University of Nebraska alumnus and cattleman Paul F. Engler of Amarillo, Texas, announced today a $20 million gift to support programs in agribusiness at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

“I think about myself and my age, and I still have fire in my belly,” Engler said. “We need to identify these boys and girls who have that fire in the belly when they are young and then when they come to the university, expose them to a curriculum that teaches risk—how to evaluate it and how to manage it—because if you do not take risk as an entrepreneur, you are not going to make it.”

The University of Nebraska College of Law has benefited significantly over the years from the generosity of Virginia Schmid and her late husband, Marvin. Their gifts, which exceed $1 million, allowed the college to renovate and expand its library and collections in 2002.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and School of Music, together with the University of Nebraska Foundation, celebrated the life and legacy of Professor Emeritus Earl “Pete” Jenkins as part of the University Singers concert on Oct. 15 in Kimball Recital Hall. Jenkins died Aug. 3, 2009.

As a National Hispanic Scholar in high school, Richard Cantril had his choice of a number of colleges. After visiting Nebraska and many others, the senior business major from Scottsbluff chose the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Jason Lucht of Gretna, Neb., is the first recipient of the Louis Crompton Scholarship. The scholarship fund was established as a tribute to Louis Crompton, a longtime English professor at UNL and an early leader in gay and lesbian studies.

Film expert and professor Wheeler Winston Dixon, the James E. Ryan Professor of Film Studies, discusses why people are drawn to films like the new blockbuster film "2012." His endowed professorship was a gift from the estate of Mr. James E. Ryan, who lived in Lincoln.

Bob Brightfelt and Ken Jones, both graduates of the UNL College of Engineering, were recognized on Nov. 5, 2009, for their longtime service and for their generosity in supporting students and academic programs within the college. UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman, Nebraska Engineering’s Dean David Allen and NU Foundation President Clary Castner helped to honor the two grads by dedicating named areas within the college’s Othmer Hall.

Heeeeere’s to Johnny!!!The university is hosting the first Johnny Carson Lectureship, made possible with generous support from the great entertainer. The lecture event, with “Tonight Show” producers and writers, is Oct. 16, 2009, at 3:30 p.m. at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. in Lincoln. It’s free and open to the public.

Struggling to read is frustrating for young readers and places stress on families who don’t understand why their child may be lagging behind in school. The Reading Center at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has been a resource for Nebraska families for five years by helping children of all ages improve their reading abilities and do better in all areas of school.

The combination of architectural engineering and construction programs make The Charles W. Durham School the only one of its kind in the nation.

Housed in Omaha at The Peter Kiewit Institute, the school is part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Engineering. Is it Lincoln? Is it Omaha? Is it UNL? It can all be a little confusing.