Glow Big Red celebrates record support for Nebraska U from around the world

It took only 24 hours.

During that time, close to 4,000 gifts were received from people standing for every state of the country and from nine countries who took part in this year’s Glow Big Red – 24 Hours of Husker Giving. In all, they supplied an outpouring of $436,000 in charitable support for all areas of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The support is culmination of the third annual event held from noon to noon on Feb. 17-18. The crowdfunding effort encouraged those who care about UNL’s service mission to Glow All In this year by contributing and sharing why they glow with pride for the university.

“I am overwhelmed by the great success of this year’s Glow Big Red,” UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green said. “A huge thank you to all those who donated for their tremendous support of UNL.”

The event focused on a wide range of opportunities to support students through scholarships and programs. There were ways to support students in each college as well as to support the university’s many organizations and affiliates. Seventy campus-based student organizations and groups also participated.

“I am so impressed by the outpouring of support for students and student organizations through this year’s Glow Big Red,” said Laurie Bellows, vice chancellor for student affairs. “It’s absolutely inspirational. Thank you to each and every supporter for your kindness. There truly is no place like Nebraska!”

UNL’s Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management shared a video message on social media from Andy Zhang, a sophomore computer science major from Elkhorn, Nebraska, on his thanks to those who supported students.

“The Raikes School has given me the opportunity to grow, not just as a student but as a person, and I’ve met so many wonderful people here,” Zhang said. “I really can’t thank Raikes enough, and a big part of it was just knowing that my family and I could pay these bills. We’re so grateful for the financial scholarships that Raikes and UNL provide, and it wouldn’t be possible without you. I just wanted to thank you on behalf of all Raikes School students and my cohort for your generous donations during Glow Big Red.”

The event has garnered momentum and more philanthropic help for the university each year. Last year more than 2,300 gifts were made with more than $175,000 in support. This year a goal was set of 2,500 gifts, surpassed by almost 1,400 gifts.

Gifts during the event were made at glowbigred.unl.edu where full results are available.

Largely driven by social media engagement, supporters used #GlowBigRed to share their personal stories and why the university matters to them. The hashtag also helps document the event.

Glow Big Red started in 2019 in recognition of the university’s 150th anniversary.

Contact: Robb Crouch, senior director of public relations, 402-458-1142, robb.crouch@nufoundation.org

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