Congratulations to Larry Uebner, past Omaha Sister Cities Association (OSCA) President and current Sister Cities International (SCI) Board Member, on receiving the Ruth Hashimoto Award, the organization's highest honor, at the 70th Anniversary Sister Cities International Conference.

Named in honor of Ruth Hashimoto, founder of New Mexico Sister Cities, the award recognizes individuals who have made exemplary contributions to their communities while advancing the mission of Sister Cities International. Ms. Hashimoto's own story is one of resilience and service; she and her family were interned during World War II before she became a pioneering leader in citizen diplomacy.

Since 1973, Larry's decades of service have been defined by a commitment to building bridges between people and cultures. Reflecting on what motivates him, he shared, "I do all of this because I believe in it. It's in my nature to connect cultures." That passion has guided his leadership and helped strengthen international partnerships that have enriched communities both in Omaha and around the world.

Receiving the award was a memorable experience in more ways than one. With a smile, Larry recalled that he had been seated at the very back of the banquet hall. He joked that the organizers "did that on purpose" so he would have to walk the entire length of the room, passing friends and colleagues as they applauded his achievement. 

Larry's dedication to fostering international understanding, cultural exchange, and lasting global friendships exemplifies the spirit of the Sister Cities mission. We are proud to congratulate him on this well-deserved honor and thank him for his continued leadership and commitment to citizen diplomacy.