December 9, 2024

Business and Finance, Alumni Association lead Combined Campaign giving

Olesen, Geyer win basketball tickets for participating
Nebraska "Go Big Red" banners on a street pole in front of yellow and orange fall leaves on a tree.
Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing

Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing

The extension of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 2024-25 Combined Campaign for Health and Human Services is paying off as giving by faculty and staff continues to grow.

Through four weeks of the campaign, one in five of all university employees have made donations. On the campaign leaderboard, the Nebraska Alumni Association and Business and Finance are in first in the small and large divisions, respectively.

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 in each division through three weeks are listed below.

Large Division

  • Business and Finance, 61.5%
  • NU Office of the President, 58.5%
  • Student Life, 37.5%
  • Research and Innovation, 28.6%
  • Nebraska Athletics, 21.3%

Small Division

  • Alumni Association, 50%
  • Law, 28.4%
  • Office of the Chancellor, 20%
  • University Libraries, 20%
  • Nursing, 17.5%

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

Individually, Greg Olesen, senior print/bindery associate with Print Services, and Justin Geyer, research engineering II, Tractor Test, with Biological Systems Engineering, won tickets to the Dec. 13 Husker men’s basketball game against Indiana. Each week, to generate enthusiasm among faculty and staff, one participant has earned a reward of tickets to a Huskers event or show at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

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 to accept pledges from faculty and staff.

“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.