‘I Love It Here:’ UNK Student Earns Eye-Opening Opportunity Through Donor Support
April 7, 2026
“It’s so inspiring to receive this support. I just think that their support is so valuable, and it means so much.”
By contributing to the University of Nebraska, you become part of a vibrant community dedicated to making a lasting impact. Your generosity fuels academic excellence, groundbreaking research and community engagement, all of which shape the future of Nebraska and beyond. Every donation, no matter the size, helps create opportunities for students, supports innovative programs and enhances the university’s ability to address the challenges of tomorrow. Together, we can continue to inspire, educate and lead. Your support is not just a gift—it’s an investment in the future. Let’s make a difference, one story at a time.
“It’s so inspiring to receive this support. I just think that their support is so valuable, and it means so much.”
“Their investment does not just stop with me. It carries into every classroom and every student that I will teach.”
By Tyler Ellyson, UNK Communications Avery Lowther’s path to medicine began long before she arrived at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. It took shape in Ogallala, where personal experiences with health care showed her the impact physicians can have in rural communities. Now a freshman pre-medical student at UNK, her interest in the profession first started developing when she entered high school and quickly became something deeper. “I think of it as a calling,”
“Receiving support from donors is a great way to ensure that people are staying in Nebraska, getting an education in Nebraska and strengthening our state.”
After a 37-year career inspiring future scientists at UNK, John Hertner is still shaping student success, this time through a planned gift that began with a passion for biology.
UNK’s construction management program turns passion into profession — with hands-on learning, expert faculty and 100% job placement.
Neal H. Schnoor, Ph.D., returned to UNK to serve as chancellor July 1, bringing more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership. Schnoor shared his vision for UNK in a Q&A with Pride of Place.
“We need music teachers in the world. Even if kids aren’t musicians when they grow up, practicing music when they’re younger helps out with all areas of their life, and they become more accomplished later on.”
“Thank you for believing in my success and believing in me as a student, as a person and as a future professional in the banking industry. I really hope to continue to strive to be the best that I can as a student and as a future banker.”
“I am so grateful for the scholarships I have received. I am paying for college myself, and I will be graduating debt free because of this support. I genuinely don’t think I would still be in school if that was not the case.”