From Memorial Stadium to Love Library to the State Capitol, landmarks around the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will be lit up in red Feb. 12 to celebrate Glow Big Red — 24 Hours of Husker Giving.
The university’s seventh annual day of giving will begin at noon Feb. 12 and conclude at noon Feb. 13. During the 24 hours, Huskers from around the world are invited to come together to raise money for critical causes and needs that touch every part of the university. There are more than 400 areas to support.
Alumni, faculty, staff, students and the Husker community can show their love for the university by making a gift here. Husker Nation is encouraged to spread the word about the giving day on social media using the hashtag #GlowBigRed.
“We’re gearing up for an exciting 24 hours of Husker giving, and we need your energy and enthusiasm to make Glow Big Red a success again this year,” Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett said. “Your support helps students both inside and outside of the classroom, so let’s come together as Huskers always do, show our spirit and make this the best Glow Big Red yet.”
Alumni and donors have committed more than $850,000 for challenges and matching gifts to encourage others to give. Donors can maximize their gifts by supporting one of these funds.
This year’s goal is to receive 5,500 gifts. Every donor who gives $75 or more will receive a pair of Husker fleece mittens as a thank-you gift.
Glow Big Red raises money for critical causes and needs across the university, including student scholarships, colleges, programs, Nebraska Athletics and student organizations.
One of the many areas donors can support is the Student Hardship Fund, which assists students facing an unexpected financial hardship. Sarah Frankel-Russell, director of Student Advocacy and Support, said there is growing demand for the funds, with nearly 20 students receiving assistance during the first semester of this academic year.
Among the recipients was a graduate student who faced large medical bills after his young family was involved in a serious auto accident. The funds also have been used to purchase textbooks and on-campus meals, fix a blown car tire and pay an electric bill to keep the lights on in a student’s apartment. The program also provides wraparound services to connect students with resources to avert a future financial crisis.
“Without this fund, there are more than a handful of students who wouldn’t be able to continue to pursue their education,” Frankel-Russell said.
Engineers Without Borders is one of the 142 student organizations to participate in Glow Big Red. Thomas Haar, a chemical engineering major from Rapid City, South Dakota, is the group’s president. The UNL chapter, with more than 30 members, builds engineering students’ technical and leadership skills while empowering communities on the other side of the world. To assist the Madagascar community of Kianjavato, students are designing small solar panel systems to power local schools. In Zambia, students are designing and building a bridge over a dangerous river separating the town of Zimba from a neighboring community.
“Engineers Without Borders impacts the everyday lives of people and ultimately helps students become more skilled professional engineers,” he said.
Find out more about the 2025 Glow Big Red and track the giving day’s progress here.
Glow Big Red started in 2019 in recognition of the university’s 150th anniversary. In 2024, the Husker community raised $823,041 to expand opportunities for UNL students.
