A former physician and community advocate, Phyllis Salyards has supported Nebraska’s public broadcasting through fundraising, board service and charitable giving.
Donating her 20-year-old Prius is the latest way Phyllis Salyards is supporting public media, but her connection began long ago.
Growing up, truthful reporting mattered. Her father, a political science professor at universities in Kentucky, Wisconsin, Norway and later at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studied propaganda and the manipulation of public opinion.
The family didn’t own a television, by choice. “My father didn’t think commercial programming was worthwhile,” Phyllis explained. When public television launched, non-commercial programming became something to trust, not tune out.
“He and mother would always watch Washington Week,” a ritual she fondly recalls.
Phyllis, then Phyllis Shannon, met her future husband, Harry, while both were students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “The alphabet put us together because our last names both started with the letter ‘S,’” she laughed.
Sharing a love for classical music, history and literature, they became physicians and practiced together in Hastings for 35 years. Their path was far from typical. “There were no women practicing medicine in Central Nebraska at the time, and no married couples.”
In the 1990s, while raising two children and balancing a demanding career, Phyllis passionately spearheaded grassroots fundraising for public radio in the Hastings and Grand Island areas. Later, she became an early member of the radio foundation board.
She still hears from neighbors who say that when they listen to public radio, they think of her. “I wanted everyone in the community to be able to share this wonderful resource,” she said. “I feel like it was one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
After long careers, Phyllis and Harry retired to enjoy gardening, birding, great books and their therapy dog Colette. Phyllis volunteers with the League of Women Voters and streams Unicameral coverage. “I can follow what is happening without being there,” she said.
The Salyards watch Backyard Farmer, Great Performances, Masterpiece, Antiques Roadshow and Finding Your Roots, and also enjoy documentaries by Ken Burns and Nebraska volleyball. “The quality programming is a great way to continue my liberal arts education,” said Phyllis.
Today, the couple supports the network through qualified charitable distributions from their retirement accounts and additional gifts. “I am very pleased to be able to continue supporting public broadcasting,” she added.