The University of Nebraska Foundation has bestowed its inaugural award for lifetime achievement in philanthropy on Carl Mammel of Omaha, a prominent business leader and philanthropist.
The Ruth and Bill Scott Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy was established by the University of Nebraska Foundation board in November 2024 to recognize those whose legacy of philanthropic support has provided exceptional benefits in furthering the goals and mission of the University of Nebraska over a sustained period.
Named for Ruth and Bill Scott, two of the university’s most transformational donors, the Scott Medal seeks to inspire a culture of charitable giving by recognizing outstanding philanthropists to the university.
“I’m honored to be the first recipient of the Ruth and Bill Scott Medal, especially given my long-standing relationship and admiration for Ruth and Bill,” Mammel said. “For decades, we’ve walked a shared path — driven by a belief that philanthropy is not just giving but investing in the potential of people, communities and our university system. Together, we’ve witnessed the power of generosity to shape a strong future for generations to come.”
As president of the Mammel Family Foundation and a University of Nebraska-Lincoln alumnus, Mammel’s generosity has impacted the university across multiple campuses. His largest gift to the university system was the biggest ever in the history of the University of Nebraska at Omaha and supported the construction of Mammel Hall, home of UNO’s College of Business Administration. Mammel made another gift a decade later to support a building addition to accommodate enrollment and faculty growth in the college.
His other major gifts include supporting the Mammel Business Scholarship Fund, which has funded 412 student awards since its founding in 2020, and the College of Public Affairs and Community Service building renovation at UNO; Project Health and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine; and Husker Athletics and the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at UNL.
“Carl Mammel embodies the true spirit of philanthropy — not just in generosity, but in vision,” University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold said. “He has long understood that the most powerful investment we can make is in the next generation.”
Ashley Judd to speak at Women’s Fund event
Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated actress, feminist and social justice humanitarian Ashley Judd will be this year’s featured speaker at the Women’s Fund Lead the Change annual event.
The 35th anniversary celebration and event is scheduled for Oct. 23 at the CHI Health Center.
“Ashley Judd has been a force of nature, unapologetically advocating for the rights of women and girls around the world for years and using her platform to shine a spotlight on issues impacting gender equity — especially freedom from gender-based violence and reproductive rights. Her work in these spaces aligns well with our work in Nebraska, and we are so excited to welcome her to Omaha to help us celebrate our 35th anniversary,” said Jo Giles, Women’s Fund executive director.
Judd is the United Nations Population Fund Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for the sexual and reproductive rights and health for girls and women worldwide. She serves on several boards, including the International Center for Research on Women, the Rape and Incest National Network and the Gloria Steinem Sex Equality Fund to End Trafficking.
Judd was Time magazine’s Person of the Year in 2017 as one of the Silence Breakers. In 2019, the United Nations honored her as Global Advocate of the Year.
In addition to hearing from Judd, the Women’s Fund will honor and recognize former board members and founders of its organization. We’ll celebrate the past 35 years of progress toward gender equity, award grants to local programs and highlight its work in the community.
Sponsorship opportunities and event tickets are available at OmahaWomensFund.org/Lead-The-Change.
Elkhorn South grad part of cycling event
This summer, 60 Pi Kappa Phi fraternity brothers, including Elkhorn South graduate Ethan Vesely, are riding their bikes 4,000 miles across the country to raise awareness and promote inclusion for people with disabilities. Their trek is called Journey of Hope.
Vesely’s team of 26 cyclists started in San Francisco and will finish in Washington, D.C. Along the way, the cyclists are stopping in cities and towns to take part in Friendship Visits — special events where they spend time with local disability organizations to celebrate, connect and bring joy to the people they meet.
Pi Kappa Phi is the only fraternity in the U.S. that has its own nonprofit organization, The Ability Experience, which focuses on creating inclusive experiences for people with disabilities.
Vesely represents the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s chapter and is passionate about giving back through service. For him and his teammates, this ride is about more than just biking — it’s about spreading hope and making sure every person feels seen, valued and included.
The group made stops in both Omaha and Lincoln.
5 receive Lutheran Family Services scholarships
Lutheran Family Services has announced five recipients of one of the most robust and valuable scholarships awarded anywhere in Nebraska — the Donna and Coyner Smith Scholarship.
The Donna and Coyner Smith Scholarship provides a college education to graduating high school students from low-income, underrepresented families. Each student receives up to $15,000, renewable each year, assuming the recipient maintains a 3.4 GPA (potentially a $60,000 award). After tuition, books and housing are paid, the funds are designed to be flexible in aiding the students with other educational expenses.
A selection committee selected the 2025 winners from 700 applicants after two rounds of review. Applicants were chosen based on their academic aptitude, leadership, determination toward goals and spirit for making an impact.
The winners:
Ashley Sanchez Andrade, Omaha Bryan High School, will study elementary education at UNO.Iryna Vietkina, Elkhorn South High School, will study cybersecurity at UNO.Melusi Ngeleka, South Sioux City High School, will study physics at Howard University.Sefae Adam, Omaha Benson High School, will begin studies at UNO and plans to become a dentist.Shahad Kheder, Lincoln North Star High School, will study pre-med at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
In 2020, Lutheran Family Services received a $3,000,000 gift to establish the Smith Scholarship Fund.
Quilt show raises funds for campers
On July 26, Carol Joy Holling Camp will host its 37th Annual Quilt Auction — a summer tradition that combines colorful creativity, community spirit and a shared commitment to helping kids go to camp.
More than 400 quilts, crafted by quilters from across the country, will be up for auction throughout the day. The event raises critical funds to support camp scholarships, ensuring that no child is turned away from a life-changing summer experience due to financial need.
“Our mission is to make camp accessible for everyone,” said Jason Gerdes, executive director. “This auction helps make that possible, one quilt at a time.”
The day kicks off at 9 a.m., with the auction beginning at 9:30 a.m. and continuing until every last quilt finds a new home — typically around 4 p.m.
In addition to the auction, families can enjoy a BBQ lunch and a Family Fun Zone featuring swimming, fishing, boating, hayrack rides and camp tours.
The Quilt Auction takes place at Carol Joy Holling Camp, just off Nebraska Highway 66 near Ashland. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. Though this is an outside event, only service dogs are allowed; please leave your pets at home. Full event details and quilt previews can be found at NLOM.org/quilt-auction.
Verizon dealers to give away backpacks
Round Room, LLC, one of the country’s largest Verizon authorized retailers, is hosting its annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway.
On July 27 at 1 p.m., more than 1,200 TCC and Wireless Zone locations will give away more than 140,000 backpacks to students.
Omaha stores participating are at 1405 S. 204th St., Suite 103; 18940 Evans St., Suite 102; 13108 West Dodge Road; and 17940 Welch Plaza, Suite 103.
Special Spaces names Nebraska leader
Special Spaces, the national nonprofit behind more than 1,900 dream bedroom makeovers for kids with cancer, has announced that longtime Omaha nonprofit leader Kimberly Thomas has been named chapter director of Special Spaces Nebraska.
“Kimberly brings the perfect blend of empathy, vision and strategy to Special Spaces,” said Christopher Swain, executive director of Special Spaces Inc. “Her commitment to the families she serves is already evident, and we’re confident that under her leadership, the Nebraska chapter will expand its impact, deepen its local partnerships, and reach even more children in need of comfort and care.”
Special Spaces creates custom dream bedrooms for children ages 2 to 19 who are battling cancer, rooms that reflect their personalities and provide comfort, creativity and peace during treatment.
Thomas will guide all aspects of the Nebraska chapter’s operations: from family referrals and volunteer recruitment to fundraising and room design.
Stores give back to local heroes
On Wednesday, also known as 24/7 Day, the U.S. convenience store industry will celebrate the local heroes within its communities and all they do for others in times of need.
Hosted by the NACS Foundation, 24/7 Day recognizes and gives back to first responders, police, fire, EMTs, doctors, nurses, health practitioners, medical personnel, 911 professionals and Red Cross volunteers, all of whom work around the clock to ensure people don’t face emergencies alone.
This year’s event, themed “Here for Heroes, Here for You,” recognizes these heroes by offering a token of gratitude from one of their largest supporters — the convenience store industry.
Across the country, more than 60 retailers and suppliers representing approximately 30,000 stores will each have a offer (such as free coffee, free meals or branded merchandise) that any first responder can claim by wearing their uniform or showing a badge. The event also will raise awareness and donations for the American Red Cross.
This year, more than 30,000 convenience stores are expected to participate in the 24/7 Day celebration including Casey’s and KwikShop.
In addition to visiting a convenience store on 24/7 Day, the NACS Foundation invites the public to also take part by: donating to the American Red Cross.
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