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John Gottschalk

In high school John Gottschalk received an “A+” on an English paper with a note from his teacher: “You can do better.” Confused by the message, John asked his father for advice. He responded, “Son, she wants everything you’ve got. If there is an opportunity or a responsibility to do well, give it everything you’ve got.”

Since then, John’s commitment to making a difference with everything he’s got has been evident in his professional career as a 4th-generation newspaper publisher and owner along with his visionary community leadership, quiet philanthropy, and outdoor advocacy. His extensive servant leadership with Scouting, includes a term as the 2008-2010 BSA National President, where he led the Scouting America National Executive Board to commit to the historic establishment of the world-class Summit Bechtel Reserve.  

Professionally, John is the retired president, chairman, publisher, and CEO of Omaha World-Herald Company, Inc.

Venues at Summit Bechtel Reserve

Entrance to John Gottschalk Boardwalk, which veers to the right in this photo, and John Gottschalk Causeway, which leads to BSA Presidents Brownsea Island and can be seen here in the background left.
Entrance to John Gottschalk Boardwalk, which veers to the right in this photo, and John Gottschalk Causeway, which leads to BSA Presidents Brownsea Island and can be seen here in the background left.
Scouts travel along John Gottschalk Boardwalk.
Scouts travel along John Gottschalk Boardwalk.
John Gottschalk Boardwalk and John Gottschalk Causeway
John Gottschalk Boardwalk and John Gottschalk Causeway
John Gottschalk Causeway is the only pedestrian path to BSA Presidents Brownsea Island
John Gottschalk Causeway is the only pedestrian path to BSA Presidents Brownsea Island
The closing campfire torch arrives at Brownsea Island after passing over John Gottschalk Causeway.
The closing campfire torch arrives at Brownsea Island after passing over John Gottschalk Causeway.
John Gottschalk Boardwalk along Goodrich Lake
John Gottschalk Boardwalk along Goodrich Lake
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John Gottschalk Boardwalk winds along the banks of Goodrich Lake
John Gottschalk Boardwalk winds along the banks of Goodrich Lake

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