Big-hearted supporters propelled the 2024 Glow Big Red — 24 Hours of Husker Giving to record-setting generosity in support of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

From noon Feb. 14 through noon Feb. 15, alumni, faculty, staff and the Husker community at large made 5,551 gifts to raise $823,041 to expand opportunities for UNL students. Both the number of gifts made and the amount raised set new records for the sixth annual event. Husker faithful representing every state made a gift during this year’s Glow Big Red.

“We are grateful to all whose generosity supports the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, including the incredible response to this year's Glow Big Red event,” Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett said. “This support is key as we move forward with our critical work to build UNL into the best place to learn, research, serve and inspire.”

Glow Big Red started in 2019 in recognition of the university’s 150th anniversary. Events were held across campus to celebrate the 2024 giving day, which raises funds for scholarships, student organizations and Greek chapters, Nebraska Athletics and UNL’s academic colleges, as well as other priorities. At the Nebraska Union, members of the university community wrote on red and white hearts what they love about UNL. Among their messages:

My Professor! Opportunities. Football & Basketball Games. Friends.

The Student Alumni Association, which helped to host the event, was among the more than 115 student organizations registered to participate in Glow Big Red. Anna Schroeder, president of the association who is from Malcolm, Nebraska, said the group helps students connect with each other and alumni in the community through social events, professional development and networking.

“Networking used to be daunting and sort of scary,” said Schroeder, who hopes to attend law school after she graduates in May with a degree in child, youth and family studies. “I’ve been able to form connections with people who I wouldn’t know otherwise.”

Alumni and donors committed approximately $312,000 through more than 145 matching funds and challenges to encourage others to give during Glow Big Red. The matches and challenges were unlocked when certain giving goals were achieved.

Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, said she’s grateful to the college’s amazing donors for their support.

“Glow Big Red is a wonderful opportunity to secure the funding we need to provide scholarships to students and extend their learning beyond the classroom through experiential learning opportunities,” Heng-Moss said. “This event also helps us to move the needle on our programming related to teaching, research and extension.”

Husker Nation helped to spread the word about the event on social media using the hashtag #GlowBigRed and by lighting up their room, home or business. Several buildings on campus were glowing red on Valentine’s Day.

Theo Krieger of Arlington, Texas, who will graduate in May with a degree in management, expressed gratitude for the scholarship he received from the College of Business.

“I want to be financially stable in my future,” said Krieger, who plans to go to dental school. “This scholarship has been super beneficial because I’m actually able to pursue what I like and experience things that I enjoy rather than having to sacrifice that so I can afford to pay my bills.”