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from the issue of March 1, 2007
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Real Nebraska fuels Burge's anchor run
BY KELLY BARTLING, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Admissions associate is his real day job.
But "Today Show" host was his secret aspiration.
It may have been evident to "Real Nebraska" viewers that David Burge - the roving reporter and host of the Admissions' online interactive media spots - had a flair for the theatrics and the quick wit of a network talk show host. So it was no surprise that Burge and his team (Real Nebraska silent sidekick Andy Schadwinkel and broadcast manager and segment producer Dave Fitzgibbon) entered the Today Show's "Anchor for Today" promotion in mid-February.
But Burge, who is seldom at a loss for words, is somewhat speechless after being selected as a finalist for the national NBC morning show. He has spent most of the week in the Big Apple, appearing on the Today Show Feb. 23, Feb. 26-28, with a possibility to host for one hour on March 2.
"It was awesome," Burge said following his first Today appearance on Feb. 23. "I woke up at 4 a.m. and I was in my suit at 5. I still can't believe it. I had no idea. None. Not at all did I know I was going to win."
Wearing his trademark "N" Husker bow tie Feb. 23 and his red "N" pin Feb. 26 - which was commented on by Today hosts and zoomed in on - Burge said he is proud to represent UNL, Nebraska and Husker Nation. His goal is to bring attention to admissions' efforts on Real Nebraska and shine a positive national spotlight on UNL.
"I'm trying to focus as much attention as possible to Real Nebraska. I just feel it's a validation of what we've been doing for the last 18 months. I just never dreamed that working on these online videos might turn into a chance to be on the Today Show."
On the Feb. 27 show Burge was put through his first challenge. After one participant was eliminated from low viewer votes, the three remaining competitors were put through a Today show trivia contest. Burge was the first to "buzz in" the right answer to "Who was the host for this year's Oscars?" (Answer: Ellen Degeneres.)
"Tuesday was the first I really had fun. We all had a blast," he said from New York. "The other days were nerve-racking, but today, we were having fun."
Trying to curb his enthusiasm, Burge does admit to being a huge fan of "Today" and of being starstruck by the entire experience.
"I did get to be with Ann Curry quite a bit. She's sweet," Burge said. "I only said 'hello' to Matt Lauer the first day. I didn't get to meet him but I was walking down the hall and saw him and I'm saying 'hi' to Matt Lauer."
Burge said he received numerous favorable comments about the Real Nebraska segments, his audition tape, and people are upbeat and friendly about his connection to Nebraska and the university. "The definitely commented on the bow tie the first day. They liked it."
Between Today Show broadcasts, Burge has done a number of media interviews back in Nebraska and communicated back and forth with admissions coworkers, friends and family to help build a "get out the vote" campaign.
Winners were decided by daily votes via text-message or online ballot. For more information on the final outcome of the contest, go online to www.msnbc.com.
GO TO: ISSUE OF MARCH 1
NEWS HEADLINES FOR MARCH 1
Treasure from the Attic (and a few storage closets)
Download ranking prompts reminder
Forum to explore Nebraskans' beliefs on immigration
Real Nebraska fuels Burge's anchor run
Scientists report breakthrough in spin electronics
Women's Week activities begin March 2
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