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Mackey Commits $1.6 Million to Make College Possible for More

Alum Creates Three Endowed Funds for College of Business Students
Mackey Commits  $1.6 Million to  Make College  Possible for More
Through a $1.6 million estate gift, Bruce E. Mackey, ’55, plans to provide scholarships and academic programs to support first-generation students, those from low-income families and others with barriers to college.

Bruce E. Mackey, ’55, of Tampa, Florida, announced a $1.6 million estate gift to support students through scholarships and academic programs. His gift will especially help first-generation students, students from low-income families and others with barriers to college.

His gift creates four endowed funds at the University of Nebraska Foundation, with three funds supporting students enrolled in the College of Business. Another endowment will provide financial aid to students who complete the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy, a college access program, who then study at Nebraska.

The funds will be named for Mackey and his late wife, Loyce Mackey, in recognition of their philanthropic legacy.

Students who complete the DREAMBIG Academy, a pre-college program to introduce high school juniors to college and business careers, will benefit from scholarship assistance. The academy is designed for first-generation students and low-income families and others.

Two other funds will support student scholarships and programs within the college’s Center for Entrepreneurship and the Center for Sales Excellence.

“The generous planned gift from Bruce and Loyce Mackey will have a significant impact on our students for generations,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance. “With tuition assistance and the support for our programs, students will have opportunities to co-create their learning experiences and set themselves apart in their careers. We are humbled and honored to help the Mackeys create a legacy that will empower Nebraska Business students to lead the future of business.”

About his support, Mackey said, “I just hope students can look back when they’re older and say, ‘I’ve lived the dream. I had the opportunity. I stood up to it and made it work. But I had some very important support along the way.’”

A Nebraska native, Mackey served in the U.S. Army after graduating from the university. He devoted his career to the insurance industry, retiring as a senior vice president of a Fortune 200 company.

Published: December 23, 2021