York University recognized longtime York resident Bob Sautter with the Good Neighbor award Tuesday during its daily chapel assembly.

 

For the past 23 years, Sautter served as the director of York County Visitors Bureau promoting the community to would-be visitors from throughout Nebraska and out-of-state guests. In that capacity, he provided valuable counsel to the university whenever the school applied for YCVB funding. Sautter’s partnership helped YU craft and present grant requests that aligned well with YCVB funds. The outcome of his assistance is manifested in significant campus improvements.

York County Visitors Bureau funding has been especially important for the Clayton Museum of Ancient History and included funding that created an interactive space for children in 2015. YCVB was also an important partner in renovations to the Freeman Center, the campus venue that hosts hundreds of out-of-town visitors every year at a variety of athletic events.

 

In an informal capacity, Sautter befriended York University students, especially those who interned with any one of the entities housed in the same offices as the York County Visitors Bureau. His care for students was visible during the 2024 commencement ceremony when he walked with and hooded Carlos Ortega Arguelles, an international student from Venezuela.

 

Interim President Jared Stark presented the award, commenting on the lifelong dedication Sautter has shown to the York community and York County. Stark stated, “Bob Sautter has been a consistent friend and a helpful guide for many years. He helped us navigate numerous projects at York University as we share a common goal to drive more visitors and residents to this place we call home. I appreciate the many times I've been able to work alongside Bob and am thankful for his service to our community and his belief in our campus. As we try to be a good neighbor in this community, we want to recognize those who have helped advance our mission here, and Bob is certainly near the top of that list.”

 

Sautter joins past honorees, including Lonnie Berger, Scott Koch, Cheree Folts, Steve Mosely and Neal and Ruth Castens, who have been recognized for their willingness to come alongside the university and YU students in meaningful ways.