Alumni, NU system lead second week of Combined Campaign contest

Alex Hughes speaks with students inside The Lighthouse’s cafeteria on Nov. 12. Hughes, a UNL alumna, works as a volunteer and community outreach coordinator at Lighthouse, one of the organizations that benefits from the UNL Combined Campaign for Health and Human Services, is an after-school program that offers academic support and programming for around 600 Lincoln youth.

Jordan Opp | University Communication and Marketing

Alex Hughes speaks with students inside Lighthouse’s cafeteria on Nov. 12. Hughes, a UNL alumna, works as a volunteer and community outreach coordinator at Lighthouse, one of the organizations that benefits from the UNL Combined Campaign for Health and Human Services. Lighthouse is an after-school program that offers academic support and programming for about 600 Lincoln youth.

The Nebraska Alumni Association surged into a top spot and the University of Nebraska system maintained its lead in the second week of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s annual Combined Campaign for Health and Human Services.

The friendly competition is part of the university’s participation in the 2024-25 United Way/Combined Health Agencies Drive of Nebraska. The university is a longtime participant in the community fundraiser.

To encourage participation by faculty and staff, participation rankings are being announced each week and prizes are being awarded. The team contest is divided into two divisions based on unit size — large (more than 200 employees) and small (less than 200 employees). The top five through the first two weeks are listed below.

Large Division

NU system, 44.8%
Research and Innovation, 13.8%
Business and Finance, 11.1%
Arts and Sciences, 9.2%
Athletics, 6.6%

Small Division

Alumni Association, 44.8%
Law, 20.3%
Office of the Chancellor, 8.3%
University Libraries, 8%
Dentistry, 3.3%

The leaderboards, which are updated weekly, are available here.

Individually, Barbara Bullington, an administrative technician in the Department of History, won tickets to the Nov. 16 Husker volleyball match against Big Ten rival Indiana University. Each week, to generate enthusiasm among faculty and staff, one participant will earn a reward of tickets to the Lied Center for Performing Arts, Husker volleyball match or Husker football game.

Alumna Natalie Wiebelhaus poses for a photo in Lincoln's Asian Community and Cultural Center. The center is supported through the UNL Combined Campaign. — Nebraska U alumna Natalie Wiebelhaus serves as programs manager for Lincoln's Asian Community and Cultural Center. The center is among the 145-plus organizations supported through the UNL Combined Campaign. Read more at go.unl.edu/wiebelhaus.

The annual United Way/Combined Health Agencies Drive of Nebraska campaign benefits more than 145 local agencies that assist members of the community. The 2024-25 campaign started Nov. 4 and continues through Nov. 22.

“This campaign is about investing in the health, education and financial stability of our neighbors,” Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett said. “Every dollar directly supports individuals and families, helping them find stability and work toward brighter futures.

“I encourage everyone to give as you can and choose an option that resonates with you.”

A variety of giving options are offered through the campaign. Just $5 can cover the cost of materials for a student taking an English class. A $25 donation covers a copay for a prescription medication. And, $100 can provide an hour of therapy for a youth.

Pledge forms and additional details are available on the university’s 2024-25 Combined Campaign website. The site includes promotional assets and a list of frequently asked questions.

For more information, send email to ksorensen5@unl.edu.