Glow Big Red Returns to Support Scholarships, Programs, Pride of All Nebraska
Get ready to celebrate Dear Old Nebraska U! The eighth annual Glow Big Red will begin at noon CT Feb. 11 and conclude at noon Feb. 12.
Over 24 hours, Huskers from around the world are invited to come together to raise money for scholarships, colleges and departments, student programming, Nebraska Athletics, the UNL Bands and various programs at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. There are more than 200 areas to support.
Alumni, faculty, staff, students and the Husker community can show their love for the university by making a gift at glowbigred.unl.edu. Husker Nation is encouraged to spread the word about the giving day on social media using the hashtag #GlowBigRed.
“Glow Big Red is our chance to rally around students, faculty and staff in support of their success and the impact they have on our state and beyond,” Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson said. “Every gift strengthens the programs, opportunities and experiences that help Huskers thrive. Our time is now — and this day shows what we can accomplish together.”
From Memorial Stadium to Love Library, to the Coliseum to the Lied Center for Performing Arts, landmarks around campus will be lit up in red Feb. 11 to celebrate Glow Big Red — 24 Hours of Husker Giving.
One of the causes donors can support is the UNL Bands. Donations will go toward rebuilding large instrument storage lockers located in the tunnel between the Westbrook Music Building and Kimball Recital Hall. The lockers store sousaphones and drumline instruments for the Cornhusker Marching Band and the Big Red Express pep band.
“The University of Nebraska loves its band, which is a wonderful, wonderful thing,” said Carolyn Barber, Ron and Carol Cope Professor of Music and director of bands. “The nickname of the Cornhusker Marching Band is ‘The Pride of All Nebraska,’ and it really is. People all around the state know about and appreciate the marching band.
“This is an opportunity to support the band where there is a very concrete goal and that goal is to keep those instruments in great shape.”
Alumni and donors have committed more than $500,000 in challenges and matching gifts to encourage others to give. Donors can maximize their gifts by supporting one of these funds.
One such fund is the College of Arts and Sciences Cares Fund, which was established to help the college’s students through short-term financial challenges that might inhibit their ability to complete their education.
“Without donors’ support, I would have had to choose between feeding myself and paying my rent,” said JC Andrews, a graduate student in English. “Your support is truly appreciated and necessary. Without it, many students would not have the option to continue their education.
Other challenges and matches support the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy, a college-access program that’s celebrating its 20th anniversary of helping first-generation students prepare for college and their future careers; and the UNL Counseling and Psychological Services, which provides mental health resources for students.
A priority for Glow Big Red is to raise funds for student scholarships that make it possible for Husker students to pursue their academic goals and get involved on campus.
“As a first-generation student from a blue-collar family, I was worried about the financial feasibility of an undergraduate degree,” said student Madeline Splichal, an economics and mathematics major from Lincoln. “Through the generosity of donors, I was able to put my fear aside and focus entirely on my education.”
Every donor who gives $75 or more will receive a Husker tote bag as a thank-you gift.
Glow Big Red started in 2019 in recognition of the university’s 150th anniversary. Since its inception, more than $3.8 million has been raised to support the university. To learn more and track the event’s progress, visit glowbigred.unl.edu.