Maverick Supporters to Unite During 2024 Wear Black, Give Back: Oct. 8-9
For University of Nebraska at Omaha student Johnnah Bailey, an internship with a local nonprofit allowed her to put into practice what she’s learning in the classroom. She developed leadership skills, such as how to effectively conduct a meeting, as she gained on-the-job experience in marketing and social media.
Bailey’s internship with The Wellbeing Partners, a nonprofit focused on community wellness, was arranged through the Student Service and Leadership Collaborative at UNO. The program seeks to develop students into servant leaders through paid internships at local nonprofit organizations and local and national leadership experiences.
“The internship program taught me valuable lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” said Bailey, a senior majoring in business administration.
The Student Service and Leadership Collaborative is one of the many UNO causes that donors can support during the 2024 Wear Black, Give Back, a 24-hour day of giving to begin at noon on Oct. 8 and conclude at noon on Oct. 9.
UNO’s fifth annual giving day will bring together Maverick supporters to provide needed resources for student scholarships, UNO’s colleges and programs, Omaha Athletics, UNO Jazz, the Maverick Food Pantry and other priorities. More than 60 student organizations and clubs are registered to participate in Wear Black, Give Back.
“Wear Black, Give Back is a powerful reminder of how Mavericks support one another,” said UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA. “It’s not always the size of the contribution that matters — it’s the collective impact of each gift, no matter how small, that truly makes a difference. Every dollar fuels opportunities that help students grow into leaders who will shape the future of our Omaha community.”
This year’s goal is to receive 5,000 gifts of $5 or more. Any donor who gives $75 or more will receive a bonus UNO knit hat.
Alumni and donors have pledged more than $500,000 in challenge and matching funds to encourage others to give during the event. These gifts will only be unlocked if certain giving goals are achieved. The largest challenge will support student leadership and professional development opportunities provided through the Student Service and Leadership Collaborative. If 50 donors give $5 or more, John and Dianne Scott of Valley, Nebraska, have pledged to make a $100,000 gift.
Events will be held on campus to celebrate the 2024 Wear Black, Give Back.
- The Wear Black, Give Back festival will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 8 around the Henningson Memorial Campanile with food, desserts, games and entertainment. Numerous student organizations that receive support through Wear Black, Give Back will have tables at the event.
- A livestream will begin at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 8 in the UNO TV studio featuring UNO broadcasting students. The livestream can be viewed on the Wear Black, Give Back website. Mav Radio and KVNO will also provide updates throughout the giving day.
In 2023, Wear Black, Give Back received a record-setting 4,967 gifts totaling $761,285 for causes and programs across UNO.
Learn more about Wear Black, Give Back and track the event’s progress at givingday.unomaha.edu.
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 were 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.
