The University of Nebraska Panhandle Alumni Chapter presented its 2009 Alumni of the Year Award to Phil Erdman, originally of Bayard and now of Lincoln.

The award was presented by Rod Horn of Sidney, the 2008 recipient, at the organization’s annual Founders’ dinner at the Gering Civic Center March 20.

Erdman is a 2000 graduate of UNL with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and a minor in agribusiness. He was a member of the Nebraska Legislature, where he served on the Health and Human Services, General Affairs, and the Nebraska Retirement System Committees. He was Chair of the Agriculture Committee in 2007 and 2008 and vice-Chair of the Rules Committee. He is currently the State Agriculture Director for U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns.