Czech President Petr Pavel visited the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on Sept. 24 — a historic day highlighting more than a century of educational, cultural and familial ties between Nebraska and the European nation with which it shares deep historical connections.
Pavel is in the United States for the U.N. General Assembly and wanted to visit the most Czech state, Nebraska, during his travels. Per capita, Nebraska boasts the highest percentage of residents claiming Czech ancestry. Pavel’s visit included a stop at the National Guard Armory in Lincoln, remarks at the university, a luncheon with Gov. Jim Pillen and invited guests, and a tour of Wilber, Nebraska, colloquially known as the Czech capital of the U.S.
Pavel receives a Cornhusker Czechs shirt from Miss Czech-Slovak U.S. Karolina Dvořák, a junior nutritional science and dietetics major, following his remarks in Kimball Recital Hall.
During his remarks in Kimball Recital Hall to a crowd of about 450 people, Pavel thanked the university for its long-standing commitment to Czech language education, and the numerous educational exchanges the country and the university have launched and continued to develop. He recognized the importance of Nebraska in maintaining understanding and friendship between the U.S. and the Czech Republic.
“For a Czech president, Nebraska is not just another school in America,” he said. “It is a place where an important chapter of the Czech story was written. Starting in the 19th century, tens of thousands of Czechs settled here in search of freedom and opportunity. They helped build Nebraska, and with it, a lasting bridge between our states. This university has been an important part of the story.
“More than a century ago, students here created the Komensky Club because they believed that language, culture and education could connect two worlds. They were right, and that connection still matters today. We need Americans who understand Europe and Europeans who understand America. Universities like yours help make that possible.”
Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson introduced Pavel and NU system President Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, noting that the university’s Czech Studies Program has existed more than 100 years. Founded in 1907, it is the oldest and largest Czech studies program in the U.S. and was created through the efforts of UNL’s Komensky Club, a group of Czech students who formed the club in 1904.
“They were students,” Ankerson said. “And while they had no budget, what they did have was the conviction that the language spoken in their homes was worth teaching in the university classroom.
“But a language is not kept alive by an institution. It is kept alive by people, people who hand it to the next generation on purpose, and with a conviction and trust that the next generation will carry the torch onward.”
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln now boasts more than 25 education abroad and exchange partnerships with Czech universities, which are driven by interest from students, said Maegan Stevens-Liska, assistant vice chancellor for global affairs.
“Students studying abroad often want to connect their academic experience abroad with their family heritage,” she said. “Demand for programs in the Czech Republic has increased in recent years, and we continue to add and expand our Czech-based offerings.”
Following remarks by Gold, Pavel delivered his address and took several questions collected from students enrolled in Czech studies, and from Paul Robitschek Scholars, a cohort of students from the Czech Republic currently attending UNL.
During the question-and-answer session, Pavel discussed topics ranging from cultural exchange and Czech history to current geopolitical challenges, including NATO's role in Europe and support for Ukraine. Pavel warned of Russia’s aggression in Europe, calling the country’s actions hybrid warfare, and keeping attacks just below NATO’s Article 5 threshold.
Petr Pavel listens as University of Nebraska–Lincoln Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson speaks during a meeting inside the Westbrook Music Building.
“I am using the power of civil society today quite often when trying to convince coalition relationships with the Czech Republic, for example, about the need to support Ukraine,” Pavel said. “That is not a matter of if we like or dislike Ukraine or Ukrainians. It's a matter of principle. It's a matter of our own protection and dignity.”
A question from a Robitschek Scholar asked what American value or characteristic they should bring back with them to the Czech Republic when they return from studying at Nebraska. Pavel first encouraged all students to study abroad, citing his own experience when he was younger of traveling to Washington, D.C., before shifting to his answer.
“I think it's hard work, initiative, because this country was built on people who had to fight for the future,” he said. “It's also a kind of individualism that is always a dual-edged sword, and I would take it from the positive side, taking responsibility for one life and then taking responsibility for the others."
Asked what Americans might take from Czech culture, Pavel paused before delivering a lighthearted answer.
"Our sense of humor," he said, drawing laughter from the audience
