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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.

A first-ever named deanship has been established for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Engineering through the generosity of alumnus Fred Hunzeker.

The Fred Hunzeker Dean of Engineering will help ensure strong leadership during a pivotal time in the history of Nebraska Engineering. Pending approval of the University of Nebraska President’s Office, Lance C. Pérez will be the inaugural recipient.

“It is truly an honor to be the inaugural recipient of the Fred Hunzeker deanship,” said Pérez, who became dean in 2018 after spending nearly two years in the interim position. “Fred is a distinguished alumnus of the college and a great example of the range of careers and success that engineering graduates may have. Through his service on the college’s advisory board, Fred has been an important contributor to the success of the college, and this gift will allow the college dean to explore important strategic initiatives that would not be possible otherwise.”

Hunzeker pledged the gift through the University of Nebraska Foundation. The deanship will support a salary stipend; funds may also be used to support strategic initiatives within the College of Engineering. One such option is programming to support the health and wellness of engineering students inside and outside the classroom. Another is to support the college’s statewide outreach efforts to high school STEM teachers and counselors to improve recruitment of Nebraska students in engineering, computing and construction programs.

Hunzeker earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. A member of the board of directors for Tenaska, he retired as the chief executive officer of Tenaska Marketing Group in 2021. For nearly 30 years, Hunzeker led the company’s extraordinary growth from a small natural gas marketing company to one of the top five marketers in North America.

The gift was made as part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future, a historic effort to engage 150,000 unique benefactors to raise $3 billion to support the University of Nebraska. Hunzeker serves as the volunteer co-chair of the College of Engineering’s campaign committee and is a University of Nebraska Foundation trustee. He joined the college’s advisory board in 2016 — the same year Pérez was appointed acting dean.

“Dean Lance Pérez’s visionary leadership and tireless dedication have united stakeholders, from administration and faculty to students and donors, in a shared mission to elevate our engineering program,” Hunzeker said. “Under his guidance, the College of Engineering continues to thrive, expanding its impact as a member of the Big Ten. Dean Pérez’s passion and commitment inspire innovation and excellence within our institution and throughout the region.”

The amount of the gift commitment is being kept confidential at the donor’s request.

Pérez earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree and a doctorate from the University of Notre Dame. He came to Nebraska in 1996 as a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and is currently the Omar H. Heins Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

The College of Engineering is undergoing a period of growth, fueled by construction, new faculty, student recruitment and expanded research. As Nebraska’s only engineering college, its goal is to increase undergraduate enrollment to 5,000 students to spur economic development in Nebraska and meet the state’s workforce needs. Current undergraduate enrollment is 3,413. Over the past seven years, the college has added 75 new faculty.

The college offers programs on City Campus at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Scott Campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. On City Campus, engineering facilities have been transformed through a $190 million investment, representing the largest academic facilities project in the university’s history.

In partnership with the Nebraska Legislature and University of Nebraska, the Engineering Research Center was built, and Scott Engineering Center is under renovation to showcase the college’s research enterprise. With the support of the philanthropic community, Kiewit Hall will open in January as one of the nation’s premier facilities for engineering education and engagement.

Beth Holthus Godbout and John Godbout understand the impact of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Business in preparing the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs for Nebraska.

That’s the reason the couple pledged $500,000 through the University of Nebraska Foundation to invest in scholarships for business students and training to help business faculty and staff develop their teaching skills.

“We feel our knowledge and experience in starting and running our own businesses gives us motivation to contribute in whatever way possible to students interested in careers in the business community,” John said.

In 1991, the couple founded CCS Presentation Systems, one of the top integrators of audiovisual equipment in the U.S. Beth also serves on the board of directors of York-based Cornerstone Bank.

The couple, who live in Paradise Valley, Arizona, have deep ties to Nebraska and the University of Nebraska. John was born in Holdrege and grew up on the West Coast. Beth was born in Lexington and grew up in York. Beth graduated from UNL with an elementary education degree in 1978, and the couple’s children, Brady Godbout and Tyeler Potter of Omaha, are also Nebraska alumni.

“I am so thankful to John and Beth for their support for the College of Business,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business and professor of finance. “Their strategic investment helps to ensure the College of Business is always a place where students discover how to leverage their strengths to lead the future of business.”

The Godbouts’ investment was made as part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future, a historic effort to engage 150,000 benefactors to give $3 billion to support the University of Nebraska. The Godbouts are University of Nebraska Foundation trustees and serve on the College of Business’s campaign committee.

The couple committed $400,000 to create the Godbout Family Scholarship Fund. Some funds will be immediately available for scholarships, including the newly created Future of Nebraska Scholarship for the College of Business. Their investment will also establish a permanent endowment to provide scholarships in perpetuity for freshmen business students.

“The transition from high school to college is such a big change,” Beth said. “We hope that easing the financial pressure just a little might help in that transition and encourage students to remain in college.”

The College of Business emphasizes scholarships for incoming freshmen to increase enrollment and ensure accessibility and affordability. With 4,266 full-time students this fall, more than $1.1 million in scholarships was awarded to business students in the 2023-24 academic year.

The couple also pledged $100,000 for the College of Business’s Teaching and Learning Center Faculty Development Fund, which equips faculty and instructors with the tools and resources to be successful in the classroom.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the Godbouts’ investment and vision to provide additional programs and resources for faculty to improve the learning experience for all students,” said Kasey Linde, director of teaching, learning and accreditation in the Teaching and Learning Center. “With the Godbouts’ partnership, the Teaching and Learning Center launched programs for new faculty and Ph.D. students and expanded on a grant program open to all business faculty and instructors.”

Investing in faculty development is a priority for the Godbouts because both can recall professors from whom they learned and who positively impacted their college experience.

“Beth and I want students to graduate with knowledge and skills learned from capable, professional professors who will be remembered by their students,” John said. “These teachers need a base of teaching techniques and behaviors that enable them to distribute their knowledge effectively.”

The couple said they are happy to invest in the education of Nebraska Business students.

“Beth and I support Dean Farrell and her passion for the College of Business,” John said. “Being entrepreneurs, we are especially interested in the fact that she runs the college with budgets, goals and strategies — just like a business.”

Women Investing in Nebraska (WIN) is now accepting funding ideas for its 2024 grant awards from University of Nebraska programs and Nebraska nonprofit organizations.

Grants are awarded based on the critical needs being addressed, the people the project serves and the impact made on Nebraskans. Grant seekers must submit an online letter of inquiry by Feb. 13, 2024, at womeninvestinginnebraska.org.

Based on submissions, WIN will invite 12 to 16 grant seekers to provide formal grant proposals. Grant seekers must be a part of the University of Nebraska System or be a Nebraska nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity.

“WIN is proud to partner each year with organizations that are tackling important issues that matter to Nebraskans, and we’re pleased to again request ideas for funding as we enter our 13th year of philanthropic service to the state,” WIN Chair Meg Lauerman said.

The amount granted will be based on the total amount of gifts received in 2024 from WIN members. WIN will announce its grant awards in fall 2024.

WIN awarded a total of $220,684 to two programs for its 2023 grants season. Grants were awarded to the University of Nebraska College of Law Children’s Justice Clinic, which provides legal representation to vulnerable Nebraska children; and to the Nebraska Panhandle Area Health Education Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, which seeks to grow the rural healthcare workforce pipeline.

A total of 259 WIN members contributed personally to make the grants possible, and committee members reviewed proposals in a four-step process culminating in a membership vote for the two recipients. WIN’s membership is comprised of women in and outside Nebraska who, through their collective giving, address issues that matter to Nebraskans.

WIN operates in partnership with the University of Nebraska Foundation and the UNF Charitable Gift Fund to support women philanthropists. The UNF Charitable Gift Fund is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the University of Nebraska Foundation. It provides options for donors to support the University of Nebraska as well as other worthwhile charitable causes addressing important issues in Nebraska. For information on becoming a WIN member, contact WIN Director Morgan Holen at 402-458-1254 or 800-432-3216, or visit womeninvestinginnebraska.org.

The Rural Health Education Complex at the University of Nebraska at Kearney was named in honor of UNK Chancellor Douglas Kristensen, following approval from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents during its meeting Friday in Lincoln.

The Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex on UNK’s west campus includes an existing building, which opened in 2015, and the Rural Health Education Building currently under construction. The complex’s name recognizes Kristensen’s role as an ardent champion for greater Nebraska, especially in building the health sciences workforce needed to keep communities across the state vibrant.

University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter and University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold recommended the complex be named for Kristensen following the wishes of the project’s lead philanthropic supporter, the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation.

“The Scott family is pleased to help recognize Doug Kristensen’s steadfast leadership and monumental contributions to UNK as well as his dedication to addressing important issues impacting Nebraska,” said John Scott, vice president of the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation. “Doug Kristensen has dedicated his career to serving Nebraska citizens, and we believe the state is infinitely better due to his leadership.”

Kristensen has served as UNK’s chancellor since July 1, 2002. He is the longest-serving chancellor in the history of the University of Nebraska. He was appointed to lead UNK following a distinguished career in the Nebraska Legislature. He was elected in 1988 to represent the 37th Legislative District and served until 2002. At the time Kristensen retired from office, he was the longest-serving speaker in the history of the Legislature.

“Thank you to the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation for their lead philanthropic investment in the Rural Health Education Complex and for the opportunity to recognize Doug Kristensen,” said Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare of Lincoln. “He is a great Nebraska public servant who has spent his entire professional life advocating for strong rural communities and new opportunities for young people. His leadership will benefit students, our workforce and Nebraska’s quality of life for generations to come. As I have heard Chancellor Kristensen say many times, the Rural Health Education Complex will be a game-changer for Nebraska. It is only fitting that we name this remarkable facility for its most passionate champion, as was so thoughtfully requested by the William and Ruth Scott family.”

In 2010, Kristensen launched the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP) in cooperation with UNMC to recruit and educate students who are committed to returning to rural Nebraska to practice health care. This fall, a record 56 first-year students were accepted into the KHOP program. The overall acceptance rate of UNK students to various health care professional programs was more than 93% in 2022.

Kristensen championed the development of new space for the UNMC Colleges of Nursing and Allied Health Professions in Kearney as part of the Building a Healthier Nebraska initiative. The Health Science Education Complex opened on UNK’s west campus in 2015, allowing nursing students and allied health professional students to work together in a team-centered approach to rural primary care.

Since 2022, Kristensen has advocated to expand the UNK-UNMC partnership and extend programming from the UNMC Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy and Public Health to Kearney. The Rural Health Education Building, the result of a public-private partnership, is targeted for occupancy in early 2026. The $95 million facility will be located directly to the north of the existing facility.

“Chancellor Kristensen and his entire UNK team continue to be impassioned partners with UNMC in ensuring that rural Nebraska’s health workforce needs are addressed in the decades to come,” Gold said. “I’m pleased that Doug’s important work in this area will be recognized through this naming.”

Brian Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation, said the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex will serve as an enduring tribute to the UNK chancellor.

“Chancellor Kristensen’s vision was essential to inspiring philanthropic support for both of these capital projects that now comprise the Rural Health Education Complex,” Hastings said. “Because of his leadership, rural Nebraska communities will be stronger, and future generations of Nebraskans will have improved access to quality health care. And without the generosity of the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation, none of this would have been possible, so we are most grateful for their generous philanthropic leadership.”

Generous supporters have two upcoming opportunities to give to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine.

Glow Big Red, UNL

Glow Big Red, 24 Hours of Husker Giving will be from noon to noon, CST, Feb. 14-15, 2024.

During the giving day, alumni, friends and the UNL community can support their favorite campus priorities, including scholarships, programs and student organizations. The 2024 event also will include a sweet twist, with the UNL Dairy Store creating a delicious ice cream flavor — scarlet and cream with chocolate chips — just for Glow Big Red.

The goal for the sixth annual event is to receive 5,000 gifts. Gifts may be made online at glowbigred.unl.edu beginning Jan. 15.

For the Greater Good: UNMC and Nebraska Medicine

Coming up in March will be a giving day to support UNMC and Nebraska Medicine. For the Greater Good will run from noon to noon, CST, March 27-28, 2024. Supporters will have the opportunity to invest in scholarships, student organizations, innovative educational programs, research and extraordinary patient care. Look for more details about For the Greater Good in the March e-newsletter.

Thank you for supporting our UNK and UNO Giving Days

Donors also generously supported two successful giving days in fall 2023.

One Day for UNK, held Oct. 5-6, attracted 1,864 gifts totaling $240,732 to support the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Wear Black, Give Back, held Nov. 8-9, resulted in 4,967 gifts and raised a record-setting $761,285 to support the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

It’s Giving Tuesday, and supporters have the opportunity to show their generosity through the Give With Your Heart campaign.

Now through Dec. 1, 2023, alumni, friends, grateful patients, faculty and staff can give as their hearts desire, whether that’s to support students, patients or programs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine. With a gift of $65 or more, donors can up their footwear style with a pair of UNMC/Nebraska Medicine socks created just for the event.

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.

Keep your toes warm and show your love for the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine during the Give With Your Heart campaign.

In recognition of Giving Tuesday Nov. 28, alumni, friends, grateful patients, faculty and staff will be able to show their support for students, patients or programs at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine while upping their footwear style.

“Our focus will always be ensuring UNMC students receive the best training in the country,” said H. Dele Davies, MD, senior vice chancellor, academic affairs at UNMC. “Your support is critical as we work to prepare the next generation of health care researchers and clinicians, whose breakthroughs continue to give hope as they help transform the health of our communities and beyond.”

From Nov. 21 through Dec. 1, 2023, anyone who makes a gift of $65 or more will receive a pair of UNMC/Nebraska Medicine socks created just for the event. Give early because when these socks are gone, they’re gone.

“At Nebraska Medicine, we aim to deliver extraordinary care to all who seek it, whether at one of our ambulatory clinics, specialized treatment centers, outpatient surgery sites or within the four walls of our hospitals,” said Harris A. Frankel, MD, chief medical and external affairs officer for Nebraska Medicine.

He added, “philanthropic support is vital to our mission and helps to provide funding for our capital priorities including but not limited to facilities and the most contemporary advanced technologies/equipment, not to mention support for our colleagues/staff as well as our patients and their families for their most basic needs such as food, transportation and lodging.”

During Wear Black, Give Back Nov. 8-9, 2023, Maverick supporters donated a record-setting $761,285 to support the University of Nebraska at Omaha. During the 24-hour day of giving, 4,967 gifts were made, surpassing the goal of 4,000 gifts.

“I’m overjoyed by the generosity shown during the fourth annual Wear Black, Give Back,” UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, said. “Maverick supporters came together in a record-setting way to invest in UNO scholarships, colleges, programs, student organizations and so much more. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of the future success of our metropolitan university.”

Wear Black, Give Back began at noon Wednesday and concluded at noon Thursday. Gifts were made online at givingday.unomaha.edu. Participants were encouraged to wear their UNO apparel with pride and share on social media why they give back, using #WearBlackGiveBack.

The giving day results will provide needed resources for UNO’s colleges and programs, Omaha Athletics, the Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library, the Maverick Food Pantry, student scholarships and other priorities. Donors pledged more than $460,000 in challenge and matching funds to encourage others to give. The event drew record participation from the campus community, with more than 700 faculty/staff participants and more than 500 student participants.

The UNO Jazz program was among the priorities to benefit from Wear Black, Give Back. With more than $11,000 raised for the program, Pete Madsen, area coordinator for Jazz Studies at UNO, said the support reflects the program’s involvement in the community.

“The funds raised during Wear Black, Give Back impact our students in many, many ways,” Madsen said. “There are so many needs within a vibrant jazz program, including travel, getting music and equipment and addressing scholarship needs. It means so much to the students to have these experiences.”

Wear Black, Give Back kicked off with a festival on Wednesday near the Henningson Memorial Campanile that included a food truck, a live DJ, games and an appearance by Durango. Omaha Head Baseball Coach Evan Porter joined in the festivities, sporting a big smile as he took a pie in the face. “I love this place,” said Porter, a Maverick baseball player from 2005 to 2009. “This city and this university are very dear to my heart. It’s inspiring to see how this university has grown since I was a student-athlete here.”

Tables also were set up with representatives of some of the 59 student organizations who participated in Wear Black, Give Back. Of the total $761,285 raised, student groups collectively received more than $55,000.

Pre-Dental Club President Emmely Pineda, a senior biology major, took part in the festival to spread the word on campus about her club, which hosts speakers to help students learn about the profession and provides assistance with studying for the Dental Admission Test and applying for dental school.

“I feel dentistry is the perfect mix between science and art,” Pineda said. “The science part involves being a doctor and the art part involves reconstructing people’s teeth and creating crowns.”

Camden Carmichael raised funds for the UNO Curling Club as part of Wear Black, Give Back. The club, which competes against other curling clubs throughout Nebraska and the surrounding area, has nearly doubled in size in its second year on campus.

“I’m really thankful for all of the donations and contributions, because they have helped us share our love for the sport of curling and really open the door for other people to join our community,” said Carmichael, a junior criminology and criminal justice major.

This is the fourth year for Wear Black, Give Back. During the 2022 giving day, 3,794 gifts were made, totaling more than $553,000.

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