You can support UNL's Engineers Without Borders chapter by making a gift to the EWB-USA University of Nebraska Student Chapter Fund today.
Soren Hieggelke came to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to make a difference.
The university has always held a space in the Portland, Oregon, native’s heart. Hieggelke’s grandfather earned his doctorate in physics at UNL and brought his love for the campus back to the West Coast.
“He always raved about his experience,” Hieggelke said. “I grew up with everyone watching Husker football games.”
When it came time to apply for college, UNL felt like the clear choice. He said the academic resources and opportunities gave him the foundation to succeed. Now a sophomore, Hieggelke is using those tools to make a difference across the globe.
The electrical engineering major is a team lead within UNL’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB-NU). The local chapter, which serves as a university chapter within Engineers Without Borders USA, is working to make a worldwide impact through two major projects: the Zambia Bridge Project and the Madagascar Solar Project.
The project is centered around installing solar power systems to provide power for lights at six schools in Kianjavato, Madagascar.
Through the project, systems have been installed in over half of the targeted schools in the area. These systems are used for evening classes for students studying for examinations as well as for adult literacy classes.
According to Hieggelke, teachers in the area have reported a 100% passing rates among students since the introduction of these solar-powered classrooms.
“I think it is so gratifying to see what the club’s work has actually been able to accomplish,” Hieggelke said. “I’ve heard the look on the faces of the kids when the lights are installed is like magic.”
This summer, Hieggelke will make his first trip to Madagascar to see the impact of his work. After nearly nine months on the project as team lead, he’s looking forward to seeing the results in person.
“It can be hard when you’ve been working on this for so long, so actually going over there and seeing the impact in person will be really special for me,” he said.
Hieggelke said he would have never expected to receive the opportunities he has had so far at UNL when he first stepped foot on campus as a freshman. He said it’s representative of just how many opportunities are available for students at UNL.
“Before I applied to college, I never would have thought I would be going on a humanitarian aid trip to Madagascar, let alone leading it,” he said. “I think people don’t realize how many opportunities the clubs and organizations at this university present.”
Additionally, Nebraska EWB-USA students are gaining the Complete Engineer ® skills of teamwork, civil responsibility, self-management & leadership, communication, and professionalism & ethics that are highly sought after by employers.
Donor support plays a critical role in funding both projects underway within EWB-NU. For Hieggelke, support from donors covers everything from solar power components like batteries and panels to translators to help students when they’re on the ground.
“Donors give us the oxygen to breathe,” Hieggelke said. “Our club would not be able to function without them.”
That support means everything to Hieggelke, but he knows it is making an even larger impact on a new generation of students across the globe.
“You are helping educate people in a country that doesn’t traditionally have a lot of access to education,” he said. “It’s having a huge impact on this community, and we’re so thankful for that.”
You can support students like Cecilia by making a gift to the N Fund - Education & Human Sciences Scholarshps/Fellowships today.
For Cecilia Asti, becoming a teacher started as a thought in the back of her mind. She originally planned to go into law, but after reflecting on what she truly wanted, she realized teaching was where she felt called.
Working with students throughout high school confirmed that decision. As a secondary education major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, she is focused on creating the same kind of safe, supportive environment her teachers once gave her.
A, first-generation college student, Asti is navigating college on her own. With no financial support from her family, paying for school has always been her responsibility.
That is where donor support has made a real difference. Support through the N Fund – College of Education and Human Sciences Scholarships/Fellowships have helped reduce financial stress and allowed her to focus on her education.
“It allows me to focus more on school and not have to worry about working all the time,” Asti said. “That weight being lifted off my shoulders makes a huge difference.”
Instead of constantly stressing about tuition, Asti has been able to plan for her future. She is even able to set aside money for living expenses, like moving into a new apartment. It’s something she said would have been difficult without scholarship support.
The impact of donor support goes beyond finances. It has given Asti a sense of confidence and independence, especially as she shares her progress with her grandparents, who raised her.
“I feel really good knowing I can do this on my own,” she said. “My grandparents do not have to carry that burden, but they still get to see me succeed.”
Asti plans to teach middle school, a group she believes is often misunderstood. She wants to create a classroom where students feel safe, supported and heard, especially during such a challenging stage of life.
Her passion comes from her own experiences, including a teacher who once showed her kindness during a difficult day. That moment stayed with her and continues to shape the kind of educator she hopes to become.
Donor support is helping make that future possible. By reducing financial stress and allowing her to focus on her goals, scholarships are directly shaping the impact she will have on her future students.
“I want to thank donors for helping me achieve my goals and focus on school without me worrying about how I am going to afford it,” Asti said.
Gifts to this fund provide vital support to the College of Agricultural and Natural Resources.
Maddie Weber was looking for a second home when she first visited the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s East Campus.
The St. Charles, Missouri, native was looking for a new experience at an out-of-state college after graduating from high school in 2023. Initially, UNL wasn’t even on her list of schools.
After being offered some scholarships to attend the university, Weber decided to visit campus. From there, her choice became clear.
“I came and toured East Campus and just loved it. It felt like home.”
Today, Weber is a junior, double majoring in agricultural leadership, education and communication and agronomy. She also participates in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Ambassadors program.
The program, which receives support through the N Fund – College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, provides prospective students with a one-of-a-kind campus experience.
CASNR ambassadors have been a long-running tradition within the college, serving as the foundation for its campus visit and recruitment structure.
Weber’s role is centered around making incoming students and their families feel comfortable and excited about their future home within CASNR. In addition to answering questions about the college’s academic and extracurricular opportunities, she also remembers what life on campus is like for incoming students.
“It was really nice coming to campus and having a current student walk you around campus and share their experiences. It just made the tour feel more personal.”
Ambassadors complete tours on a one-to-one basis, providing each family a unique glance into life on campus. Weber said the small groups make it easier for students and parents to ask personalized questions.
Looking back on her first campus visit, Weber said her on-campus tour helped her learn more about the culture of UNL’s campus.
“Especially as an out-of-state student, I was unfamiliar with so much,” she said. “How do game days work? What restaurants do people like to eat at? Just coming from a different state, it was nice to have someone who could answer those questions.”
Weber said her experience as an ambassador has been special. She’s grateful for the opportunity to ensure future students have the tools they need to feel comfortable on campus.
That wouldn’t be possible without donor support to the N Fund – College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
“The CASNR Ambassadors program is so special, and I’m really grateful to have this role,” she said. “I know as an incoming student, I was really grateful that this role existed to ease some of my fears and welcome me to campus.”
