David and Jane Offutt commit $1 million to Maverick Hockey
Director of Athletics calls gift ‘game-changing to our program and university’
Maverick Hockey fans David and Jane Offutt of Omaha have committed $1 million to invest in the Omaha Hockey program as the team continues to elevate its play on the ice.
The couple made the commitment through the University of Nebraska Foundation in support of the UNO Hockey Excellence Fund, which provides financial support for program priorities such as travel, personnel, recruiting, facilities and equipment, student-athlete scholarships and other holistic support, including dedicated mental health and nutrition personnel.
David and Jane Offutt, who built successful careers in accounting while living in the state of Washington, decided to invest in the Maverick Hockey program to give back to David’s hometown of Omaha.
“UNO is a great asset to the city of Omaha, and the hockey team is a wonderful way to display the university’s value,” David Offutt said. “More than anything, we hope others will decide to join in and invest in Maverick Hockey.”
David Offutt is a sixth-generation Omahan. Offutt Air Force Base is named in honor of David’s great-uncle, 1st Lt. Jarvis Offutt, who was Omaha’s first World War I air casualty. Jarvis Offutt, a U.S. Army Air Service pilot, was killed in 1918 while flying with the Royal Air Force in France.
“The support from Dave and Jane is game-changing to our program and university,” Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell said. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know the Offutts over this past year, and we are very fortunate to have their support of Maverick student-athletes. To align our hockey program with a family that has historic roots in the city of Omaha only further amplifies the connection to our greater community. We cannot say thank you enough to the Offutts for their generous investment and belief in the momentum of our organization.”
David and Jane Offutt were introduced to Omaha Hockey in 2017 while visiting their son, John, in Omaha. John, then a graduate student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, took his parents to a Maverick Hockey game. The Offutts, who moved back to Omaha two years ago, have long followed the sport of hockey and became instant fans of the Omaha squad. The couple even gave up their Seattle Kraken hockey season tickets and are now Maverick season ticket holders.
“We loved not only the rivalry and college atmosphere but also the amazing spirit and support of the UNO students and fans in Omaha,” David Offutt said. “And having been to a handful of college hockey arenas around the U.S., we were so impressed with Baxter Arena. It’s truly a first-rate arena!”
The Omaha Mavericks finished the 2023-24 season with a record of 23-13-4. The team secured the program’s second-winningest season in school history, along with its fifth NCAA tournament berth and first-ever National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Frozen Faceoff appearance. The Mavericks will begin the 2024-25 season with a home exhibition game against the Wisconsin Badgers Oct. 5.
“Our program is grateful to the Offutts for their significant contribution,” Omaha Hockey head coach Mike Gabinet said. “While the investment in our young men is certainly inspiring, we have also come to know Dave and Jane through their presence in Baxter Arena and on the road this past season. It was special to see them in Colorado Springs for the NCHC first-round series with Colorado College as they were able to be a part of that history-making moment for our program.”
For information about the Hockey Excellence Circle, email [email protected] or call 402-502-4911.
The couple’s gift was made as part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future. The campaign is a historic effort to engage 150,000 benefactors to give $3 billion to support University of Nebraska students, faculty, academic and clinical programs and research to address the needs of the state.
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
The University of Nebraska at Omaha is a premier metropolitan university that offers a broad range of academic programs and is dedicated to providing innovative and learning-centric initiatives. With a strong commitment to digital education and student success, UNO continues to lead the way in creating impactful educational experiences.
About the University of Nebraska Foundation
The University of Nebraska Foundation grows relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. During the most recent fiscal year, a record $388.8 million in new funds was committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. In addition, 57,603 donors supported the University of Nebraska. Alumni engagement and fundraising are efficient, with the University of Nebraska receiving more than $7 in gifts for every $1 spent. Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future is its current campaign with a goal to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. More information is at OnlyinNebraska.org.
