The Dean of Travel

NU wins Big 12 North by beating KSU

Senior Day at Memorial Stadium added to the buzz of the night, a perfect evening to play football!

 

The flags are presented to Memorial Stadium.

The defense gets one more pep talk from coach Pelini.  Suh was kind enough to remove his helmet for me. 

 

Last dance at Memorial Stadium for Suh.

 

What's a football game without a cheerleader?

 Let's getter done!

Gettin it done with DEFENSE!

 

Finishing it off with offense!   Is that really the fullback with the football?

 Zac Lee fights for extra yards.

 

Touchdown McNeill!

 Time to celebrate!

In pursuit of happiness, more like running for his life.

 

Helu gives a stiff arm for more yardage.

 

To be neighborly, here's one for the KSU fans. 

 

Thankfully we have someone named Alex who can kick!

 

Can you say FUMBLE?!  Dillard on the attack.

 Hold your hands up if you were happy like me to see Burkhead back?

Coach Pelini explains he's already married. 

Congratulations to the Huskers for winning the north division.  Now, please go to CU and remind them of why we are tired of their bad manners.

Cheers,

Dean

Hoover Elementary - West Branch Iowa

On Friday, Nov. 20th, I had the privilege of spending the day at Hoover Elementary in West Branch Iowa.  This was my second visit to the school. 

 

A cool sign welcomes me back to Hoover Elementary.

 

Young minds and hearts prepare to learn about the mountain gorillas of Rwanda.

 

And away we go!

Group photo to finish the assembly!

 

The day included writing workshops with the fourth grade students.

 

A special thank you to Mrs. Boul for helping organize my day at West Branch, and for her friendship.

Cheers,

Dean

West Branch Iowa- Hoover museum.

Situated along the south side of Interstate 80 in eastern Iowa is the small town of West Branch.  The town of a little over 2,000 people sits quietly, mostly unnoticed by the speeding semi trucks and cars trying to reach some important destination.   Lost to most people racing by is the fact that a United States President is buried within eyes distance, President Herbert Hoover.   Born in the small town to a Quaker family, and orphaned because of their premature death, Hoover's story is an American story, from nothing to everything.  

Eight months into his term the stock market crashed, the 31st President became the scapegoat for the entire mess.

He was one of two Presidents in the history of our country who donated his salary to charities.    He refused to allow his children to be used for political propaganda.  He helped feed a billion people across the world after the world wars. The list goes on and on. 

I had a window of free time and spent Wednesday afternoon walking and reading at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library. 

 

The entrance of the museum.

 

In 1962 President Harry Truman gave a speech at the dedication of the library.   It is good to remember that Hoover was a Republican and Truman a Democrat, but the two we close friends. 

 

The resting place of President Hoover and his wife Lou over look the park and the land where Hoover once played as a child. 

I left the museum impressed and inspired by the contribution Hoover made to our country and wish to thank the staff of the museum for their kindness.  I'm always grateful for open windows of time that allow me to learn, grow and explore!

Cheers,

Dean

Iowa City

It has been a busy week so far in Iowa City IA.

First was a brief stop to visit my friends at Weber Elementary.

 

 

Thank you for your smiling faces. 

 

The Stanley Foundation from Muscatine IA prepares for the 13th Annual International Day.  The conference began with the keynote presentation, "Wondrous Journey."  A special thanks of appreciation to the Stanley Foundation for bringing me to Iowa. www.stanleyfoundation.org

Later in the afternoon, another presentation on the University of Iowa campus.

One never knows how lives are touched when you share a message from the heart. 

Cheers,

Dean

10-11 News to air interview on Monday, Nov. 16th

Photo by Don Bowen

Lance Schwartz from 10-11 News interviews me at the Blue Bottle Thursday before the Midland College presentation. 

Proceeds from Thursday's presentation went to Rebuilding Together;  http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/  who offer a helping hand to those in our community with a need. 

I received a email today from Lance, informing me the program will air this Monday in Lincoln.  

Originally it was to air after Thanksgiving, but what they had scheduled for Monday fell through, so in goes Dean.

Lance said it would be posted online after 9 pm. http://www.1011now.com/

Here's a direct link to the story: http://www.1011now.com/home/headlines/70245352.html

Cheers,

Dean

Sandburg Elementary-Centennial CO

The students and staff took a Wondrous Journey with me as we explored together 28 countries!

 

 

Principal McDonald prepares the students for the journey!

Lenski Elementary-Centennial CO

Two magical days at Lenski Elementary  in Centennial CO, as the students and staff took a Wondrous Journey and Writing Adventure!

 

 

Dr. DeSpain prepares the students for the journey.

 

Away we go!

 

Working with students and their writing.

 

Hanging out with future authors.

Thank you to the students and staff of Lenski Elementary for making our time together special.

Cheers,

Dean

Centennial Elementary in Littleton CO

After a morning of Halloween parades, parties and candy last Friday, Centennial Elementary took a Wondrous Journey!

Costumes off and ready to explore the world!

Cheers,

Dean