KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Cyber Club brings together students like John Behrens who have an interest in computer science, information technology and cybersecurity.
Club members travel to university hackathons to work on robotics, website and app development projects and hold regular meetings to hear from industry professionals, play video games or talk about their classes, said former club president John Behrens of Omaha. Many are majoring in a technology-related field, but the 40-member club also attracts students from across campus.
“It’s just a really great place to connect with other students and build relationships,” said Behrens, a senior majoring in computer science. “If you need help on homework, there’s usually someone to help.”
The UNK Cyber Club is one of many causes and programs donors can support during the 2024 One Day for UNK. The university’s fourth annual giving day will run from noon Nov. 13 to noon Nov. 14.
Gifts can be made at givingday.unk.edu, where participants can choose from among numerous options to support the university. One Day for UNK raises funds to support Loper students, scholarships, UNK’s three colleges, the library and museums, registered student organizations, fraternities, sororities, Loper Athletics and other campus priorities.
The theme is “One Campus. One Community. 24 Hours.” One Day for UNK will use social media and other online communication to encourage philanthropic support for the university. UNK has set a goal to receive 1,800 gifts. Donors making gifts totaling $75 or more will receive a UNK flag to show their Loper pride.
“More than just a fundraising event, One Day for UNK is a celebration of our community. It demonstrates the incredible impact we can achieve when we unite in support of UNK,” said interim Chancellor Charlie Bicak.
Alumni and donors have given more than $145,000 in challenge and matching funds to encourage others to give. Bicak and UNK’s three deans, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Paul Twigg, College of Business and Technology Dean Tim Jares and College of Education Dean Mark Reid, have all established challenges. Reid promised to shave his head if the College of Education receives $31,050 in gifts.
Participants are encouraged to use #OneDayforUNK on social media to share why the university is important to them. To kick off the 2024
One Day for UNK, faculty and staff are invited to visit Brewed Awakening in the West Center building from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 13 for free doughnuts.
Last year’s One Day for UNK raised more than $240,000 to enhance educational opportunities at UNK.
Additional information about One Day for UNK, as well as options for giving and tracking the event’s progress, can be found at givingday.unk.edu.
