THE INNOCENTS SOCIETY
The Chancellor's Senior Honorary
University of Nebraska
Nebraska Union
Lincoln, Nebraska
Dear Junior:
The Innocents Society was founded at the University of Nebraska on April 24, 1903 through the
efforts of several notable alumni, including George Condra and Roscoe Pound. Thirteen juniors were
chosen for the Chancellor’s Senior Honorary based on academic excellence, campus leadership, and
selfless service. These first Innocents took charge of such activities as supervising pep rallies, selecting
yell squad members, and organizing homecoming festivities. Their goal was to promote school spirit and
to create an appreciation for the greater ideals for which Nebraska stands. These values still describe the
Innocents Society today.
Each year 13 new members are selected based on superior academic achievement, unparalleled
leadership, and selfless service. Unlike most senior honoraries, the Innocents Society is uniquely
Nebraskan, forming a link between the faculty and the student body while guarding significant University
of Nebraska traditions. In addition, the Innocents Society prides itself in being an active organization.
The juniors accepted into membership of the Innocents Society are expected to give significant time and
energy to the organization.
Former members of the Innocents Society include former Senator and Governor Bob Kerrey, former
United States Secretary of Agriculture Clayton Yeutter, former Governor Norbert Tiemann, previous
University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken, Nebraska State Attorney General Jon Bruning,
former NFL player Kyle Vanden Bosch, Namesake of the E.N. Thompson Forum Elwood N. Thompson,
University of Nebraska-Kearney Chancellor Douglas A. Kristensen, and former Mayor of Lincoln Don
Wesely. Honorary Innocents include former Senator Chuck Hagel, Chancellor Harvey Perlman, Athletic
Director and Former Congressman Tom Osborne, President Emeritus Martin Massengale, the late
Athletic Director Bob Devaney, former Governor Charles Thone, former Governor Kay Orr, and former
Congressman Doug Bereuter.
Throughout the past year, the Innocents Society has co-sponsored Masters Week, continued a new
trophy exchange with the University of Iowa’s President’s Leadership Society during the Nebraska-Iowa
football game, hosted the Blood Rivals Blood Drive, organized a service trip across the state of Nebraska,
participated in homecoming activities, and co-hosted numerous events with Chancellor Perlman.
Currently, the Innocents Society is planning the annual Ivy Day celebration and other philanthropic and
social events.
If you have any questions regarding the application or the organization, contact Alex Wirth, Justine
McCarty, or any member of the Society listed below, or visit our website at http://innocents.unl.edu.
Alexander Wirth
Selections Co-Chair
alexwirth2@gmail.com
Justine McCarty
Selections Co-Chair
justine.mccarty@gmail.com
Christopher Davidson
cdavidson222@gmail.com
Jonathan Berger
jonathanberger11@gmail.com
Alex Kindopp
alex.kindopp@huskers.unl.edu
Liz Uehling
lizuehling@hotmail.com
Brendon Henning
brendonhenning@gmail.com
Jake Vasa
jakevasa@gmail.com
Kevin Real
kevinreal123@gmail.com
Alia Noetzel
alia.noetzel@gmail.com
Ryan Geisert
rgeisert94@gmail.com
Jose Lemus
joselemus3@gmail.com
Jeremy Payne
jsp1399@gmail.com
Full Name: _____________________________ Student Identification # __________________________
Current Address: ________________________________________ZIP: __________________________
E-mail Address: ______________________________________ Phone #: _________________________
Name(s) of Parent(s): __________________________________________________________________
Home Address: ____________________________________________ ZIP:_______________________
College: ____________________________________________ Cumulative G.P.A.: ________________
Major(s): _________________________________ Minor(s): ___________________________________
Transfer Student? ______If so, from where? ________________________________________________
Intended Graduation Date: ____________ Total Credit Hours Completed: ________________________

Expected number of credit hours completed towards your undergraduate degree as of
August 2016:_______

Number of semesters you have served the University (must have completed at least 89 hours and
served no less than four or more than six academic semesters) ________

Will you be attending the University of Nebraska- Lincoln as a full-time student throughout the 20162017 academic year? Yes No (circle one)

If ‘No’ please explain:
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
A Note on Eligibility:
The Innocents Society only considers applications from juniors who will enjoy senior standing (having
completed at least 89 hours) at the start of the 2016-2017 academic year. Direct questions regarding
eligibility to the Innocents Selection Co-Chairs, Alex Wirth and Justine McCarty.
A Note on Tackling:
A century-old tradition of the Innocents Society is a ceremonial tackling that signifies a student’s
acceptance into the Society. This tackling plays a role in connecting present-day Innocents with Innocents
of the past. In no way is tackling meant as a form of hazing or harassment. Those with concerns about
being tackled are encouraged to include a brief explanation on a separate sheet of paper. Expressed
concerns will not affect the selection process. Any further questions can be directed to the Society’s
advisor Ben Zitek at bzitek@nufoundation.org or 402-326-9290.
Grade Release Form:
I authorize the release of all academic information needed for consideration of my membership into the
Innocents Society.
Date:_________________
Signature:__________________________________________________
Return two copies of your completed application in a single sealed envelope labeled “Innocents Society”
no later than 4:00 pm Friday, January 22, 2016 to 106 Canfield Administration Building.
Applications should not be stapled or bound in any way. One preference form is also due at this time, but
should be in an envelope separate from your application.
I.
Academic Résumé:
On an additional page (limit to one page only), include an academic résumé that lists and briefly explains
academic involvement and honorary organizations of which you are a member, as well as any honors and
awards in chronological order (freshman, sophomore, and junior year). Please also provide your
cumulative GPA, major(s), and minor(s). Do not put your name on this page.
II. Extracurricular Résumé:
On an additional page (limit to one page only), include an extracurricular résumé that lists and briefly
explains major extracurricular, college, community activities, and work experiences in chronological
order (freshman, sophomore, and junior year). Do not put your name on this page.
III. Essay Questions:
Please answer each of the following questions on a separate sheet of paper. Each response must be typed,
double-spaced, contain no more than 300 words (please do not extend beyond one typed page), and be
numbered appropriately. Do not put your name on any of these pages.
1) Describe one of your most significant intellectual endeavors or personal undertakings. How has
it shaped your life thus far?
2) Explain your leadership philosophy and apply it to a leadership role you have held at UNL.
3) How do you embody selfless service? Illustrate with examples.
4) Imagine you just finished writing a 1500 page autobiography. Reproduce page 1313.
5) Write a unique prompt. Answer this prompt in no more than 300 words.
IV. Letter of Recommendation:
Include one letter of recommendation in a signed (by the writer), sealed envelope.
V. Submission Guidelines:
1) Two copies are required of your entire application.
2) If you apply to two or more honor societies, you only need to submit one preference form.
3) Only the pages that have spaces for your name or signature should contain your name. Absolutely
no other pages should include your name.
4) Your application should not be stapled or bound in any way.
5) Sealed envelopes holding your application should have “Innocents Society” written on the front.
Return two copies of your completed application in a single sealed envelope labeled “Innocents Society”
no later than 4:00 pm Friday, January 22, 2016 to 106 Canfield Administration Building.
Applications should not be stapled or bound in any way. One preference form is also due at this time, but
should be in an envelope separate from your application.
Class and Activity Schedule:
Please list your 2016 spring semester class schedule, as well as any regular afternoon or evening activities of which you are a part.
Class/Activity
Professor/Sponsor
Contact Information
Meeting Time/Days
Location
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________