Because of you, 2011 was a great year for the University of Nebraska.

We feel grateful to all of you who read this newsletter, forward stories to others, post a comment or make a gift. Because of you, amazing things happen at the university. Deserving students are receiving scholarships and advancements are being made in cancer research, agriculture, early-childhood education and other areas important to Nebraskans and the world. 

We feel thankful to work at a place that gives the opportunity to change lives every day. To start off 2012, we are sharing with you the stories of several people who are really, really thankful, too.

Happy New Year!

Lincoln, Neb., Aug. 23, 2011—The University of Nebraska Foundation’s board of directors awarded more than $1.1 million in grants to the University of Nebraska to support student study abroad opportunities and international partnerships.

The focus of this year’s awards was set by University of Nebraska President James. B Milliken, who tied the theme to the university’s current Campaign for Nebraska fundraising initiative and its goal to increase private support for global engagement activities and programs.

“Dan was a dedicated colleague and friend and will be greatly missed by his colleagues and the many donors and volunteers whom he enjoyed helping over the years,” President Clarence Castner said. “He will be remembered for his distinctive sense of humor, his attention to detail and for always providing outstanding service to university supporters.”

Imagine the possibilities for students who have life-changing study-abroad experiences before graduation or access to the latest technology to learn a foreign language. Imagine the possibilities for doctors and nurses to better care for cardiac rehabilitation patients living in rural areas of the state. Or imagine the possibilities to learn journalism skills using modern broadcast equipment. These and many other possibilities are actually becoming a reality across the University of Nebraska, thanks to more than $1 million in grants awarded by the University of Nebraska Foundation this year.

In spite of economic downturns, University of Nebraska donors continue to find ways to connect their philanthropy to the people who need it the most.

The generosity of those who understand the importance of a strong state university system was evident again this year, as the foundation ended its fiscal year on June 30, 2009, with more than $128 million raised on behalf of the University of Nebraska. Despite a global recession, donors made it the second best year in the foundation’s 73-year history.

All who want to know the latest about how giving is advancing the University of Nebraska in remarkable ways now have the option to learn more with Facebook and YouTube.

 The University of Nebraska Foundation’s board of directors awarded $1.17 million to the University of Nebraska through its annual grants program to support projects and initiatives on all four campuses. The grants will help the University of Nebraska at Omaha conduct water and health information research; allow the University of Nebraska Medical Center to purchase equipment for core research facilities in cancer and diabetes; allow the University of Nebraska at Kearney to improve its science and business programs; and help University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty develop study abroad programs, among other programs. 

The University of Nebraska Foundation announced the promotion of Kevin Meyer to senior vice president of system development programs and the hire of Matt McNair as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus director of development.

The University of Nebraska Foundation announced it has hired Terry Hanna as a full-time fundraiser for the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Hanna was formerly assistant tournament director of the Cox Classic, an official PGA tour event. Hanna, a graduate of UNO, will focus on fundraising for athletic programs. Byrne said Hanna’s position is an upgrade of an existing position that had split time between fundraising for the UNO College of Business Administration and the athletics department.