A gift to this unrestricted fund enables the UNO chancellor to assist when special opportunities arise or provide immediate support to areas where students and faculty may need it most.
Elise Gaines’ final semester at the University of Nebraska at Omaha should have been a celebration.
Instead, she found herself in flux.
Over the last year, Gaines and her family have been supporting her father as he battles prostate cancer. Thankfully, her father is healthy today. In the wake of the disease, however, medical bills and questions arose about how Gaines would pay for her final semester of college.
“I didn’t know how I was going to pay for tuition,” she said. “It was just one of those moments where I felt like I was running out of options.”
Gaines fell in love with the university because of the community it fostered. Now, the university is ensuring that she has the resources she needs to continue thriving thanks to donor support to the UNO Fund – Area of Greatest Need.
The fund enables UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, to provide support for special opportunities and immediate support areas. This year, Dr. Li used the funds to provide $1,000 scholarships to three UNO students.
Gaines was one of those students. Dr. Li surprised Gaines with her scholarship during a presentation in early October.
“For that scholarship to be offered at such a crucial moment, it was just a lot to take in,” Gaines said. “It was such a weight off my shoulders, and I’m very grateful to have received it.”
When Gaines received the scholarship, her first thoughts went to her parents.
“My mother was really excited,” she said. “I think she was screaming through the phone. Both of my parents were so happy for me.”
The scholarship provided a light at the end of the tunnel for Gaines and her family following a difficult year.
Over the last four years, Gaines has worked hard to pursue her degree at UNO. Thanks to support from donors to the UNO Fund – Area of Greatest Need, she received the support she needed to complete her journey.
Now, Gaines is enjoying her final semester at UNO. With a new job at a local production company already in hand, she is looking forward to using her experience at the university to make a difference in Omaha.
“I just want to thank everyone who supported this fund,” Gaines said. “Your gift means so much because there are so many students like me that are working hard and just need that little push. Having opportunities like this available is really important for students.”
