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Dance has been a part of University of Nebraska–Lincoln student Maddie Krueger’s life since she was three years old. Nearly two decades later, Krueger is a proud member of the dance program in the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, where she’s majoring in dance. Krueger is also pursuing a degree in elementary education.
Alongside her elementary education major, being a member of the dance program has allowed Krueger to pursue her passion for dance in a supportive and welcoming environment filled with people who share some of the same passion as she does. “(The UNL dance program) has helped me grow as a person and as a dancer,” Krueger explained. “I’ve developed great friendships through the program.”
In March of 2023, UNL hosted the American College Dance Association North-Central Conference. During the convention, students from Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota gathered on campus to participate in world-class performances, classes and workshops.
“I actually got to take a class from my former ballet instructor from back at home in Kearney, Nebraska,” said Krueger. “That was great.”
Donor support of the UNL dance program positively impacts the program’s students.
“I received a scholarship from a donor for being a dance major and that allowed me to purchase the dance attire and the shoes that I need for class,” said Krueger. “(Without donor support) I wouldn’t be getting a degree in dance. I wouldn’t be able to afford it at all.”
“Dance has always been part of who I am and who I want to be,” she said. “I really am so appreciative of all the experiences that we have been gifted from the generosity of our donors.”
Your support during Glow Big Red impacts the lives of students like Maddie Krueger. Thank you for making a gift to support UNL’s students, colleges and programs and for helping make this year’s Glow Big Red a success!
This expendable fund was created as a general fund to support and enhance the UNL Dance Program. The UNL Dance Program is the only one of its kind in Nebraska. Your support will provide critical funding to advance the work of our students and faculty and will ensure that we provide an environment of excellence for the current and next generation of dancers at Nebraska.
For out-of-state University of Nebraska–Lincoln students Evan Detina and Nathan Weber, their college experience includes more than academics. Detina and Weber are active members of the UNL Men’s Ice Hockey Club, a student-run Division III team playing in both the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association and nationally under the American Collegiate Hockey Association.
Weber, a junior accounting and finance student, spoke about his first impressions of the University of Nebraska, “I instantly fell in love with the city, campus and university.” Detina, a senior majoring in agricultural business, echoed Weber’s sentiments. “This is definitely what college is supposed to be like,” he said.
For both Weber and Detina, the team quickly grew to be more than just an athletic outlet. Being part of the team instantly gave Weber a home away from home and contributed to his mental well-being. “I remember I came to practice the first day, no expectations and I made 30 instant friends,” said Weber.
Detina, the team treasurer, pointed out the valuable skills members can gain beyond the rink. “We get to do so much in terms of management, communication, budgeting… it’s not just a sports environment, but also a management environment,” he said.
“My favorite memory has to be nationals my freshman year. We went in and upset a conference rival, and it was just one of the most memorable wins in my entire hockey career,” said Detina.
As a club team, the Men’s Ice Hockey Club is mostly player-funded, with team members paying over $2,000 a year to play the sport they love. This financial weight can bar students from being able to participate in the club “I can name a few people who have had to stop participating because of that burden,” said Weber. “If we want to keep the club alive, we kind of have to find a way to eliminate those costs.”
Ongoing Donor support is one important way the UNL Men’s Ice Hockey Club can take their skillset to the next level. “The more support we get from donors, the more opportunities we have,” said Detina.
The team travels to the ACHA National Tournament yearly to compete against teams from across the country. “Some of the donations definitely go toward that trip,” Detina said. “So having that burden lifted a little bit is a huge help to our program.”
Thanks to generous donations, the UNL Men’s Ice Hockey Club continues to compete and get students involved while creating a community for students.
Donor support for the hockey club does not stop at helping the team. The team is an active philanthropic body, dedicating certain nights during their season to the Wounded Warrior Project and the American Cancer Society. “It’s cool that we’re able to use our platform to do that philanthropy and charity work as well,” said Weber.
Your support during Glow Big Red impacts the lives of students like Evan Detina and Nathan Weber. Thank you for making a gift to support UNL’s students and helping make this year’s Glow Big Red a success!
A gift to this fund supports students by providing scholarships recognizing academic excellence and financial need. The scholarships are awarded through UNL’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
