DON WELCH

Don Welch was the author of thirty-three books of poetry that championed Nebraskans, nature, and the imagination.  Most notably, he was the winner of seven poetry prizes including the distinguished Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry when judged by William Stafford in 1980. 

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Among a legion of others, his loving wife Marcia and father "Dutch" are key influences reflected throughout his work. 

A beloved and award-winning teacher as well, he taught at the University of Nebraska at Kearney for over fifty years.  A bronze statue of Welch has stood in Kearney, Nebraska, since 2001.