UNK’s fifth annual One Day for UNK proved to be its most successful yet, raising $389,737 from 2,170 gifts during the 24-hour day of giving. The results surpassed last year’s totals and exceeded this year’s participation goal, marking another milestone in the growing tradition of philanthropy across the Loper community.
This year’s event continued to support scholarships, academic programs, student organizations, athletics and emergency assistance funds that students depend on. For UNK Chancellor Neal Schnoor, the momentum reflects the University’s strong culture of support.
“It’s all about giving to student organizations, student scholarships, helping our athletic programs and really providing resources that many students and organizations rely upon,” Schnoor said.
Before Giving Day even began, UNK had already secured more than $230,000 in matching donations, setting the University up for a significant fundraising year. Schnoor said that small contributions play a huge role in unlocking these matches.
“A dollar matters,” Schnoor said. “Five dollars matter. Even ten. We have two gifts that will unlock $50,000 in scholarships if they reach a key number of donors. So, even small gifts have a huge impact.”
Matching challenges helped drive excitement, with some tied to total dollars raised and others dependent on the number of individual donors. Schnoor said the involvement stretched from campus to alumni across the world.
“What’s really special is that our faculty and deans get involved, too,” Schnoor said. “They’re giving back to their own community, which shows the pride and energy we have on campus.”
The University of Nebraska Foundation works closely with UNK to coordinate the event each year. Connie White, director of public relations for the Foundation, said the fifth anniversary marks an impressive period of growth.
“Over the past five years, we’ve raised over a million dollars for causes and priorities across the University,” White said. “The beauty of One Day for UNK is that people can support what they care about most. The number one priority is always our students.”
White said that the goal was to reach 2,100 gifts, a number the Loper community exceeded by 70.
“We want everyone to participate at whatever level they’re comfortable with,” White said. “Even just five dollars makes a big difference. It’s about celebrating UNK’s importance to Kearney, to this region and to helping students achieve their goals.”
One organization that experienced the impact of Giving Day firsthand is the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Dylan Pfeifer, chapter president, said One Day for UNK has funded members’ travel to leadership conferences in Texas and Kansas – experiences that shape leadership and personal growth.
“Having that support from alumni and community members means a lot,” Pfeifer said. “It shows that they care about the future of our chapter and appreciate the time they spent in it. Someday, I know I’ll do the same for future members.”
Pfeifer added that his involvement in the fraternity has given him career opportunities, networking skills and lifelong friendships.
“The donations really do go to a good cause,” Pfeifer said. “It’s about bettering ourselves now so we can better others down the road.”
This year’s giving demonstrated broad involvement from alumni, students, employees and supporters.
“Wherever someone has a passion, they can give,” Schnoor said. “And when they do, it makes a huge difference in our students’ lives.”
