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When Pete Madsen moved to Omaha in 2000 to join the University of Nebraska at Omaha, he had never been to the city before.
“My wife, Lee, and I are both from Missouri, and we always hoped to land in a neighboring state so we could stay connected to family,” Madsen said. “The opportunity at UNO aligned perfectly with my background and skill set.”
More than 25 years later, UNO and Omaha have become home.
Madsen’s work as area coordinator for jazz studies within the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media has created opportunities that have taken students far beyond the classroom.
One of the most impactful experiences has been international travel. Since 2003, UNO Jazz students have participated in 13 trips abroad, with a 14th planned for September 2026.
“These trips expose students to new cultures, audiences and musical perspectives,” Madsen said.
Students also perform at local Omaha events such as Jazz on the Green and participate in the annual UNO Jazz Festival and Jazz Camp, gaining real-world experience as performers and educators.
Many of these opportunities are made possible through support from the UNO Jazz Area Support Fund.
“[The fund] is incredibly valuable because of its flexibility,” Madsen said. “It allows us to respond directly to student needs and program opportunities.”
The fund supports scholarships, helps cover costs for music, specialized instruments and sound equipment, brings guest artists to campus and helps make domestic and international travel possible.
As a result, students experience the impact of donor generosity every day, whether they realize it or not.
“It’s reflected in the quality of our facilities, the instruments they play and the opportunities they have access to,” Madsen said. “… These moments leave lasting impressions and help shape their personal and professional growth,” he said.
Looking ahead, Madsen hopes to secure permanent funding for a graduate teaching assistant position. While the role has been funded for the past two years, permanent support would strengthen the graduate program and create additional mentorship opportunities for undergraduate students.
He believes the benefits of donor support extend well beyond UNO’s campus. At this year’s Jazz Camp, more than 200 students from seventh grade through college gathered to learn and perform together under the theme “Be Brave.”
“Investing in jazz education helps foster creativity, confidence and connection across the broader community,” Madsen said.
Madsen’s commitment to music education was recently recognized with the Chancellor’s Medal in May 2026. The honor reflects a career dedicated not only to musical excellence but also to creating opportunities that help students grow both on and off the stage.
For Madsen, donor support does more than sustain the program. It expands the program’s possibilities. It shapes the future of the students and community.
“It allows us to dream bigger, reach more students and create experiences that have a lasting impact,” he said.
