A gift to the World Class Actuarial Science Fund goes toward the Actuarial Science Campaign to improve support for faculty and students, ensure the program attracts and retains top talent, and provide a world-class education in actuarial science.
Sue Vagts’ journey into actuarial science began at a dinner with professionals when she was a junior in high school.
“I mentioned my love for math, and someone said, ‘You should be an actuary.’ That moment changed everything,” Vagts said.
Years later, Vagts followed that advice by pursuing an education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with minors in actuarial science and business.
That education set her on a path to professional success. After eight years in the industry, Vagts paused her career to raise her children. A chance encounter at a grocery store with a former professor led her back to the university’s actuarial science program to teach a class.
“I thought it would be temporary, but I fell in love with teaching,” Vagts said. “There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping students find their path.”
That single class turned into a full-time role as program director. Passionate about education, she works to ensure students receive both academic and professional support.
The World Class Actuarial Science Fund has been instrumental in supporting students. Through the fund, Vagts said she works to prioritize equitable financial assistance.
“We want to help as many students as possible, not just a select few,” she said. “These students are working hard to pass rigorous exams, and financial support can make all the difference.”
Thanks to donor support, students in the program’s first two preparatory courses receive full coverage of their actuarial exams.
“Each exam requires extensive preparation, and the cost of study materials adds up quickly,” Vagts said. “Without financial assistance, some students might have to delay or even forgo taking exams. Alumni donations ensure that students have the resources they need to succeed.”
Beyond exam materials, the World Class Actuarial Science Fund assists in covering student travel and professional development. Campaigns help reimburse travel costs for conferences.
“These experiences are invaluable for students’s growth” Vagts said. “Attending conferences and meeting industry leaders open doors to new opportunities. One student told me: ‘Attending this conference changed my entire perspective on what I can do in my career.’ That’s the kind of impact we want to make on our students.”
Vagts said she is driven by seeing the impact support from the World Class Actuarial Science Fund has on students. As the program grows, Vagts encouraged donors to continue their support of the World Class Actuarial Science Fund.
“Every donation honors UNL’s actuarial legacy and invests in the next generation,” she said. “It’s more than just a program; it’s a community that continues to grow and thrive.”
The Husker Pantry provides basic food items and other things like toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, shampoo and toilet paper to UNL students at no cost.
Being a college student is hard, no matter the circumstances.
Between difficult coursework and balancing other life responsibilities, it is a time that can feel overwhelming for many.
Kenji Madison, director of the Husker Pantry, is familiar with this feeling and works to alleviate one of the most basic needs. Since 2017, the Husker Pantry has operated with one simple mission: to ensure no Husker student ever goes hungry.
“[The Husker Pantry] is a free resource to ensure that students have what they need in terms of daily staples, personal items, all the way to foodstuffs,” Madison said. “It ensures that the last thing that they’re worried about here on campus is where they can get something to eat.”
In its nine years of operating on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus, the pantry has made a remarkable impact on students’ path to a brighter future. This resource is crucial to many people’s success and ability to continue attending college and pursuing a higher education. In fall 2024, the pantry saw more than 3,500 visitors and distributed more than 34,000 items, according to Madison.
“All of those things that we were able to do in the fall translated directly into students’ overall sense of personal well-being, but also their ability to be able to complete their academic studies,” he said.
“All of those things that we were able to do in the fall translated directly into students’ overall sense of personal well-being, but also their ability to be able to complete their academic studies." - Kenji Madison
An important aspect of the Husker Pantry is its accessibility to all students no matter what their needs may be. The pantry is designed to be flexible and adapt to the diverse needs of everyone.
“Students join our campus in varied dispositions in their lives, but also in their responsibilities,” Madison said. “The pantry is an opportunity for students. No matter where you’re at on that scale of need, the pantry is there to help you with that need.”
The Husker Pantry relies heavily on its donors and has been able to make significant strides in its work with the support received.
“I cannot even stress the importance of the foundation funding and all those funds that come in from our giving campaigns. That is what fuels the pantry and allows us to be able to do what we do on a daily, weekly, monthly, semester basis. Without that, it would almost be impossible to do the work that we are doing there. That's how significant, how necessary that foundation funding is for us and for our operations.” - Kenji Madison
The impact donors have on the pantry is undeniable. It supports Madison’s vision to expand the pantry’s reach on campus. The generosity of the community has a concrete and lasting effect on the pantry’s operations.
“It is important that [donors] understand if you choose to give toward the pantry that this is what your funds are used for,” Madison said. “It’s not just sitting somewhere and we’re trying to think of things to do, but those monies come in and they serve an immediate impact to the thousands of students who utilize this service.”
To ensure that every Husker has the resources to thrive and further their education, please consider donating to the UNL Food Pantry Fund today.
