The college experienced the power of our community this month through the annual Glow Big Red event. I am proud to share that our Nebraska Business alumni, faculty, staff and friends rose to the challenge of the 24 Hours of Husker Giving and raised more than $27,000 for scholarships and the N Business Start Something Fund to support student programs, services and more. Thanks to our 261 donors, we unlocked a $2,000 bonus generously provided by alumnus Dennis Kern and an anonymous donor. This outpouring of community support demonstrates a profound commitment to developing those who will lead the future of business.

We also saw several of our community members at an interdisciplinary conference called Women Lead 2020 that we co-hosted with the College of Law, March 6. The conference focused on bringing together more than 300 leaders to advance women in law, business, government and nonprofit organizations. It was a great opportunity to gain insight from local and national women leaders and connect with inspiring and motivated professionals.

The college also hosted a performance of We Are Nebraska in late February. We helped support this internship program, which challenged a group of Nebraska students to tell their unique stories on stage through poetry, song and dance in order to grow awareness and empathy across the university and the community. One of the interns, Kennedy Nguyen, is featured in this newsletter.  

A story featuring Rhonda Seacrest shares more in-depth about the importance of teaching students to give back. Seacrest has been one of the driving forces behind the Strive to Thrive Lincoln project in the Leading People and Projects (MNGT 411) class at the college.

In the spirit of continuing to pay it forward, I hope you will help us spread the word to high school juniors you know about our two free summer programs. They include Discover Accounting and the DREAMBIG Academy and both provide insight into potential careers in the world of business and a preview of college life at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Both programs also prepare students who graduate from high school in May 2021 for the opportunities awaiting them in college and beyond. Applications to both programs are due March 15.

As always, spring is a busy time at Nebraska Business, and I hope I will get to see you at one of our upcoming certificate programs for professional development or events like Employer Partners Day on Friday, May 15 for those who recruit Nebraska Business talent.

Sincerely,

Dean Kathy Farrell