KEARNEY – Loper supporters from near and far came together to raise a record $389,737 during the 2025 One Day for UNK.
Over 24 hours, 2,170 gifts were received from 1,352 donors to support causes and priorities at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
One Day for UNK, which is celebrating its fifth year, was held from noon Wednesday to noon Thursday. Full results are available online at givingday.unk.edu.
“To every donor, advocate and supporter – thank you,” Chancellor Neal Schnoor said. “Your generosity sends a powerful message to our students: that you believe in them, their potential and the future we’re building together at UNK. Watching this day unfold reminded me how much pride, purpose and unity define this university, and how truly powerful we are when we come together as a community.”
The giving day raised funds to support numerous priorities, including scholarships, Loper Athletics, UNK’s three colleges, the library, the Loper Pantry and emergency assistance for students facing an unexpected financial crisis.
The goal for One Day for UNK was to receive 2,100 gifts. The number of gifts, as well as the amount raised, set new records. More than 300 UNK faculty and staff made a gift, also setting a new record. Alumni and donors pledged more than $240,000 in challenge and matching funds to encourage others to give.
One of those challenges supported the Kearney Law Opportunities Program (KLOP) Fund, which supports scholarships and experiential learning opportunities for KLOP students. KLOP was created eight years ago to help address the shortage of attorneys in rural Nebraska.
UNK Student Regent and Student Body President Sam Schroeder is a member of the KLOP program. He hopes to attend the University of Nebraska College of Law and eventually return to rural Nebraska to work as an attorney.
“The rigorous coursework, international study abroad and networking opportunities with leaders in Nebraska’s legal community have greatly prepared me for law school,” said Schroeder, a senior from Seward.
He expressed gratitude to donors: “Thank you for your generous gifts during One Day for UNK. Your contributions will have a significant impact on the ability of UNK to serve students, the Kearney community and the state of Nebraska. Go Lopers!”
One Day for UNK generated enthusiasm across campus. Schnoor, who previously served as director of bands at UNK, and his wife, Teresa, offered a challenge to support the UNK Bands program.
Duane Bierman, current director of bands, said One Day for UNK raises funds to support equipment upkeep and travel, including an overseas trip every four years for the Pride of the Plains Marching Band, Wind Ensemble tours of Nebraska and surrounding states, and trips to perform in parades around Nebraska.
“Students in the UNK Band program make lifelong friends and benefit from being part of a community where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” Bierman said. “Our alumni consistently note that participation in the UNK Band program was one of the highlights of their experience at UNK. Support allows us to continue to provide these rich experiences for our students.”
UNK freshman Brie Murdoch of Prairie Village, Kansas, is actively involved on campus as a member of the Loper swim team and Alpha Phi sorority. Both organizations received support through One Day for UNK, assisting with the swim team’s upcoming training trip to Florida and her sorority’s educational and leadership activities. She is also a scholarship recipient.
“I’m so thankful for donors’ support during One Day for UNK. People can do big things, no matter the size of their gift,” said Murdoch, who is majoring in exercise science. “I get to participate in the sport I like. I get the opportunity for a great education at UNK. I can focus on getting my degree and athletics without having to hold an outside job.”
During 2024, One Day for UNK received 2,029 gifts to raise $289,568.
