By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – As hundreds of graduates prepared to receive their degrees Friday morning, University of Nebraska at Kearney Chancellor Neal Schnoor asked members of the audience to stand.
First, it was a few rows of students, representing the number of scholarship recipients supported each year by Keith and Eileen Carpenter. Then, everyone seated on the arena floor stood to represent the students who will benefit over the next decade. Finally, the entire crowd inside the Health and Sports Center rose to their feet, symbolizing the generations of students who will receive scholarship support in the coming century because of the Carpenters’ generosity.
Moments later, following an extended round of applause, Schnoor recognized the longtime UNK supporters with the university’s highest honor, calling their impact on current and future students “truly transformational.”
Two scholarship recipients – one earning a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and another graduating with a bachelor’s degree in interior and product design – joined Schnoor on stage as he presented the Ron and Carol Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award to the Carpenters during spring commencement.
“This recognition reflects not only Keith and Eileen Carpenter’s extraordinary generosity, but also their deep belief in the power of education to change lives,” Schnoor said. “Through their remarkable commitment to student scholarships and support, generations of students will have life-changing opportunities. Their legacy will continue shaping futures at UNK and across Nebraska for decades to come.”
The Carpenters’ gifts and future commitments to UNK are approaching $10 million, with the vast majority dedicated to scholarships and emergency support funds for students. Their philanthropy supports scholarships in areas including business education, interior and product design, nursing and graduate studies, while also assisting students facing financial hardships.
Both natives of Lexington, Keith and Eileen have maintained close ties to UNK since their college years. Keith graduated from UNK, known then as the Nebraska State Teachers College at Kearney, in 1962 and later spent his career as a business education teacher.
Eileen enrolled in 1960, studying home economics and business while working to support herself. However, financial challenges forced her to leave school after two years.
That chapter of her life became the foundation for the couple’s commitment to helping students overcome financial barriers and complete their degrees.
“These experiences have stayed with us,” Eileen said during Friday’s ceremony. “It is why helping students complete their education has meant so much to us.”
Following her time in Kearney, Eileen built a successful professional career, owning and operating a court reporting agency for nearly 30 years. She currently works as a licensed real estate broker and operates AAA Creations by Eileen, where she designs custom clothing and provides sewing services. Now living in Parker, Colorado, the couple’s investments and passion for restoring and selling rare classic cars have also helped fund their philanthropy.
In 2022, UNK awarded Eileen an honorary doctorate in recognition of the couple’s longstanding support of the university and its students.
During Friday’s commencement ceremony, she became emotional while addressing graduates and reflecting on the couple’s journey.
“You have no idea how humbled we are,” Eileen said. “We’re just two kids from Lexington, Nebraska, who believed in working hard and in the power of education.”
Speaking directly to the students celebrating one of life’s biggest accomplishments, she shared one final message.
“We believe in you, and this is the reason we are providing these scholarships. With an education, there is no limit to how far you can go.”
Previous Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award recipients are:
2003 – Carol Cope
2004 – B.M. and Beverly Stevenson
2005 – L.R. and Jane Smith
2006 – Steve Chatelain
2007 – Robert and Dode Sahling
2008 – Paul and Linda Younes
2009 – Earl Rademacher
2010 – Dwayne and Margaret Brown
2011 – Todd Thalken
2012 – Thomas Henning
2013 – Bill B. Beavers
2014 – Joel T. Johnson
2015 – Daniel P. Slawski
2016 – Stan Clouse
2017 – Galen and Marilyn Hadley
2018 – Richard and Barbara Bush
2019 – Jerry and Nancy Dulitz
2020 – Brad Kernick
2021 – Pete and Jane Kotsiopulos
2022 – Tom Tye
2023 – Brian and Carey Hamilton
2024 – Michael Yanney and Tami and Jerry Hellman
2025 – Scott Nelson
