Back to School: Education Artifacts from the U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel Archives

Criss Library first floor – During his twelve years representing Nebraska in the U.S. Senate (1997-2009), Chuck Hagel visited schools all over Nebraska and spoke to countless teachers and administrators. The items on display are a mix of photographs of Hagel on K-12 school visits, awards and gifts of appreciation from education groups, and Hagel’s UNO diploma and senior picture. Future exhibits will be more document-heavy, focusing on Hagel’s legislative efforts on behalf of students and educators. Also on display are documents from the Office of Latino/Latin American Studies (OLLAS) here at UNO and a 1979 UNO Club Hockey game worn jersey.

The exhibit was curated by Hagel Archivist Lori Schwartz with assistance from Abigail Cape, Stephen Fogle, and Claire Du Laney. For more information about the U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel Archives, click here. New material from the Hagel Archives is now open for research. Campaign Records include Hagel's campaigns for U.S. Senate in 1996 and 2002, his work on behalf of in-state and national candidates, and his involvement with the National and Nebraska Republican parties. Personal Papers cover Hagel's life before, after, and outside of his official duties in the U.S. Senate and U.S. Department of Defense. They contain biographical information, correspondence, family, board positions, memberships, and book files.

UNO alum Chuck Hagel served as a soldier in Vietnam, a U.S. Senator (NE-R) for twelve years (1997-2009), and a U.S. Secretary of Defense for two (2013-2015). When he left the U.S. Senate, he donated his records to UNO. They became the U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel Archives.