“Word Sender” was the name given to Neihardt by the Oglala Lakota holy man Black Elk. It describes someone whose words spread far and wide to bring good words of knowledge and inspiration. After listening to Mr. Cavett speak, it is clear he is truly deserving of this award.
Here is my award presentation-
"When John G. Neihardt, Nebraska’s Poet Laureate in Perpetuity, appeared on the nationally-televised Dick Cavett Show on June 12, 1972, it stimulated additional interest in Neihardt’s work. In a quote from a Cavett website, “A book decades old was re-born and Dr. Neihardt's publisher, the University of Nebraska Press, had to literally run the presses around the clock. Fan mail poured in about the show and new Neihardt readers were virtually tearful in their gratitude.”
The Neihardt Foundation Board has talked for over a decade about recognizing the person responsible for bringing increased attention to the works of Neihardt and are virtually tearful in our gratitude for what you have done."
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| Dick Cavett, Martha Rogers Cavett, Ron Hull, Tim Anderson, Amy Kucera, and Mark Brohman meeting at the Neihardt site in Bancroft before the show. Photo by Jon Cerny. |
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| Walt Duda and I presenting the Word Sender |
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| Four great minds at work |
