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.”
