Building Connections: A History of the Nebraska Alumni Association
The Nebraska Alumni Association stands as a testament to the enduring bond between the University of Nebraska and its graduates. For 150 years, the Nebraska Alumni Association has built meaningful connections between Huskers past, present and future, celebrated our university’s achievements and aspirations, championed alumni interests and strengthened the Nebraska tradition. This article explores the history of the association, highlighting its evolution, key milestones, and its vital role in fostering alumni engagement and supporting the university's mission.
The Genesis of Alumni Engagement at University of Nebraska Omaha
The story of alumni engagement at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) begins with the establishment of the UNO Alumni Association. The alumni association was organized on June 6, 1913, at a banquet given by the class of 1913, the first class to graduate from the University of Omaha after its founding in 1908. According to the 1914 Metropolitan Annual, “the purpose of the organization is to concentrate the divided efforts of the graduates into one unit in order to work more proficiently for the up-building of the school, and to promote, as far as possible, the activities of the school.”
The alumni association was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska in 1937. In 1943, Olga Strimple became the first paid executive secretary. The following year, the first alumni office opened in the Administration Building. Rear Admiral Stanton W. Salisbury received the first Citation for Alumnus Achievement Award from the Alumni Association in 1949. Since then, 129 alumni have been cited for career achievements.
Publications and Fundraising: Evolving Strategies
The association's communication strategies have evolved significantly over the years. The monthly Alumni Gateway publication was replaced with the quarterly Injun Alumni Magazine in 1950. Over the years, the alumni publication has been called Injun Alumni Magazine, Alumni Newsletter, UNO Alumni News, UNO Today and The UNO Alum. Today, the association partners with the university and the University of Nebraska Foundation to publish UNO Magazine. The alumni association dropped membership dues and started an annual fund drive in 1953. Dan Koukol chaired the first campaign, “Life Begins at 40,” in honor of the Association’s 40th anniversary. The first annual fund campaign raised $1,727. In 1990, the annual fund surpassed $1 million.
Growth and Expansion: Milestones of the UNO Alumni Association
In 1960, under the direction of executive secretary Betty Davis, the alumni offices moved from the Administration Building to the new Milo Bail Student Center. “That period of time seemed to be a turning point for the alumni association,” Davis recalled in a 1988 publication. “We were bursting from one building to another, and our dreams weren’t confined either. Internal Revenue Service established the alumni association as an educational and charitable organization exempt from paying corporate income taxes. In 1968, the University of Omaha Alumni Association became the University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Association when the university joined the University of Nebraska system.
Read also: Explore the Legacy of the University of Nebraska Press
Celebrating Donors and Achievements
Thirty-three chartered members began the Century Club program in 1973, honoring donors who contribute $100 or more each year to the annual fund. Century Club membership surpassed 1,600 in 1991. Two more award programs, the Outstanding Service Award and the Athletic Hall of Fame, began in 1974 and 1975. The first service awards recognized Ellen Gast, John Jeter and Maury Shadle. The first Hall of Fame inductees included Bill Englehart, Roger Sayers, Marlin Briscoe and Leo Peary.
A Permanent Home: The William H. Thompson Alumni Center
Once again, the alumni association outgrew its offices. In 1979, the association purchased and renovated a mansion bordering the western edge of campus. Alumni offices moved into the new house, which was dedicated in honor of alum, former professor and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences William H. Thompson.
Expanding Programs and Initiatives
In 1981, the alumni association began the First Fridays program for faculty and staff. In 1984, the first Golden Circle Reunion was held, honoring 50-year graduates of the University of Omaha. Today, Golden Circle members meet monthly for lunch. Sam Leftwich led the Diamond Jubilee effort in 1983 to establish professorships for each of the university’s seven colleges. Another effort led by Gary Penisten in 1986 initiated the Talent Scholarship program. Alumni, friends and corporations contributed more than one-half million dollars for endowed scholarships.
Building for the Future: The UNO Alumni Center Campaign
Still growing with more than 70,000 university graduates, the alumni association raised $1.3 million through the UNO Alumni Center Campaign during 1990-91 to build onto the alumni house. The new alumni center, which was added to the east end of the house, includes a banquet hall, heritage library and a visitors center. The building was dedicated in September 1994. An addition was completed in 2006 followed by a renovation in 2015.
Strategic Integration and Continued Growth
On January 1, 2016, the UNO Alumni Association strategically integrated with the University of Nebraska Foundation to coordinate alumni advancement programming and communications for the purpose of creating stronger alumni engagement and increasing private financial support for UNO.
Read also: A Look at the Cornhusker Band
The Nebraska Alumni Association: A Legacy of Connection
The Nebraska Alumni Association is the trusted heart and home for alumni engagement at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Each year, the alumni association hosts over 100 events that reach thousands of alumni and friends. We take the lead in finding connections, building on our alumni’s pride and loyalty, and transforming them into actions that strengthen our university. Alumni Association digital touchpoints reach over 3 million and Nebraska Quarterly magazine boasts 150,000 recipients each year. Storytelling across channels celebrates and spreads the news and impact of the university. Each year we welcome some of our best and brightest alumni back to campus for our Alumni Masters celebration and honor some of our most distinguished alumni and friends with our annual alumni awards. Our commitment to the student experience and legacy of tradition at Nebraska is exemplified through the Student Alumni Association and its robust programming. No university can reach its fullest potential without passionate and engaged supporters and friends.
Read also: Historic First Meeting
tags: #Nebraska #Alumni #Association #history
