Save the Date: Wear Black, Give Back set for Oct. 7-8
The 2026 Wear Black, Give Back is just a month away, and Maverick supporters everywhere are encouraged to make a difference for the University of Nebraska at Omaha. UNO’s 24-hour day of giving will begin at noon Oct. 7 and continue through noon Oct. 8.
Supporters can make a gift now at givingday.unomaha.edu. Contributions support student scholarships, UNO colleges and programs, student organizations, Omaha Athletics and other priorities.
“Wear Black, Give Back is more than just a celebration of Omaha’s metropolitan university,” said UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA. “It’s an opportunity for our entire community to come together in support of our Maverick students.”
To encourage others to give, alumni, donors, and other supporters have pledged matches and challenge gifts. Chancellor Li created the Students Helping Students Challenge, committing $10,000 to support scholarships if 500 students make a gift of $5 or more during Wear Black, Give Back.
This year’s goal is to receive 7,000 gifts. Any donor who gives at least $75 will receive a limited-edition Durango building block set.
In 2025, Wear Black, Give Back set new records, receiving 6,726 gifts to raise more than $1.4 million. Since its launch in 2020, the event has generated more than $4.1 million in support of UNO students, programs, and initiatives.
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university, committed to innovating for the public good, advancing social mobility, powering workforce development, and serving as a hub for community engagement. Nearly 15,000 Mavericks choose UNO for its hands-on education experiences, nationally ranked online and graduate programs, military-connected student support, and innovative approaches to supporting lifelong learning. UNO holds the Carnegie Research Activity “R2” designation, securing more than $40 million annually in external research funding and counts its faculty among the world’s most cited scholars. Sixteen Omaha Athletics programs compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Summit League and National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC).
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 fiscal year 2026, a record $532.8 million was committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. In addition, 58,433 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.