Building Maverick Spirit: How the Student Activities Support Fund Brings Students Together

By Lily Dohmen

At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, school spirit extends far beyond campus.

Thanks to the Student Activities Support Fund, students have the opportunity to travel, connect and celebrate what it means to be a Maverick. From supporting athletics to creating memorable events, the fund plays a vital role in shaping student life.

Bill Pickett is director of the Spirit, Tradition, and Signature Events office at UNO. He oversees the programs that define the Maverick experience, such as Durango Days, Homecoming, De-Stress Fest and monthly Maverick Meals.

Spirit trips are at the heart of the fund’s impact. Each year, students travel across the country to cheer on UNO teams, from hockey tournaments to volleyball championships.

“The most memorable example came in March 2025, when UNO’s men’s basketball team made its first-ever appearance in March Madness,” Pickett said. “Thanks to donor support, 50 students boarded a charter bus to Rhode Island for a trip of a lifetime.”

These opportunities go far beyond entertainment. They foster community, pride and lifelong memories.

Looking ahead, Pickett envisions the fund continuing to strengthen student life, whether through spirit trips, campus traditions or new programs that make UNO feel like home.

He added that none of this would be possible without the generosity of donors. Their contributions give students access to experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have, creating memories that last a lifetime.

“The impact is meaningful,” Pickett said. “It creates connections that define the Maverick experience.”

To help UNO students build community and lasting Maverick pride, please consider donating to the UNO Student Activities Support Fund today.