Omaha sisters invest $1.56 million in Maverick women’s nutrition
Two Omaha sisters, Karen C. Olson, M.D., and Nancy D. Olson, motivated by a common desire to empower Maverick female student-athletes, have committed a combined $1.56 million to support the women’s nutrition table for Omaha Athletics.
Located in the Scott Café, the women’s nutrition table provides a place for Maverick female student-athletes to eat together and build team camaraderie while having access to healthy food options to fuel their bodies. The private benefactors made their gift commitments through the University of Nebraska Foundation.
“These incredible gifts in support of the women’s nutrition table amplify the storied tradition of Maverick women’s athletics,” Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell said. “Thanks to these generous donors, we are able to elevate an already impressive holistic support program, focused on fueling our female student-athletes to achieve success in the classroom and competitively as we prepare them for life after graduation.”
The Olsons’ generosity advances an Omaha Athletics initiative to support student-athletes’ development by prioritizing mental health and physical health within athletics. In 2023, a sports nutritionist was added to the athletic department’s staff to educate student-athletes and coaches on fueling and hydration strategies to promote peak performance and injury prevention.
“We are so incredibly grateful for the generous investment into women’s athletics here at UNO,” said softball student-athlete Maggie O’Brien. “These gifts not only prepare us physically to perform in our respective sports, but they support the mental and nutritional aspect of the game, which allows us to reach our full potential academically and athletically. We continually strive to compete at the highest level, and these donations help us take that extra step to do so.”
The gifts align with a recently launched initiative, Maverick HERoes, which seeks to increase philanthropic support and raise awareness for women’s athletics. The initiative aims to raise scholarship support and create holistic development programs for student-athletes, covering topics including mental health, nutrition, academic excellence and leadership skills.
“Omaha Athletics has a storied history of donor support for its female student-athletes,” said Lindsey Ekwerekwu, executive associate athletic director for student-athlete success and senior woman administrator. “Maverick HERoes has expanded on that proud tradition, and this commitment helps us build a new foundation for their present and future well-being through nutrition. On behalf of all Maverick female student-athletes, we are grateful for both donors’ unwavering support.”
In the fall semester, Omaha Athletics had 173 female student-athletes. The University of Nebraska at Omaha has nine women’s sports: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field and volleyball.
The gifts to support the women’s nutrition table were 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.
