U of Nebraska honors bankers

Northwestern Financial Review, Dec 1-Dec 14, 2003

The University of Nebraska Foundation has honored the Nebraska Bankers Association for outstanding generosity. Over the past two decades, the NBA has given nearly $2.1 million to help support the University of Nebraska campuses at Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney as well as the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

"What really makes a difference for us is private support," said University of Nebraska President L. Dennis Smith. "The Nebraska Bankers Association understands the needs of the university and we are grateful for that support."

This year, the NBA donated $120,000 for 30 University of Nebraska scholarships. Scholarship recipients each received $1,000 per year for four years.

"These scholarships will make a real difference in the lives of our students," wrote UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen in a letter to the NBA. "Your contributions have had a tremendous impact."

Kelly Holthus, CEO of Cornerstone Bank, York, Neb., and chairman of the NBAs University Foundation Allocation Committee, called the partnership between the University and the banking industry important. "The banks of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska represent two great traditions within our state, making the connection between the NBA and the University a natural fit. Both of our organizations recognize the value of human capital in the growth and development of the state. And both of us understand that our future success is going to take imagination, cooperation, knowledge, courage and lots of work."

In addition to providing scholarship funds, the NBA this year donated more than $4,300 to the University's Feedlot Management Internship Program, $25,000 for distance education technology, $5,000 for a professorship, and almost $35,000 for the purchase of specific instruments and equipment.