Momentum behind UNL rodeo team continues to grow  By Kelly Knutson ’29 Rodeo is at the heart of Nebraska. Every year, towns come alive with arena lights, cheers and anticipation. Yet, many do not recognize the growing momentum behind the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s rodeo team, a program rebuilding itself through grit, mentorship and donor-powered opportunities. UNL student Carli Hawkins, who is studying for a master’s degree in nutrition and exercise science, has been one of

“It is because of donors that we even exist at the level that we exist at,” Kenji Madison, director of the Husker Pantry, said. “I cannot overstate how critical the provisions that they provide for the pantry are to our subsistence semester after semester, year after year.”

“A lot of folks will say OLLI is like the best-kept secret at the University of Nebraska, and so that’s certainly part of my job as director to grow our name and our reputation in the work we do,” Melissa Hayes-Connolly, director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, said.

“I am so grateful for the scholarship I received and appreciate the university providing opportunities such as this to students like me.”

“I’m paying for college myself, so scholarships like the one I received through the Women’s Club have just been so helpful. It feels amazing to know that I have graduated with just a little bit of savings for my future because of scholarships like this.”