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March 24, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue contextMrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I rise today to pay special tribute to Marilyn Mitchell of Norfolk, NE. Marilyn's dedication to music and the arts has enriched the cultural life of communities across our State, made evident by the Norfolk Arts Center naming its art gallery in her honor.
Music in 1954 with a degree in music education and piano performance. She began her career teaching music in the public school system in Imperial, NE. In 1959, Marilyn and her family moved to Norfolk, NE, where she established a private studio teaching piano and organ. For more than three decades, Marilyn instructed and mentored students, shaping young musicians and leaving a lasting artistic impact on her community.
First Congregational Church of Norfolk for 25 years. During that time, she founded a junior choir, adult choir, and handbell choir, bringing music to life for congregants of all ages. She shared her talents widely, playing for countless weddings, funerals, civic events, and community performances throughout Nebraska. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of Norfolk's Crimson Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps.
role in strengthening Nebraska's arts institutions. She served for 18 years on the board of the Norfolk Arts Center, including 7 years as president. During her tenure, Marilyn provided the vision and leadership that resulted in the construction of a new $1.8 million arts center, dedicated in 2000. With its galleries, classrooms, and sculpture garden, the center continues to serve as a cornerstone of arts and culture in northeast Nebraska.
Marilyn's commitment to the arts also extended statewide and beyond. In 1989, she was appointed to the Nebraska Arts Council by Kay Orr and later reappointed by Ben Nelson. During her service, she promoted arts programming throughout the State. Under her leadership at the Norfolk Arts Center, the center's programming received national recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts.
cultural leadership has left an indelible mark on Nebraska. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Marilyn Mitchell for her extraordinary contributions to the arts and to the people of Nebraska.