, Ph.D. (2023), Nancy Duncan, Walter Friedlander (1986), Judi gaiashkibos (2012), John Gottschalk (2011), Natalie Hahn (2020), Richard Holland (2009), Jane Renner Hood (2013), Anne M. Hubbard (2024), Ron Hull (2000), Ted Kooser (2006), Mary C. López (2025), Frederick Luebke (1990), Robert Manley (1988), Jack McBride (1996), Gary Moulton (2005), Ron Naugle (2003), Robert Nefsky (1998, 2014), Paul Olson, Don Pederson (2010), Rhonda Seacrest (1992), Todd Simon (2017), Joe Seger, Bernice Slote (1982), Annette and Paul Smith (2015), Pamela Hilton Snow (2018), Joe Starita (2019), E.N. “Jack” Thompson (2002), Charles “Chuck” Trimble (2007), Morrie Tuttle, Katherine L. Walter (2022), Don Welch (2004), Larry Wewel, and John R. Wunder (2021).

Institutions*: Beatrice Public Library (1982), Commercial Federal Savings and Loan (1988), Cooper Foundation (1986), El Museo Latino, Holdrege Public Library (1982), InterNorth Foundation, Peter Kiewit Foundation (1992), Nebraska Educational Telecommunications (2008), Nebraska Federation of Women’s Clubs (1994), the Omaha World Herald (1999), Septemberfest Committee of Omaha, Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer (1990), Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Education Foundation (1984), and the Woods Charitable Fund (1982).

Communities*: Aurora (1984), Central City (1990), Chadron, Cozad, David City (1986), Gering (1994), Henderson (1982), Oakland (1992), Scottsbluff (1994), Seward (1988), and Verdigre.

*As of 2016, institutions and communities are no longer eligible for the Sower Award.

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