After receiving a Nebraska Bankers Association Scholarship this year, Brandon Nieveen from Sterling, Neb., said, “I cannot express in words how thankful I really am for your generosity. Now I can concentrate more on my studies and less on the worry about the financial part of college.”

Brandon is one of 83 students this year who is thankful for receiving a scholarship made possible with generous support from the Nebraska Bankers Association (NBA) to the University of Nebraska Foundation. Many of the students study business, ag business, finance and banking—among other areas—in quality academic programs at UNL, UNK and UNO.

In addition to student scholarships, NBA also provides support for much needed equipment at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and support for faculty professorships at UNL and UNO.

On Sept. 16, 2009, members of NBA, including board members, gift allocations committee members and other bankers, had the opportunity to meet about 20 of the current scholarship recipients and hear directly from university leaders about how the support from NBA makes a difference on campus.

UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen thanked the NBA and said investing in Nebraska’s students is the “best investment you can make.”

Louis Pol, dean of the UNO College of Business Administration, told NBA members that the university struggles to make scholarship awards to students because of the limited resources available. As a result, he said, “I want you to know your support is especially needed and appreciated.”

Barbara Couture, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs at UNL, said the Nebraska Bankers Association represented “exemplary leaders in Nebraska.” She also said that in addition to the scholarships, students appreciate the internships and job opportunities Nebraska banks help provide.

Kelly Holthus, chairman of the Nebraska Bankers Association’s university allocations committee, concluded the meeting by saying NBA has been able to support the important work of the university because “there’s many good hearted bankers who enjoy helping” and that they really “enjoy what they’re doing.”

Scholarship recipient Jessica Muhle from Columbus, Neb., is certainly thankful the NBA enjoys its philanthropic partnership with the university. She said the scholarship enables her to study business at UNO and allows her to “learn more about the business world through informative classes, knowledgeable teachers and other diligent students.”

“You can count on me to put your money to good use,” she said.

The University of Nebraska Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation that has raised private gifts to support the University of Nebraska for 73 years. Last year, it provided more than $130 million—the most ever—for students, faculty, academic programs, research, and for campus and building improvements on all four campuses.