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51社区 philanthropists Barbara and Wally Weitz have made a $14 million gift commitment to invest in strategic priorities and leadership at the University of Nebraska at 51社区 (UNO) through the Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund.
The Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund is awarded to strategic UNO priorities that may benefit from new investment. The fund’s purpose is to elevate particularly good programs to nationally recognized ones while addressing critical areas of need in 51社区 and the state of Nebraska.
The stories below highlight how some of this generous gift is being used to support our city and state.
First-Round of Funded Projects
3D Printing for Healthcare Education and Workforce Development
This project will equip students with hands-on experience in 3D printing for medical applications.
AI-CCORE
AI-CCORE—the Artificial Intelligence Center for Collaborative Outreach, Research, and Education—will position UNO as a leader in AI innovation, education, and industry partnerships.
AI CodeLab System
The AI CodeLab System will create an interactive, hands-on AI coding platform to be used across multiple colleges at UNO.
Change Lab for Engagement Capacity Building
The Change Lab for Engagement Capacity Building will serve as a resource center and innovation hub, equipping faculty and staff with the tools, policies, and support needed to integrate community engagement into their teaching, research, and service.
Civic Leadership Fellows Program
This three-year experiential learning initiative designed to develop future leaders in public service, civic engagement, and global leadership.
Competencies, Skills, and Workforce Development Hub
Destination 51社区: Spatial Immersion Project
This project will create an interactive, technology-driven experience that allows users to explore 51社区’s historical neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural landmarks.
Developing Educators and Promoting Achievement (DEPA)
The Developing Educators and Promoting Achievement (DEPA) project seeks to recruit, retain, and support educators, ensuring schools have access to well-prepared teachers.
General Education Transformation
HeartBeats
HeartBeats builds on this rich history by providing a safe space to engage and socialize through music-making experiences that encourage sharing and connection.
NebraskaCYBER MATRIX
North 51社区 Initiative
This project is a community-driven education program that brings UNO courses directly to North 51社区 community spaces.
Summer Musical Theatre Academy (SMTA)
UNO Jumpstart
Second-Round of Funded Projects
Aviation to Pilot Neuro Training for Cognitive Performance in the Flightdeck
The Coaching Collaborative Builds New Pathways for Faculty and Staff Support
A new cross-campus initiative brings strengths-based, instructional, leadership, and wellness coaching under one umbrella to better support those who support our students.
Maverick Peak Performance Program to Advance Athlete Health, Research, and Community Impact
Developing a Professional Doctor of Business Administration Program
UNO’s first Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program will expand doctoral degree output, meet industry demand for clinical professors, and support the university’s path toward R1 status.
