KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney Alumni Association and University of Nebraska Foundation are now working together from one office headquarters at 214 West 39th Street in Kearney.
The organizations combined their operations in 2010 to fully integrate alumni relations activities and encourage even greater alumni engagement and philanthropic support for the university. After evaluating options for one office that could accommodate all employees, networks and equipment, the office building leased by the NU Foundation was selected to serve as the combined headquarters for the organizations. The office was recently redeveloped to add more offices and a conference room.
“Successful university advancement today requires that broad constituent engagement take place alongside major gift development efforts,” said Lucas Dart, vice president for alumni relations and development. “By bringing our teams together, we are improving our ability to serve UNK’s many constituents and the campus itself.”
About the integration, UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen said, “This is a good model for UNK. It is similar to the one used by many private schools of our size that have combined development and engagement activities under one umbrella. I believe it is a step forward for our campus.”
Alumni association employees had previously worked from the UNK Alumni House. While no longer serving as an office, the Alumni House, located south of campus at 2222 9th Avenue, continues to be a resource for both the university and Kearney community. As the oldest building associated with UNK’s history, it is used regularly by university groups and the public for meetings and events.
“The decision to move our staff from the Alumni House took considerable thought, because it’s a special and sentimental place, but the demands of our operation have made it a must,” Dart said. “We feel good knowing that such an historic place will continue to be part of the campus, even if its role has changed.”
The organizations are considering plans for a possible future, permanent home for the alumni association and foundation office. One opportunity being explored is to locate the office within the University Village development, south of Highway 30 on the west side of campus.
Employees working out of the newly-formed office include: Dart; Tricia Danburg, assistant director of alumni engagement; Lisa Hoffman, executive assistant; Kristin Howard, director annual campaigns; Dusty Jura, director of development for UNK athletics and College of Education; Pete Kotsiopulos, senior director of development; Anne McConkey, director of development; Toni Meyers, administrative assistant; Laura Miller, information systems coordinator; Michelle Widger, assistant director communications.
The NU Foundation office can be contacted at 308-698-5270, and the UNK Alumni Association can be reached at 308-698-5271.
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Contact: Robb Crouch, NU Foundation, 402-458-1142, robb.crouch@nufoundation.org
