Trustee Description

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a privilege and a responsibility

The Role of a University of Nebraska Foundation Trustee

Since its founding in 1936, the University of Nebraska Foundation has grown into one of the largest and most successful foundations representing a public university in the United States. This level of success reflects the quality and generosity of the foundation’s volunteer leadership, trustees and the many friends who support the university.

Trustees play an important role in promoting the University of Nebraska. Those elected as trustees have a strong interest in higher education, integrity, a solid reputation within their communities and a dedication to the University of Nebraska.

The University of Nebraska Foundation bylaws require a membership of no fewer than 100 or more than 1,200 active members known as trustees. These individuals meet annually and elect other trustees and the board of directors from trustee members. The board of directors’ work includes vital governance and policy decisions that determine the course of the foundation. The board of directors meets three times a year. Trustees may be appointed to serve on board committees to assist in the oversight of the foundation. The board’s standing committees are: audit, executive, finance, governance, investment and trustee engagement.

Our Vision: To be recognized as the trusted partner of those wishing to support the University of Nebraska.

Our Mission: The University of Nebraska Foundation grows relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives.

Trustee Expectations and Opportunities

Through the dedicated efforts and generosity of its trustees, the foundation is committed to providing a measure of excellence at the University of Nebraska not possible with public funding alone. Trustees live across the United States and represent a wide array of disciplines. They offer invaluable leadership, professional skills, networking abilities and personal philanthropic support that contribute to the mission of the foundation.

To be recommended as a trustee, individuals must have a minimum of $10,000 in cumulative giving to benefit the University of Nebraska.

Following is an overview of the trustees’ roles and responsibilities that help advance the foundation’s mission, as well as other engagement opportunities for consideration:

General Rights and Duties

• Participate in trustee orientation
• Attend the annual meeting in person or virtually
• Elect trustees and members of the board of directors

Advocacy and Involvement

• Advocate for the important role of the University of Nebraska
• Stay informed about and promote the mission of the foundation
• Consider volunteer service on a foundation or university board, committee or task force
• Consider, as appropriate, hosting or attending foundation and university activities

Philanthropic Leadership

• Maintain the University of Nebraska among their top philanthropic priorities, generously supporting personal areas of interest during comprehensive and annual fundraising campaigns
• Make an annual gift to the Trustees Fund for the Future, which provides discretionary funds for the foundation
• Consider identifying or connecting foundation and university representatives to others who may have an interest in advancing the University of Nebraska though private support
• Consider including the university in their estate plans

Making a Difference

Whether active or honorary, trustees make a critical difference in advancing the University of Nebraska. The foundation is grateful for trustees’ support.

The foundation greatly values its trustees and hopes their advocacy and passion for the university will remain throughout their lives. Once elected, trustees serve continuously in this role. Trustees who eventually prefer a less active role may seek status as an honorary trustee.