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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 BSA 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.

Why I give...

“I want my legacy to my children and grandchildren to be a continuation of our national engagement in outdoor activities and preservation of wildlife throughout the United States.”
‒ John Gottschalk

“You cannot have a self-governing nation unless you have people who engage fully in their responsibilities. Scouting experiences develop a young person’s ownership and understanding of the  importance of being an involved citizen, servant leader, and a person of integrity who makes a difference for others.”
‒ John Gottschalk

Scouting Affiliation and Honors

  • BSA National President (2008-2010)
  • BSA National Executive Board Member (1994-present)
  • BSA Executive Vice President, National Council (2006-2008)
  • BSA Vice President, Administration, National Council (2002-2006)
  • 2001 National Scout Jamboree Chairman
  • Silver Buffalo Award (2002)
  • BSA Central Region Past President (1996-1999)
  • Silver Antelope Award (1998)
  • Mid-America Council Chairman (1994-1995)
  • Mid-America Council Trustee (1987-present)
  • Mid-America Council Endowment Chair (2000)
  • Mid-America Council Citizen of the Year (1998)
  • Silver Beaver Award (1995)
  • James E. West Fellowship Award
  • BSA Founders Circle Award
John Gottschalk, center, with Scouts at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree
John Gottschalk, center, with Scouts at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree
Then-National President John Gottschalk, standing, addresses the 2009 Report to the Nation delegation in Washington, D.C.
Then-National President John Gottschalk, standing, addresses the 2009 Report to the Nation delegation in Washington, D.C.
Scouts from across the nation celebrate as Past National President John Gottschalk, center, cuts the ribbon to dedicate John Gottschalk Boardwalk and John Gottschalk Causeway.
Scouts from across the nation celebrate as Past National President John Gottschalk, center, cuts the ribbon to dedicate John Gottschalk Boardwalk and John Gottschalk Causeway.

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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