legacy-post Archives - Page 2 of 82 - University of Nebraska Foundation

Walter Scott, Jr. believed the most important thing a society could do was to invest in the next generation. He also was deeply committed to his hometown of Omaha. To carry on his legacy, the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation has committed more than $23 million to the Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program (Scott Scholars).

The generous gift will sustain and grow the prestigious program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where it was first established by the late Omaha philanthropist in 1997. The gift also will support the expansion of the Scott Scholars Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where an inaugural class of 12 Scott Scholars began their first year of medical school in the fall of 2023.

At UNO, a $20 million pledge will allow more students to enroll in the highly competitive Scott Scholars Program, expanding capacity from a total of 128 students to 168 students. A $3 million pledge will support the program’s expansion at UNMC.

“We are pleased to expand our investment in students through the Scott Scholars Program,” said Calvin Sisson, president and CEO of the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation. “The enhanced program aligns perfectly with our mission to support Mr. Scott’s vision and interests by investing in education, developing leaders and advancing communities. Walter cared deeply about investing in Nebraska’s best and brightest students, not because they deserve it, but because they have the greatest potential to give back.”

The gifts from the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation were made through the University of Nebraska Foundation as part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future. The campaign is a historic effort to engage at least 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. Scholarships are a top priority of the campaign with a particular focus on critical areas of need including health care, engineering and information technology.

Walter Scott’s vision in establishing the Scott Scholars Program was to challenge high-achieving STEM students from Nebraska to develop their technical skills. Initially limited to engineering and information technology, the Scott Scholars Program was broadened in 2017 to include all the STEM disciplines and add a new focus on leadership development.

UNO Scott Scholars reside together in a living-learning community in the Scott Residence Hall and neighboring Scott Village.

Accepted students, who must be Nebraska residents and have a high school GPA of 3.5 or greater and an ACT score of 30 or greater, receive the Regents Scholarship through UNO to cover tuition. The Scott Scholars Program covers all other costs, including books, a laptop, room and board and funding for professional development opportunities.

The $20 million pledge from the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation will support the Scott Scholars Program for the next five years, through the 2028-29 academic year. The gift also expands the program from a class size of 32 students to 42 students a year.

Since it began, an estimated 600 Scott Scholars have graduated, with more than 80% choosing to stay in Nebraska after graduation to pursue their careers. The average annual salary for 2023 graduating Scott Scholars was $78,000.

Harnoor Dhaliwal, Ph.D., associate executive director of the Scott Scholars Program, said the connections students build in the community are key to retaining them in Nebraska after graduation. Scholars not only participate in internships at local companies, professional development conferences and research opportunities; they also partner with local organizations to solve technical problems.

Selected students can choose from among numerous STEM-based academic programs, including engineering, computer science, IT innovation, math and economics, as well as multiple pre-health degrees. Half the students in the most recent class expressed an interest in health sciences, which was an impetus for the expansion of the Scott Scholars Program to UNMC.

The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation established the Scott Scholars Program in the UNMC College of Medicine to prepare high-achieving students to serve as health care professionals. The program is designed to leverage students’ growing health sciences expertise to solve health-related challenges in the community and in clinical settings, as well as in critically important life sciences research.

In the fall of 2023, an inaugural class of students enrolled in the Scott Scholars Program in the UNMC College of Medicine after the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation made a pledge of more than $1.7 million to launch the pilot program. The foundation subsequently increased its commitment to more than $3 million, supporting a second 12-member cohort for the fall of 2024. Foundation leaders have expressed an interest in expanding the UNMC program to other health sciences academic colleges in the future.

UNMC provides in-state tuition, and the Scott Scholars Program covers room and board and a stipend to fund professional and research opportunities for four years for UNMC medical students. Scholars live together in a living-learning community within an apartment complex near the UNMC campus. Students participate in unique experiential learning opportunities at UNMC and across the nation.

The UNMC Scott Scholars Program is open to students from around the country. Three medical students currently in the UNMC inaugural class graduated from the UNO Scott Scholars Program. It’s also anticipated that students graduating with pre-health bachelor’s degrees from the four other Scott Scholars Programs across the country will become future UNMC Scott Scholars.

The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation was founded in 1990 by Walter Scott, Jr. and his wife, Suzanne. The couple were passionate champions for numerous causes and projects that improved the quality of life in Walter’s birthplace of Omaha.

Walter, who died in 2021, was chair emeritus and former CEO of Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc. and former chair of the board of Level 3 Communications Inc. Suzanne, who died in 2013, served as a director of the Omaha Zoological Society, Joslyn Art Museum and the Salvation Army, and she was a board chair for United Way of the Midlands.

“Walter Scott’s visionary generosity established the Scott Scholars Program, a gold standard in nurturing exceptional talents with intention and care. A dynamic community is propelling top achieving students toward shaping Nebraska’s future. Beyond academics, it fosters camaraderie, a sense of belonging and uncompromised service to the community. UNO extends heartfelt gratitude to the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation, Calvin Sisson, Laura Miller and their team for their steadfast support and continued investment in the best and the brightest within our student body. — Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, chancellor, University of Nebraska at Omaha

“It has been an amazing opportunity to work directly with Mr. Scott and his colleagues to plan and now implement the UNMC health professions program for the Scott Scholars. The potential for this program is best exemplified by the success of the students who completed the undergraduate program and now are enrolled at UNMC. This program will continue to have a tremendous impact on the amazing careers of caring that future generations of leaders will pursue.” — Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center

“This is an extraordinary investment in our young people. All of us at the University of Nebraska are grateful to the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation for their continued generosity. This gift aligns perfectly with the University of Nebraska’s vision to compete for our best and brightest and give them every opportunity to chase their dreams right here in Nebraska. Students and our state will benefit for generations to come.” — Chris Kabourek, interim president, University of Nebraska

“This transformational investment will sustain and grow the Scott Scholars Program at UNO and expand this exceptional program to UNMC. The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation’s generosity ensures the continuation of Suzanne and Walter’s vision of preparing high-achieving students to develop their skills and leadership potential to make a difference for Nebraska.” — Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO, University of Nebraska Foundation

“The gift that the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation has given to the community is quite remarkable. This one-of-a-kind program focuses on developing the whole person. We simply haven’t found anything else like it.” — Wayne Watkins, executive director, Scott Scholars Program

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

As Nebraska’s only public academic health science center, the University of Nebraska Medical Center enrolls more than 4,500 students across six colleges, two institutes and a graduate studies program. Its mission is to create a healthier future for Nebraskans through premier education, research and clinical care, but its impact — rooted in a culture of collaboration, big ideas and public-private partnerships — goes far beyond, in areas that include infectious diseases, rural health, cancer research and treatments, global health security, and simulation and experiential learning technologies.

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, 58,072 donors supported the University of Nebraska, and a record $354.5 million in new funds was committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. The foundation raises more than $7 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.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine invite their supporters to give back during For the Greater Good, March 27-28, 2024.

The second annual day of giving will unite alumni, students, faculty, staff, grateful patients and the community at large to support the future of health care in Nebraska.

The event will begin at noon on March 27 and conclude at noon on March 28. Gifts may be made online at greatergoodgivingday.org. Supporters who make gifts totaling $66 or more will receive a UNMC/Nebraska Medicine custom travel pouch.

The goal of the 2024 For the Greater Good is to receive 1,800 gifts of $5 or more to support UNMC students, scholarships, research and the people, programs and patients of Nebraska Medicine.

From Feb. 14-15, 2024, alumni, faculty, staff and the Husker community at large made 5,551 gifts to raise $823,041 to expand opportunities for UNL students. Both the number of gifts and the amount raised set new records for the giving day.

The University of Nebraska community is mourning the passing of Bill Scott, who together with his wife Ruth was one of the most transformative donors in the university’s history. The Scott family confirmed Bill Scott’s death Tuesday at the age of 93.

Both natives of Ashland and University of Nebraska graduates, Ruth and Bill Scott have been deeply rooted and invested in the Omaha community and the State of Nebraska throughout their lives. With a focus on supporting education and children through their foundation, the Scotts have contributed greatly to the city’s and state’s progress, health and vitality in a quiet but exceptional way.

The Scotts’ generosity has benefited students, faculty and programs across all the University of Nebraska campuses. Just a few examples of their giving include the Ruth and Bill Scott Student Plaza at UNMC; the UNMC Student Life Center redevelopment and expansion; the Munroe-Meyer Institute; the College of Nursing facility in Lincoln; the Frederick F. Paustian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center; the leadership gift for the Health Science Education Complex at UNK; the leadership gift for the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex (or what Bill Scott has affectionately named “The Doug”); the Dreamers Pathway Scholarship and Project Achieve to support first-generation students, students with limited incomes and students with disabilities at UNO; the John and Jan Christensen Concert Hall in the redeveloped Strauss Performing Arts Center; the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center; the Biomechanics Research Facility and its expansion; Barbara Hibner Soccer Stadium in Lincoln; the Gnotobiotic Mouse Facility and Nebraska Food for Health Center at UNL; and the Cherish Nebraska exhibit space at Morrill Hall.

In 2009 they received the Board of Regents’ most prestigious honor, the Regents Medal, for their contributions.

Bill Scott, a 1953 graduate of the UNL College of Business, joined the Buffett Partnership in 1959 and Berkshire Hathaway in 1970, where he remained until the early 1990s. Ruth Scott, who earned her bachelor’s degree from UNL in education, became a teacher and went on to found the Omaha Bridge Studio.

Following are statements on Bill Scott’s passing from the senior leadership of the University of Nebraska.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Scott at a university event just last week. He and Ruth were as warm, funny, down-to-earth and generous as everyone had told me they would be. I’ll always remember Bill closing the event by pulling out his trumpet and playing ‘There is No Place Like Nebraska’ while the chancellors and I sang along.

“The Scotts are the true embodiment of great Nebraska philanthropy. While they never wanted attention or credit for any of it, it would be impossible to overstate the impact their generosity has had on the lives of students and Nebraskans. The University of Nebraska is a stronger, more accessible, more impactful institution for the leadership and vision of Ruth and Bill.

“We have lost a great Nebraskan, but Bill’s legacy will touch our university and state for many generations. All of us at the University of Nebraska thank Bill for his lifetime of service and extend our deepest sympathy to Ruth and the Scott family at this sad time.”

“Bill Scott was a champion of the faculty, staff and students at UNMC. More so, he was a wonderful friend and simply a terrific human being. He and Ruth’s impact on the University of Nebraska Medical Center is incalculable. Our thoughts go out to Ruth and the rest of the Scott family. We should take comfort in knowing that Bill’s support of UNMC and Nebraska Medicine will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being not only of his fellow Nebraskans, but on others throughout the country and the world. His is a magnificent legacy.”

“Bill Scott’s passing enables us to reflect on one of the great Nebraskans. Bill and his wife Ruth, from their first kiss at age 12 at the top of the Ferris wheel, have been a great team. A team that has significantly and generously benefited so many Nebraska communities. Quietly, they have impacted so many rural communities with their charitable giving. Most recently, the state’s most comprehensive rural health education initiative benefited from their lead donation. Bill was a friend to the University and the state. Personally, I found Bill to be a great role model in how to impact all Nebraskans for the common good with their resources. My sincere sympathy to Ruth and the Scott family. They are one of the great Nebraska families.”

Bill and Ruth Scott’s contribution to the University of Nebraska including UNO is immense. Bill Scott and Ruth changed the trajectory of this urban university, especially in our world-renowned biomechanics department, and created a multigenerational impact among our communities by funding critical student support initiatives. Words don’t seem enough to describe how saddened we are to lose one of our most inspirational philanthropists but to quote Winston Churchill “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” This sums up Bill’s life and the profound effect he had on our entire community. Our hearts go out to Ruth and the Scott family.

“Bill Scott loved the state of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the University loved him right back. Along with his wife, Ruth, the Scotts have impacted generations of UNL students through their support of numerous projects and initiatives, including the Dinsdale Family Learning Commons, a transformational space on East Campus; the Nebraska Food for Health Center; and our beloved Nebraska State Museum – Morrill Hall. UNL shares in mourning Bill’s passing with all those who loved and cared for him.”

“Bill Scott was truly one of a kind. He was a treasure to Nebraska and its University – a man who gave generously touching so many projects and programs at the University of Nebraska through his many thoughtful investments. He gave simply to help others and to make Nebraska a great place to live and raise a family, and he did it all without ever wanting to be in the spotlight. We are all better for having known Bill Scott. He will be deeply missed.”

The University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine invite their supporters to give back during For the Greater Good, March 27-28, 2024.

The second annual day of giving will unite alumni, students, faculty, staff, grateful patients and the community at large to support the future of health care in Nebraska.

The day will start at noon on March 27 and conclude at noon on March 28. Starting now, gifts may be made online at greatergoodgivingday.org. Supporters who make gifts totaling $66 or more will receive a UNMC/Nebraska Medicine custom travel pouch.

The goal of the 2024 For the Greater Good is to receive 1,800 gifts of $5 or more to support UNMC students, scholarships, research and the people, programs and patients of Nebraska Medicine.

During the inaugural 2023 giving day, 1,542 gifts were made, raising $278,229 to support UNMC and Nebraska Medicine.

From noon Feb. 14 through noon Feb. 15, alumni, faculty, staff and the Husker community at large made 5,551 gifts to raise $823,041 to expand opportunities for UNL students. Both the number of gifts made and the amount raised set new records for the sixth annual event. Husker faithful representing every state made a gift during this year’s Glow Big Red.

“We are grateful to all whose generosity supports the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, including the incredible response to this year’s Glow Big Red event,” Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett said. “This support is key as we move forward with our critical work to build UNL into the best place to learn, research, serve and inspire.”

Glow Big Red started in 2019 in recognition of the university’s 150th anniversary. Events were held across campus to celebrate the 2024 giving day, which raises funds for scholarships, student organizations and Greek chapters, Nebraska Athletics and UNL’s academic colleges, as well as other priorities. At the Nebraska Union, members of the university community wrote on red and white hearts what they love about UNL. Among their messages:

The Student Alumni Association (SAA), which helped to host the event, was among the more than 115 student organizations registered to participate in Glow Big Red. SAA President Anna Schroeder of Malcolm, Nebraska, said the group helps students connect with each other and alumni in the community through social events, professional development and networking.

“Networking used to be daunting and sort of scary,” said Schroeder, who hopes to attend law school after she graduates in May with a degree in child, youth and family studies. “I’ve been able to form connections with people who I wouldn’t know otherwise.”

Alumni and donors committed approximately $312,000 through more than 145 matching funds and challenges to encourage others to give during Glow Big Red. The matches and challenges were unlocked when certain giving goals were achieved.

Tiffany Heng-Moss, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, said she’s grateful to the college’s amazing donors for their support.

“Glow Big Red is a wonderful opportunity to secure the funding we need to provide scholarships to students and extend their learning beyond the classroom through experiential learning opportunities,” Heng-Moss said. “This event also helps us to move the needle on our programming related to teaching, research and extension.”

Husker Nation helped to spread the word about the event on social media using the hashtag #GlowBigRed and by lighting up their room, home or business. Several buildings on campus were glowing red on Valentine’s Day.

Theo Krieger of Arlington, Texas, who will graduate in May with a degree in management, expressed gratitude for the scholarship he received from the College of Business.

“I want to be financially stable in my future,” said Krieger, who plans to go to dental school. “This scholarship has been super beneficial because I’m actually able to pursue what I like and experience things that I enjoy rather than having to sacrifice that so I can afford to pay my bills.”

Valentine’s Day gifts will support UNL scholarships, colleges, student organizations

Growing up, Anna Kobza spent her summers taking care of horses and cattle through 4-H in her hometown of David City, Nebraska.

She showed cattle in high school, sparking an interest in the beef industry that flourished at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She earned her undergraduate degree in animal science in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) in 2020 and is currently pursuing a doctorate at UNL. She said scholarships helped pay for her undergraduate education, putting Kobza on a path to her career goal of becoming a feedlot nutritionist.

“This is a land-grant university, and agriculture is our foundation,” she said. “Helping us to afford our education is not something we take for granted.”

UNL supporters will have the opportunity to assist Husker students like Kobza during Glow Big Red — 24 Hours of Husker Giving Feb. 14-15, 2024. Glow Big Red is UNL’s annual giving event when Huskers around the world come together to support student scholarships, colleges and programs, student organizations, inclusion, mental health and many other areas. Students, alumni, faculty, staff and the Husker community at large are invited to support the university they love by making a Valentine’s Day gift at glowbigred.unl.edu.

“I am so grateful to all those whose generosity supports the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, including gifts to this year’s Glow Big Red,” Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett said. “Private giving helps UNL connect to its mission to teach, to conduct life-changing research and to serve Nebraskans. The UNL students, faculty and staff who benefit from private giving serve the communities where they live and work, and make our university a better place to educate, research, serve and inspire.”

The sixth annual event starts at noon Feb. 14 and continues through noon Feb. 15. The 2024 goal is 5,000 gifts of $5 or more. Donors who make a gift of at least $65 will receive a Husker stocking hat. Husker Nation also can show their love for UNL students by helping to spread the word on social media using the hashtag #GlowBigRed and by lighting up their room, home or business in red.

Alumni and donors have committed approximately $312,000 through more than 145 matching funds and challenges to encourage others to give during the event. The matches and challenges will be unlocked if certain giving goals are achieved. Those include support for a variety of causes, including scholarships; the Husker Pantry, which provides free food and hygiene supplies to students in need; the Military and Veteran Success Center; and the Honors Program.

In 2023, $653,246 was raised during Glow Big Red with Husker faithful representing every U.S. state and nine countries giving to UNL. The giving day started in 2019 in recognition of the university’s 150th anniversary.

Glow Big Red is the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s annual giving event when Huskers around the world come together to support scholarships, colleges and programs, student groups and activities, inclusion, mental health and many other areas. Students, alumni, faculty, staff and the Husker community at large are invited to support the university they love by making a Valentine’s Day gift at glowbigred.unl.edu.

The sixth annual event starts at noon Feb. 14 and continues through noon Feb. 15. The 2024 goal is 5,000 gifts.

Husker Nation can uplift UNL students and make a meaningful impact in their lives in three ways:

GIVE: Make a gift of $5 or more to your favorite cause during the 24-hour period to help reach the goal of 5,000 gifts. Donors who make a gift of at least $65 will receive a Husker stocking hat. The giving day website is open to receive gifts anytime before noon Feb. 15.

SHARE: Show your Valentine’s Day love by spreading the word on social media using the hashtag #GlowBigRed.

GLOW: Show others how your heart glows big for UNL by lighting up your room, home or business.

Additional information about Glow Big Red, options for giving and ways to track the event’s progress can be found at glowbigred.unl.edu.

As the snow piled up during the 2023 event, Glow Big Red pivoted to Snow Big Red and set a giving day record. A total of $653,246 was given during the 24-hour period with Husker faithful representing every U.S. state and nine countries giving to UNL.

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

Help share the excitement online by using #GlowBigRed to share why you love the university. Follow along at these channels:

Gifts will create UNMC presidential chair in public health, support UNO student scholarships

The Holland Foundation has demonstrated its commitment to public higher education in Omaha through a $4.5 million investment in the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

At UNMC, a $2 million gift will establish the Richard D. Holland Presidential Chair in Public Health. At UNO, the Holland Foundation is adding $2.5 million to a fund it initially created in 2023 to provide scholarships to UNO students studying arts and communication.

The Holland Foundation’s gifts were made through the University of Nebraska Foundation as part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future. The campaign is an historic effort to encourage at least 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.

“We are thrilled to make an investment in two important priorities that were near and dear to Dick Holland,” said Deb Love, president of the Holland Foundation. “Scholarships remove financial barriers that deter students from pursuing higher education. Public health improves health outcomes for underserved communities in Nebraska and around the world.”

The Holland Foundation’s addition of $2.5 million to the Richard Holland Endowed Scholarship Fund brings this fund to $3 million.

The permanently endowed fund is the largest scholarship fund to benefit UNO’s College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media (CFAM), and will provide an estimated 12 scholarships annually, reducing students’ financial burden and making higher education more accessible.

The fund was created to honor the legacy of Richard Holland, an alumnus who studied art at the University of Omaha (now UNO).

“We express our deep gratitude for receiving this generous gift. The scholarships offered through this fund will have a profound and life-changing impact on the students within the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media,” said UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, PhD, CFA.

The Holland Foundation was established by the late Richard “Dick” and Mary Holland. The Hollands were deeply involved in numerous philanthropic efforts benefiting children, education, the arts and the environment. The couple was among the principal supporters of several organizations that serve disadvantaged children in the Omaha area, including Partnership 4 Kids (P4K) and NorthStar.

Preference for the UNO scholarships will be given to students who have participated in NorthStar, P4K or other similar programs, first-generation students and those with financial need. About 40% of UNO’s undergraduates are first-generation students whose parents did not graduate from a four-year university. Holland himself was a first-generation student as were his three siblings.

“We are very grateful for this incredibly generous gift,” said Michael Hilt, PhD, dean of the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media. “The scholarships funded through this donation will have an immediate impact on current and future CFAM students and in our community for many years to come.”

The Hollands’ other contributions to UNO included the leadership gift for Baxter Arena, where the Holland Ice is named in his honor, the expansion of the Durham Science Center and support for a supercomputer in the Holland Computing Center. The Hollands also made the lead gift to the state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Omaha that bears their name.

The Holland Foundation’s $2 million gift to UNMC will create the Richard D. Holland Presidential Chair in Public Health.

“Richard Holland’s support of UNMC and the UNMC College of Public Health has been and continues to be transformational,” said Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, chancellor of UNMC. “It was an honor to know and work with Dick and his foundation leadership. This latest gift continues his legacy of thinking big to improve the health of his fellow Nebraskans. Endowed chairs and professorships enhance the UNMC academic enterprise and are essential to recruiting and retaining high-quality faculty, and this new chair in public health will provide critical support to UNMC’s efforts to address health concerns in Nebraska and beyond.”

The College of Public Health was formed in 2006, and Holland was among the principal benefactors to the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health, which opened in 2011 to house the College of Public Health. The UNMC College of Public Health is the only accredited college of public health in Nebraska, and its enrollment has nearly doubled over the past five years with students from 43 states and 35 countries.

Pending final approval, the inaugural recipient of the presidential chair will be Ali S. Khan, MD, MPH, MBA, the current dean of the UNMC College of Public Health.

Khan came to UNMC in 2014 after spending 23 years with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before retiring as the assistant surgeon general and director of the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response. Khan’s professional career has focused on emerging infectious diseases, bioterrorism and global health security.

“Dick Holland generously served as my mentor when I arrived a decade ago as a new dean of the new College of Public Health in Nebraska,” Khan said. “I quickly learned he was a social justice champion with a keen sense for the inequity in our society who wielded an amalgam of philanthropy, purpose and intellect to lead transformative community actions. He will always be a source of inspiration for my work in this great state for healthier lives, everywhere, for every one of us.”

The College of Public Health’s mission is to collaboratively and relentlessly seek new and creative solutions to the most challenging problems in public health while working to prevent them from happening in the first place. The presidential chair, which is among the university’s most prestigious faculty awards, may be used to provide an annual stipend to support scholarly research and academic activities.

Current initiatives include efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Nebraska and address racial inequities; expand environmental protections such as in the case of heat stroke or pollution exposure for underserved populations, children and the elderly; and create a health informatics program to use data to improve human health.

The Holland Foundation previously established the Richard D. Holland Presidential Chair in Early Childhood Development, held by Walter S. Gilliam, executive director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute; and the Richard and Mary Holland Distinguished Chair in Cardiovascular Sciences at UNMC, held by John R. Windle, MD.

The Hollands also have supported the Center for Heart and Vascular Research, Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education, Munroe-Meyer Institute and Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program.

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, 58,072 donors supported the University of Nebraska, and a record $354.5 million in new funds was committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. The foundation raises more than $7 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.

As Nebraska’s only public academic health science center, the University of Nebraska Medical Center enrolls more than 4,500 students across six colleges, two institutes and a graduate studies program. Its mission is to create a healthier future for Nebraskans through premier education, research and clinical care, but its impact — rooted in a culture of collaboration, big ideas and public-private partnerships – goes far beyond, in areas that include infectious diseases, rural health, cancer research and treatments, global health security, and simulation and experiential learning technologies.

International Quilt Museum co-founder and Nebraska native Robert G. James passed away on Sunday, Jan. 21 at the age of 98. Robert and his late wife Ardis James, who passed away in 2011, had a tremendous impact on the world of quilting, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s International Quilt Museum.

“It is an honor and privilege to have known Bob, and he will be missed! Bob and Ardis lived a wonderful life, and gave so much back to the communities and organizations they believed in. Bob and Ardis loved Nebraska, and their legacy and philanthropic impact will be felt for generations by those in Nebraska, throughout the U.S. and across the globe,” said Leslie Levy, Ardis & Robert James Executive Director at the International Quilt Museum.

The first iteration of the International Quilt Museum was founded by Robert and Ardis through a donation of nearly 1,000 quilts in 1997. At the time, the vast collection was valued at over $6 million including modern studio art pieces and quilts of historic significance. In a Harvard Magazine article from 2014, Robert talked about the shared experience of quilt collecting with his wife as empty nesters.

“Starting this, we fell in love again. It was a 50-50 endeavor all the way,” Robert said in the article.

“The University of Nebraska-Lincoln shares in mourning the death of Robert ‘Bob’ James,” said University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett. “UNL and the larger Lincoln community are among the many beneficiaries of philanthropic gifts from Bob and his late wife, Ardis. Their vision and support of the International Quilt Museum through the Robert and Ardis James Foundation established a dynamic center of formal and informal learning and discovery for students, teachers, scholars, artists, quilters and visitors to Lincoln. Their generosity in many areas will be missed, but their legacy will continue for generations to come.”

Robert and Ardis’ support was instrumental in commissioning the museum’s current building, which was constructed in 2008. Designed by world renowned New York-based architecture firm Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), the building features several structural tributes to the art of quilting. The windows resemble the top layers of a quilt with frosted panes mimicking quilt stitches, the reception hall is shaped like the eye of a needle, and the brickwork brings to mind quilt blocks.

Almost immediately, the needs surrounding the museum’s growing collection were noticed. Through the Robert and Ardis James Foundation, the James family donated $7 million for an expansion of the museum. The project — completed in 2015 — doubled the International Quilt Museum’s state-of-the-art collection storage and exhibit space.

“Robert James was a proud Nebraskan with a deep appreciation for the cultural and artistic significance of quilts,” said Brian Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation. “Because of the vision that he and his late wife Ardis had, the University of Nebraska is now home to the world’s largest publicly held quilt collection. Their philanthropy ensures that generations to come will have the opportunity to learn about and experience this beautiful art form at the International Quilt Museum.”

Even after their initial collection was donated, Robert and Ardis remained pivotal in acquiring new pieces for the International Quilt Museum.

“We have developed an encyclopedic collection due to the James family’s commitment,” said Carolyn Ducey, the Ardis B. James Curator of Collections at the International Quilt Museum. “We’ve followed the spirit of the original Ardis & Robert James Collection — it spans multiple generations and genres, while championing the artform.”

From his time in Nebraska to the U.S. Navy, to Harvard Business School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it’s hard not to be struck by Robert’s diversity of interests and successes, including his strong affinity for the artistry of quilts. What started out as a hobby has left a legacy for Robert and Ardis.

“Our condolences to the James family,” Levy said. “Bob and Ardis’ collection and contributions have had a life-changing impact on many artists both nationally and globally.”

The International Quilt Museum is on UNL’s East Campus at 1523 N. 33rd St. in Lincoln, Nebraska. With over 8,800 objects spanning five centuries and 65 countries, the International Quilt Museum is home to the largest publicly held quilt collection in the world.

An outdated computer lab at the University of Nebraska at Omaha was recently refurbished as a modern professional technology space thanks to a generous gift and input from FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha).

Located on the second floor of the Peter Kiewit Institute Building on UNO’s Scott Campus, the FNBO Code Studio was redesigned with oval tables, docking stations and whiteboards to provide flexibility and encourage student collaboration. Renovations occurred over the spring and summer, and the refurbished space opened in fall 2023.

“This partnership with FNBO allows faculty to experiment with new pedagogical approaches while supporting student teamwork and innovation,” said Martha Garcia-Murillo, Ph.D., Lee D. and Willa Seemann Distinguished Dean of the College of Information Science & Technology (IS&T). “The FNBO Code Studio closely resembles the workspaces in technology-centric companies such as FNBO, helping to prepare students for their future careers.”

FNBO also made a gift through the University of Nebraska Foundation to create a scholarship to forever provide financial assistance to students pursuing an IS&T degree. The gift was matched by other funds to establish the FNBO Information Science & Technology Endowed Scholarship Fund. The amount of the gift was not disclosed at the donor’s request.

“FNBO CodeStudio is an amazing opportunity that will allow students access to great resources throughout their education. I am excited about this partnership as it will continue to support workforce development,” said UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA.

FNBO’s investment expands on the Omaha-based company’s involvement with IS&T. FNBO participates in the college’s Learn and Earn initiative, which launched in the 2022-23 academic year to increase students’ access to professional experiences while encouraging graduates to stay in the region to pursue tech careers. The initiative connects students with local companies such as FNBO through job shadowing, class projects and paid internships.

Sammy Sufian, vice president of technology at FNBO, said it’s important for employers in the information technology sector to connect with students early and often throughout their university careers to prepare them for life post-graduation.

“We can’t afford to view academia and corporate America as two sequential, mutually exclusive entities anymore,” he said.

The company’s decision to invest in the FNBO Code Studio reflects a desire to create a hub where students can interact with industry professionals and learn in a studio environment that encourages project collaboration.

“We want to make sure students have access to modern technology and modern facilities that really mirror our own workspaces here at the bank,” Sufian said.

Brian Dorn, Ph.D., associate dean for academic and faculty affairs for IS&T, said students typically sit at their own machines in front of a lecturer for computer science and engineering classes, but that’s not how tech industry professionals operate.

“It’s collaborative, it’s centered around teams of people solving problems together,” he said.

UNO student Zaid Kakish, an undergraduate majoring in computer science and cybersecurity, believes the FNBO Code Studio is a great addition to the Peter Kiewit Institute Building.

“I have enjoyed my class in the FNBO Code Studio room a lot this semester as it provides a super fun and interactive environment to work, discuss and socialize with other students in the classroom,” he said.

FNBO’s gift was made as part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future. The campaign is a historic effort to engage at least 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. Sufian serves on the campaign committee for IS&T.

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