A lot of good can happen in 24 hours.
In a true reflection of Husker spirit, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Glow Big Red campaign (which ran from noon Feb. 16 to noon Feb. 17) collected 4,935 gifts totaling $598,575. Both totals are records as Husker faithful representing every U.S. state and six nations gave to Dear Old Nebraska U.
The fourth annual crowdfunding event focused on a wide range of opportunities to “Glow All In” in support of students through scholarships and programs. There were ways to support students in each college as well as to support the university’s many organizations and affiliates.
Student Kabin Thomas said a college scholarship and graduate fellowship he received from the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts enabled him to continue his music performance studies. The student aid is made possible by Glow Big Red and other support throughout the year.
“It means everything to me — the fact that I can go back to school and not panic about bills,” Thomas said. “Without the scholarships, I wouldn’t be here right now.”
More than 100 campus-based student organizations and groups participated, the most ever during Glow Big Red.
Nebraska alumna Courtney Van Hoosen Makhmudzoda, who received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Business and a master’s degree from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, made contributions to campus organizations that she cares about and that impacted her during her studies.
“I’m proud to Glow Big Red for areas at UNL that made a difference in my life and are carrying out missions I believe in,” said Van Hoosen Makhmudzoda, who serves as assistant director for the Office of Global Partnerships and Initiatives at UNL.
Gifts during the event were made at glowbigred.unl.edu where full results are available.
The event has garnered momentum and more philanthropic help for the university each year. Last year nearly 4,000 gifts were received with $436,000 in total support.
Largely driven by social media, supporters used #GlowBigRed to share their personal stories and why the university matters to them.
Glow Big Red started in 2019 in recognition of the university’s 150th anniversary and continues as an annual campus tradition.
