The University of Nebraska-Lincoln recently welcomed the ambassador of the Czech Republic, Miloslav Stašek, during a diplomatic mission dinner party to celebrate Czech culture and highlight connections the Czech embassy hopes to make in Nebraska. The event included Czech folk music, singing of national anthems, and a buffet-style dinner where various guests spoke about Czech heritage in Nebraska, the Nebraska National Guard’s partnership with the Czech Republic, and the Czech language department at UNL. Secretary of State Robert Evnen awarded Stašek with honorary Nebraskan citizenship. Stašek discussed the importance of the Czech Republic’s partnership with the Nebraska National Guard, the embassy’s goal to gain more collaboration in business and agriculture, and plans to work with the university on joint projects to bring innovation to Czech agriculture. UNL doctoral student Rachel Sweeney sang pieces from two operas by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák to celebrate Czech culture in Nebraska. Czech cultural attaché Jan Woska and honorary consul Sharon Valasek spoke about their involvement with the embassy and opportunities for students to study abroad and gain cultural ties to the Czech Republic. The event showcased a sense of pride and joy in sharing Czech culture and building new connections with the Nebraska community.

Article by Prague Forum