Glow Big Red raises record $3.6 million for Husker students

Liz McCue | University Communication and Marketing

Zac Hartman, a junior mechanical engineering major, writes what he loves about the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on a heart for Glow Big Red. Next to Hartman, Herbie Husker pins a heart to a board.

Husker Nation shattered the previous Glow Big Red record, raising $3,667,815 during the annual 24-hour event to support the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

During the event, 8,080 gifts were made to support priorities and causes across the university. The number of gifts and the amount raised both set records, exceeding the 2025 giving day totals: 7,241 gifts and $1,022,896 raised.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us by making a contribution during Glow Big Red,” Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson said. “Your generosity and Husker pride show the strength of our community and the power of collective action. Through your support, our campus community has access to the resources and experiences they need to flourish and achieve their incredible goals. Together, we are transforming lives and empowering the next generation of Huskers to lead boldly.”

Supporters representing each state made a gift during Glow Big Red. The areas that raised the most are Nebraska Athletics, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences and College of Law.

Alumni and donors committed $548,000 in challenge and matching funds prior to the giving day to encourage others to give during Glow Big Red.

The Cornhusker Marching Band was one of those areas, with gifts going to rebuild large instrument storage lockers in the tunnel between the Westbrook Music Building and Kimball Recital Hall.

Sheldon Museum of Art is illuminated in red for Glow Big Red.

Davin Seeger, a junior from Omaha, plays cymbals in the band, which he calls his “second home.” A music education major, he hopes to teach elementary school music or become a high school band teacher after graduating.

“The Cornhusker Marching Band has given me a strong community and a fun-centered environment,” Seeger said. “I see the same 300 people every single day. The band gives all of us a chance to perform for tens of thousands of people every year.”

Another area supported by the giving day is the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy, a college access program that prepares first-generation students from income-eligible families for college and future careers.

NCPA scholar Josselyn Becerra of Omaha is a senior psychology major. A graduate of Omaha South High School, she is the first person in her family to attend college. She hopes to work as a victim advocate after graduation.

“The support provided through NCPA makes the college experience less daunting,” she said. “The scholarship support takes away one of the biggest insecurities that you can have, which is financial stress. It has allowed me to focus on educational experiences and internships.”

Glow Big Red started in 2019 in recognition of the university’s 150th anniversary. Across the university, there were more than 200 causes to support, including scholarships for students, such as Anna Hadan of Omaha, a senior mechanical engineering major.

“During days like Glow Big Red, I think it goes to show what can happen when somebody cares about you and wants to see you do well and succeed,” Hadan said. “It means a lot to me.”

Glow Big Red began at noon Feb. 11 and concluded at noon Feb. 12. Gifts were made here.