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One Day for UNK is celebrating its fifth year of rallying the Loper community to support University of Nebraska at Kearney students like Ayden Brophy. The 24-hour online event kicks off at noon Nov. 12 and runs through noon Nov. 13, raising funds for student scholarships, UNK’s three colleges, Loper Athletics, the library and many other priorities.

Brophy, a biology education major from Aurora, Nebraska, plans to become a high school science teacher after he graduates in May 2026. His career aspirations are supported by scholarships that have allowed him to focus on academics and get involved on campus, including serving as co-chair of the recent Homecoming Week festivities.

“Donors are supporting the next generation of teachers and helping new teachers understand that they are needed and wanted,” Brophy said. “It makes an immeasurable impact.”

UNK student Jenna Heinz of Deweese, Nebraska, who serves as editor of The Antelope student newspaper, said scholarships have not only eased her financial burden but also inspired her to pursue her future goals.

“Thanks to others’ generosity, I’ve been able to embrace every opportunity that’s come my way, and I feel equipped and excited for my career post-graduation,” said Heinz, a senior double-majoring in journalism and multimedia.

Loper supporters are encouraged to use the hashtag #OneDayforUNK on social media to share why UNK matters to them. The goal of One Day for UNK is to receive 2,100 gifts.

“One Day for UNK is more than a giving day. It is a powerful expression of our collective belief in the mission of the university and the success of our students,” said UNK Chancellor Neal Schnoor, Ph.D. “Every contribution, no matter the size, helps fuel opportunities, expand access and strengthen the programs and partnerships that define UNK’s impact across Nebraska and beyond.”

Alumni, donors and university leaders have pledged more than $230,000 in challenge and matching funds to encourage others to give during One Day for UNK. If 75 donors make a gift to UNK’s Health Science and Rural Health Initiatives, a $50,000 gift will be unlocked to support scholarships for the Kearney Health Opportunities Program. If 200 donors support any area under the College of Business & Technology, a $50,000 gift will be unlocked. Another challenge area is emergency student assistance, which assists UNK students who are facing a loss of income, an emergency change in their living arrangements or food insecurity.

Donors who make gifts totaling $75 or more will receive a UNK cap as a thank-you gift.

UNK received 2,029 gifts during the 2024 One Day for UNK, raising $289,568 to enhance educational opportunities at the university.

The University of Nebraska Foundation has announced that Keli Books has been selected as the vice president for advancement for the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Books, who has an extensive background in higher education fundraising leadership, will work in partnership with UNK Chancellor Neal Schnoor, Ph.D., and other university leaders, the UNK Alumni Association, Loper Athletics and the foundation’s UNK development team to advance the university’s fundraising goals.

“The University of Nebraska at Kearney is full of opportunity and has great momentum,” Books said. “It’s an honor to join the foundation team and help foster a culture of deep and impactful giving at UNK. Beyond the UNK campus, the school district, parks and overall Kearney community are off the charts, offering excellent amenities and a great quality of life.”

Books currently serves as the associate vice president for philanthropy at the South Dakota State University Foundation. She joined the foundation in 2015 and spent eight years as the development director for the College of Education & Human Sciences. During her tenure, she helped secure transformative philanthropic support that established SDSU’s elementary and special education degree programs; led fundraising for a new counseling and education center that unites graduate-level training, clinical services and early-childhood intervention to strengthen mental health support for families across South Dakota; and advanced initiatives to better serve individuals with autism and children with dyslexia, improving early literacy and learning outcomes statewide.

At the University of Nebraska Foundation, Books will lead UNK’s major gift strategy and alumni engagement and champion UNK’s role in Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future, a historic effort to encourage at least 150,000 benefactors to give $3 billion to support all campuses of the University of Nebraska. One of UNK’s campaign priorities is an initiative to build rural Nebraska’s health care workforce pipeline. Through a partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the new Health Science Education Center II is scheduled to open in 2026 as part of the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex on the UNK campus.

“I’m extremely pleased to welcome Keli Books to the UNK community,” Schnoor said. “Her success in education, business and technology, arts and sciences, health care and athletics is in perfect alignment with the pillars of our mission.”

Books earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and was also a swimmer. For nine years, she was an elementary teacher with the Brookings, South Dakota, School District. She now serves as a member of the Brookings School Board. Books and her husband, Peter, have two daughters, Stella and Nellie.

“Keli is the right leader to guide UNK’s advancement efforts at this exciting time,” said Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation. “She is a dynamic, mission-driven fundraising professional who understands how an excellent public university can propel the region and state forward.”

The University of Nebraska Foundation grows relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. During the 2025 fiscal year, a record $416.6 million was committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. In addition, a record 60,602 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 the 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.

Two new members were also elected to serve on the foundation’s board of directors

The University of Nebraska Foundation has announced the new leadership of its board of directors. Jane E. Miller of Omaha will serve as chair, and William Lester of Lincoln will serve as chair-elect.

Miller succeeds Angie Muhleisen of Lincoln, who served as board chair for two years. Miller retired in 2022 as president and chief operating officer of Gallup, where she was responsible for all operational and client service aspects of the organization. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She became a University of Nebraska Foundation trustee in 2015 and joined the board of directors in 2017. She initially served on the Governance and Finance Committees, including a term as chair of the Finance Committee. Miller has been the board’s chair-elect since October 2023, serving ex officio on all board committees. She will serve two years as chair, then two more years as immediate past chair. She also serves on the UNL Campaign Committee for Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future.

Lester retired in 2024 as president and CEO of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the UNL College of Business. Lester began his career with Ameritas in 1983 as a securities analyst and held key positions throughout the organization. He became a foundation trustee in 2007 and served as a trustee member of the Finance Committee, Investment Committee and multiple subcommittees from 2010 to 2018. He joined the board of directors in 2021 and has served on the Audit, Executive and Investment Committees, and he just concluded serving as chair of the Investment Committee. Now he will serve ex officio on all board committees.

Two new board members were elected: Janet Labenz of Lincoln and John S. Schuele of Omaha.

Labenz is a partner and owner of Labenz & Associates LLC. She earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNL. Labenz has been a foundation trustee since 2008. She previously served on the Development Committee, Audit Committee and Gift Planning Subcommittee. Labenz was honored by the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants as the 2021 recipient of the Distinguished Service to the Profession Award.

Schuele is president and CEO of Waitt Company. He earned a bachelor’s degree from UNL. Schuele has been a foundation trustee since 2012. He previously served as a member of the foundation’s Finance Committee and is currently a member of the Investment Committee. He’s also a member of the UNL College of Business Campaign Committee for the Only in Nebraska campaign.

Additionally, three board members were re-elected to second terms: Ivan Gilreath of Scottsdale, Arizona, Sandra Massey of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Susan Thaden of Omaha. The new and re-elected board members will serve three-year terms.

“The University of Nebraska Foundation is fortunate to be guided by a dedicated board of directors,” said Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation. “Our board members serve in a volunteer capacity, generously offering their time and expertise in support of the University of Nebraska. Jane Miller and William Lester are both highly respected leaders in their fields. Their unique perspectives and experiences are invaluable as we continue to advance our mission to grow relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives.”

The board of directors meets three times a year to oversee the foundation’s business affairs. These board transitions were effective following its Oct. 24 meeting.

Here’s a link to the full list of volunteers who serve on the board or one of its committees.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is celebrating the 100th birthday of Johnny Carson, one of the university’s most iconic and generous alumni. The “King of Late Night,” who made America laugh for decades, would have turned 100 on Oct. 23.

Carson’s legacy as a Husker is one of unwavering support. He made an enduring impact on generations of Husker students.

“Johnny Carson’s legacy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln goes far beyond entertainment,” said Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett. “He opened doors for generations of students to dream bigger, create boldly and find their voice. He inspired us to believe in what’s possible — and that spirit lives on in every student whose path is shaped by his generosity.”

At age 44, Carson made his first gift to the university — $5,000. Gifts from Carson, his estate and the Johnny Carson Foundation have exceeded $50 million. His philanthropy included founding the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts; supporting the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film and the broadcasting program; renovations to the Lied Center for Performing Arts and the Temple Building; and student support for more than 400 Husker students.

Carson was born in Corning, Iowa, on Oct. 23, 1925, and grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska. After serving as an ensign in the Navy during World War II, he enrolled in the University of Nebraska. He received a bachelor of arts in radio and speech with a minor in physics in 1949. While at the university, Carson honed his comedic skills and embraced the art of storytelling, laying the groundwork for his remarkable career.

From 1962 to 1992, Carson was the host of the “Tonight Show,” which was a touchstone of American culture for decades. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 and the Kennedy Center Honors Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. Carson passed away in 2005 at the age of 79.

All through the years, Carson was a Husker at heart, referencing Nebraska frequently enough that practically everyone who knew of Johnny Carson would have placed “Nebraskan” prominently in his biographical sketch. He remained connected to Nebraska — as reflected in his voiceover in the university’s 2024 institutional spot, “Home Again.”

“Johnny Carson was a proud and grateful graduate,” said Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation. “He was always humble about his giving, quietly uplifting generations of Husker students. The legacy of Johnny Carson continues to resonate at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.”

Carson’s affection for Dear Old Nebraska U could not be contained during the 1993 Kennedy Center Honors when his smile burst forth during a surprise performance of “There Is No Place Like Nebraska” by the Cornhusker Marching Band.

Carson’s pride in Nebraska and his experience as a Husker always burned brightly.

“I got my start in the Temple Building and have never forgotten the impact of my academic studies at the University of Nebraska on my life and career,” he said.

Women Investing in Nebraska (WIN) announced grants totaling $295,818 for two Nebraska programs during its annual awards ceremony Oct. 9 in Lincoln. Grants were awarded to expand the Trauma-Capable Schools training program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and to launch the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative’s Child Care Center Licensing Toolkit.

Each organization will receive a $147,909 grant, made possible by the personal contributions of WIN’s 387 members. WIN is comprised of women in and outside Nebraska who, through their collective giving, address issues of importance to Nebraskans.

“We greatly appreciate the commitment of our WIN members whose generosity has made these grants possible,” said WIN Co-Chairs Lisa Smith and Karen Linder. “Over the past 14 years, we have awarded $2.5 million in grants to Nebraska projects. That is a bold statement about the power of collective philanthropy.”

WIN Grants Chair Halley Kruse noted that there were many excellent ideas among the 150 applications submitted for this year’s grants.

“We are thrilled to support these two outstanding initiatives,” she said. “It’s especially meaningful to WIN that both recipients are launching efforts to uplift Nebraska’s children and families. This is an investment we believe will have a lasting impact on children across the state.”

UNL Trauma-Capable Schools

With the WIN grant, the Trauma-Capable Schools program will expand to serve rural Nebraska school districts. The program began in 2019 through a partnership between the Lincoln Public Schools and UNL’s Center on Children, Families, and the Law, offering online trauma-informed training for school district personnel.

Adverse experiences such as abuse, neglect, poverty, family instability and traumatic events can undermine student learning and development. The six-course, self-paced online training program equips school personnel with effective interventions to reduce classroom behavioral challenges. Research has shown that equipping teachers with consistent, effective interventions reduces classroom behavioral challenges, improves student outcomes and reduces workplace stress, thus improving teacher retention.

“Receiving the Women Investing in Nebraska grant is a transformative moment for our Building Trauma-Capable Schools initiative,” said Cheryl Turner, training specialist and project lead for Trauma-Capable Schools. “The UNL Center on Children, Families, and the Law is deeply grateful for WIN’s investment in strengthening educator resilience and student well-being. WIN’s belief and partnership empower us to create sustainable, trauma-capable learning environments that will positively impact thousands of students and educators across Nebraska for years to come.”

Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC), Child Care Center Licensing Toolkit

The WIN grant will enable the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC) to develop Nebraska’s first comprehensive licensing toolkit and mentoring program for individuals interested in opening child care centers. The initiative will provide step-by-step guidance on navigating licensing requirements.

Nebraska communities are developing solutions to improve access to child care, recognizing it’s an important priority to support the local workforce. In a 2025 report, the Buffett Early Childhood Institute identified a gap of 17,568 child care spaces between potential need and current capacity in Nebraska.

“The message this sends to child care providers throughout Nebraska is incredible: Women investors in Nebraska believe the business of child care matters,” said Sarah Ann Kotchian, the collaborative’s chief executive officer. “NECC will be able to support Nebraska’s urgent need for more child care centers through start-up resources and one-on-one support from a team of experienced professionals. This WIN-funded project will clarify the complexities of opening new child care centers by creating a simple, yet robust process that can serve as a national blueprint for other states to follow.”

WIN, which was formed in 2011, has grown from 20 members to 387 members. Since its inception, WIN has awarded 28 grants, totaling $2.5 million, to University of Nebraska projects and Nebraska nonprofits. For information about joining WIN, go to womeninvestinginnebraska.org.

About Women Investing in Nebraska

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 Reyna Asheim at 402-502-4720 or 800-432-3216, or visit womeninvestinginnebraska.org.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney will host its fifth annual giving day, One Day for UNK, Nov. 12-13.

The 24-hour online event provides an opportunity for Loper supporters everywhere to contribute to the university’s continued success and growth.

“One Day for UNK is more than a giving day. It is a powerful expression of our collective belief in the mission of the university and the success of our students,” said UNK Chancellor Neal Schnoor. “Every contribution, no matter the size, helps fuel opportunities, expand access and strengthen the programs and partnerships that define UNK’s impact across Nebraska and beyond.”

Donations can be made at givingday.unk.edu, where participants can choose from a variety of areas to support. The site is live and ready to receive gifts. One Day for UNK leverages social media and other digital platforms to inspire philanthropic support for scholarships, academic programs, Loper Athletics and other initiatives that enhance educational opportunities at UNK.

One Day for UNK runs from noon Nov. 12 to noon Nov. 13, with a goal of 2,100 gifts.

Participants are encouraged to use the hashtag #OneDayforUNK on social media to share why the university matters to them.

Maverick supporters rallied behind University of Nebraska at Omaha students during the sixth annual Wear Black, Give Back, raising a record $1,402,216. It was the first time UNO’s fundraising campaign has surpassed $1 million.

Wear Black, Give Back began at noon Oct. 8 and concluded at noon Oct. 9. Over 24 hours, supporters made 6,726 gifts — exceeding the campaign’s goal of 6,500 gifts. The achievement unlocked a $350,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor to support UNO scholarships.

“Thanks to the generosity of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans and friends, Wear Black, Give Back made history once again,” UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, said. “Every contribution, no matter the size, is an investment in the future of Omaha. When you support UNO, you’re fueling workforce development, social mobility and the kind of innovation that serves the public good. On behalf of the university, thank you for believing in our mission to transform lives through education, research and service.”

The number of gifts, amount raised and number of donors — with some making multiple gifts — all set records. In all, 4,254 donors gave to Wear Black, Give Back, including 851 UNO faculty and staff, also a new record. Gifts were made online at givingday.unomaha.edu.

Alumni and donors pledged more than $600,000 in challenge and matching funds to encourage others to give. One of those was a “students helping students” challenge established by Chancellor Li. Because 500 students made a gift during the giving day, the chancellor will give $10,000 to support UNO student scholarships. Another match supported the UNO Biomechanics Prosthetics Lab, which manufactures and produces low-cost assistive devices and the materials to build them.

“Your investment in the university is an investment back into the community,” said Jeffrey Kaipust, director of Biomechanics Facilities and Business Operations. “We are a metropolitan university where the research directly impacts the community we serve. The generosity of so many will continue to support advancements in assistive devices for the next generation.”

Wear Black, Give Back raises funds to support causes across UNO, including its colleges and programs, Omaha Athletics, student groups and activities, and scholarships.

UNO senior Joseph Manno of Papillion said scholarship support has removed financial stress and provided extra motivation to succeed in college. A computer science major, he’s currently an intern at the Nebraska Defense Research Corporation, a nonprofit affiliate of the University of Nebraska. He hopes to stay in the Omaha area and work full time for the organization.

“Most of my family is here in Nebraska, and I’m comfortable living here,” Manno said. “I’ve got connections and roots here.”

The campus came alive with Maverick spirit during the Wear Black, Give Back celebration. As a deejay played music on Wednesday, volunteers handed out hot dogs and treats. UNO’s mascot, Durango, danced and greeted students near the Henningson Memorial Campanile.

Social media was abuzz with messages encouraging the Maverick community to support Wear Black, Give Back. Users posted photos of their pets, music students serenaded followers with piano ditties, and the Omaha baseball and swimming and diving teams posted fun videos encouraging donors to give.

UNO Student Body President Drew Leisy expressed gratitude to supporters on behalf of UNO’s 15,000 students.

“UNO has felt like home since the day I stepped onto campus,” said Leisy, a native of Bridgeport, Nebraska, who is majoring in business administration with concentrations in management and leadership. “I’ve made lifelong friends. It’s changed the person I am and given me leadership opportunities.”

In 2024, Wear Black, Give Back received 6,242 gifts totaling $907,396.

About the University of Nebraska Foundation

It’s been 20 years since Robert Parnes, M.D., received an autologous stem cell transplant — 20 years since the first day of the rest of his life.

But it’s been 25 years since he met “an amazing and humble human being,” the man who told him everything was going to be OK at the moment he needed to hear that most.

“He saved my life,” Dr. Parnes said of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s James Armitage, M.D., who holds the Joe Shapiro Chair for the Study of Oncology and Clinical Research and the University of Nebraska Distinguished Cancer Research Professorship.

Through the years, Dr. Armitage has done that for many people, as one of the world’s foremost experts in lymphoma and blood cancers.

“My interactions with Dr. Armitage over the past 25 years have made me a more thoughtful person and a better doctor to my own patients. I am very grateful for that.”

As the years went by, one mission remained: “I had the desire to give back in some way to Dr. Armitage and the entire transplant and oncology team.”

And if you are reading this, he hopes you’ll join him in his “how.” He hopes this is the push you need, too.

Several months ago, Dr. Parnes was at home in Maryland, when the realization struck him. Now was the time. He found contact information for the University of Nebraska Foundation, and after some conversations with Tom Thompson, senior director of development, a vision took shape:

“A chair,” Dr. Parnes said, “in Dr. Armitage’s honor, that would last generations.” Those who would hold this chair, “would be honored to be chosen as someone who was a leader in research and treatment of blood related cancers.” But also, “highlighting their role in caring for patients.”

The establishment of the endowed James O. Armitage, M.D., Chair in Hematological Malignancies at UNMC would support the work and legacy of his doctor and friend.

Before she died in May, Debra Romberger, M.D., the Henry J. Lehnhoff Professor of Internal Medicine, UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, and special adviser to the dean of the College of Medicine, spoke in Dr. Armitage’s support.

“Dr. Armitage has impacted UNMC in so many pivotal ways,” Dr. Romberger said. “He was essential to bringing bone marrow transplantation to our institution, which changed the lives of many patients as well as the future direction of the organization. Quite simply, Dr. Armitage is an icon.”

What sticks with those who know him, especially former patients he has saved, is his humanity. “His empathy,” Dr. Parnes said, “and his understanding of what I needed emotionally — it came across instantly.

“I felt a sincere connection to someone who was really going to care for me, someone who was going to try to help me.”

“Dr. Armitage is a great example of how much positive change one talented and dedicated person can make,” said Mark Rupp, M.D., professor and interim chair of internal medicine.

Dr. Parnes was a young doctor himself, a retina specialist, when he first met Dr. Armitage. He’d just completed his fellowship and was working his first real job at an ophthalmology practice.

He was diagnosed with lymphoma and, perhaps like many others at the time of diagnosis, was told he had maybe eight or 10 years to live.

His oncologist told him, if you have lymphoma, you must go to Nebraska, to see Dr. Jim Armitage.

Within a week he and his wife and dad were on a plane to Omaha. When they met Dr. Armitage, it hit them immediately.

“I meet a lot of physicians who are very intelligent and very talented,” Dr. Parnes said. “But his understanding of the need to offer me hope and the lifeline he extended by doing this made him exceptional and unique.

While others talked about how many years of life he had left, Dr. Armitage said they were shooting for a cure. He oversaw Dr. Parnes’ treatment. A clinical trial was involved. It went well.

About five years later, there was a recurrence. But they went back to Dr. Armitage. “He assured me he was going to take care of me, and a cure was still his goal,” Dr. Parnes said.

“I’ve been blessed to be in remission since then,” Dr. Parnes said. “This Thanksgiving, it’ll be 20 years since the transplant.”

He’s gotten to travel and experience great things, have a long career and spend a lifetime with his wife, through dark days and bright ones.

“Establishing a chair in his name, it’s a lifelong thing that goes through generations,” Dr. Parnes said. He envisions, “the recipient would be honored to have the chair named for such a great researcher and person.”

The proposed James O. Armitage, M.D., Chair in Hematological Malignancies will be awarded to a physician scientist specializing in blood cancers research and treatment. Funds from the chair will be utilized to advance the recipient’s work in education, diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers.

“Creation of this endowed chair will allow another faculty member to follow in his footsteps and make a similar beneficial impact,” Dr. Rupp said.

Dr. Parnes is excited to have started this effort. He is proud to write that first check. He can’t fund the whole thing.

“Dr. Parnes has generously given the first significant gift towards something that, as some might say, is long overdue in honoring Dr. Armitage. Others who feel equally as grateful of the unique level of care they received from Dr. Armitage are joining Bob with the exact same sentiment.”

On that note, Dr. Rupp is asking those who have been healed, inspired, taught or befriended by Dr. Armitage to join in this effort.

“I encourage prior patients, students and colleagues of Dr. Armitage to express their thanks for his many contributions by donating to the endowed chair fund and enabling the good work to continue,” he said. “Endowed chairs are the foundation upon which the faculty is built, and contributions to the Armitage Chair are an investment in the future — excellent clinical care, inspiring education and breakthrough research — all of those things to which Dr. Armitage has dedicated his career.”

For information on how to give directly to the establishment of the James O. Armitage, M.D., Chair in Hematological Malignancies Endowment Fund via the University of Nebraska Foundation, go to this link.

Or contact Tom Thompson, senior director of development for the foundation, by email at [email protected] or call or text 402-639-9592 or 800-432-3216.

The University of Nebraska Foundation announced the election of 21 new trustees during the foundation’s Annual Meeting of Trustees Sept. 30, 2025.

The foundation’s trustees live across the United States and represent a wide array of disciplines. They offer invaluable leadership, professional skills, networking abilities and personal philanthropic support that contribute to the foundation’s mission.

“It’s a privilege to welcome the newest trustees of the University of Nebraska Foundation,” said Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation. “Since 1936, trustees have played a vital role in shaping the future of the University of Nebraska through their leadership, advocacy and generosity. Their service reflects a deep pride in and shared commitment to advancing Nebraska’s only public university system.”

The foundation benefits greatly from the leadership and support of 908 trustees and 211 honorary trustees. Here’s a link to the list of all trustees.

The University of Nebraska Foundation grows relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. During the 2025 fiscal year, a record $416.6 million was committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. In addition, a record 60,602 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.

Tom and Nancy Lauerman make $500,000 gift to support digital fabrication lab at UNL

Stromsburg, Nebraska, native Tom Lauerman credits the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with providing the academic background he needed to build a successful software company. Now, he and his wife, Nancy, are giving back so today’s engineering students have cutting-edge tools to bring their engineering projects to life in the Tom and Nancy Lauerman Digital Fabrication Lab in Kiewit Hall.

The couple, who live in Leawood, Kansas, made a $500,000 gift to equip the lab, which is a part of the Nebraska Engineering Design Hub. The Design Hub, which also includes a woodshop and metal shop, is located on the first floor and lower level of Kiewit Hall, a privately funded six-story building that opened in January 2024 to facilitate a premier engineering education at UNL.

Lauerman earned a degree in engineering from UNL in 1975 and later taught actuarial science there. He and a business partner founded GeoAccess Inc. to provide software and services to the managed health care industry. GeoAccess was repeatedly recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the nation’s 500 fastest-growing private companies, and its software products became industry standards. The company was sold in 2002.

“My engineering and computer science classes at UNL provided the foundation I needed to build a successful software company, and I’m deeply grateful for that,” Lauerman said. “This lab offers the opportunity to create physical products that integrate computer software and hardware, something that wasn’t available when I attended UNL in the ‘70s.”

The Lauermans made the gift through the University of Nebraska Foundation.

“The Lauermans’ gift allows us to provide our students with a state-of-the-art digital fabrication lab that is equipped with the latest in rapid prototyping technology,” said Lance C. Pérez, Ph.D., Fred Hunzeker Dean of Engineering and Omar H. Heins Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “Our students will now be able to design, build and test engineering, computing and construction projects using equipment few other colleges of engineering offer. We are very grateful to Tom and Nancy for their generous commitment to advancing our students’ education.”

Max Wheeler, director of the Design Hub, said the Lauermans’ gift will fund equipment such as laser cutters and 3D printers for the digital fabrication lab. The gift also will ensure that the lab is sustainable over the long term by providing funding to maintain and replace equipment as technology evolves.

Wheeler said the Design Hub is a popular place for students to gather, discuss and work on projects. The equipment in the digital fabrication lab is used in a wide range of engineering projects, from project enclosures for students’ work, all the way to advanced robotics, such as a robotic hand for precise gripping.

“This space enables students to bring their concepts and ideas into reality,” Wheeler said. “It’s the first introduction for a lot of students to having a physical design in front of them. Most of the students’ work before coming to the lab has been digital or pen on paper. The lab allows them to really see the full design loop.”

Lauerman recalled that his own education at UNL was largely theoretical. “We were learning algorithms and data structures, but there was a significant gap between classroom theory and real-world engineering applications,” he said. “That’s exactly the kind of gap this lab is designed to close, giving students hands-on experience that brings engineering principles to life.”

He previously established the Thomas E. Lauerman Endowed Scholarship, which provides annual awards for students in the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management. The Lauermans said they hope these gifts inspire others to support the university.

The couple’s gift to the College of Engineering supports Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future, a historic effort to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. The campaign’s top priority is student access and success, including providing funds for modern facilities that offer students contemporary, hands-on learning opportunities.

About the University of Nebraska Foundation

Two new members were also elected to serve on the foundation’s board of directors

Tom and Nancy Lauerman make $500,000 gift to support digital fabrication lab at UNL

Support the University of Nebraska