The Power Behind the Big Red: Major Donors Fueling Nebraska Athletics

For generations, Nebraska Cornhuskers athletics has stood as a symbol of Midwestern grit and national pride. But beyond the Sea of Red in Memorial Stadium and the dominance of Husker volleyball lies an influential and often understated engine powering the athletic machine: its donors. From multimillion-dollar gifts to grassroots fundraising campaigns, these donors shape facilities, coaching staffs, and athlete experiences alike.
As the financial demands of college athletics increase, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's (UNL) ability to compete in the Big Ten and beyond increasingly depends on its top-tier benefactors. Let's take a closer look at the major individual and corporate donors who have transformed Husker Athletics into a national brand.

Howard Hawks: The Most Powerful Name in Nebraska Athletics?

Few names carry as much weight in Nebraska donor circles as Howard Hawks, a successful Omaha businessman and former University of Nebraska Regent. Hawks and his family have played a central role in multiple facility enhancements, including the Hawks Championship Center, Nebraska's indoor football practice complex completed in 2006.

Hawks was also instrumental in financing Haymarket Park, home to both Nebraska baseball and the Lincoln Saltdogs. His support has gone beyond infrastructure—he has served on the university's Board of Regents. He continues to wield significant influence in state and university affairs. Within Husker Nation, the Hawks' name has become nearly synonymous with high-level philanthropic support.

Alex Gordon: From College Star to Donor Champion

Former Husker All-American and Kansas City Royals All-Star Alex Gordon returned to his Lincoln roots with more than just good memories. In 2011, Gordon donated $1 million to Nebraska Athletics, which funded the construction of a state-of-the-art baseball training facility now known as the Alex Gordon Training Complex.

The gift enhanced the program's competitive edge in recruiting and player development, reaffirming Nebraska baseball's position as a serious contender in the Big Ten and on the national stage. Gordon's contribution also highlights a growing trend among professional alums returning to give back to the programs that launched their careers.

The Legacy of Ione Bowlin

While not a household name, Ione Bowlin left an enduring legacy in women's athletics. Her estate gift helped fund Nebraska's softball complex, which today bears her name: Bowlin Stadium. Opened in 2002, the facility is among the most advanced in the conference, underscoring how estate planning and philanthropic vision can reshape athletic programs beyond football and men's basketball.

Sid and Hazel Dillon: Supporting Women's and Olympic Sports

The Dillons, known for their successful Nebraska car dealership empire, have been crucial contributors to Nebraska's Olympic and non-revenue sports. Their names are attached to portions of the Barbara Hibner Soccer Stadium and Tennis Complex, which opened in 2015. The Dillons' support has provided athletes in traditionally underfunded sports with facilities that rival those of top-tier programs.

The Nebraska Leadership Society: Millionaire Boosters Quietly Shaping the Future

While the names above are visible through facility naming rights, a large portion of Nebraska's athletic lifeblood flows through the Nebraska Leadership Society (NLS). This donor recognition group, managed by the Huskers Athletic Fund, honors individuals or corporations who contribute $25,000 or more annually or who have reached $1 million or more in lifetime giving to Nebraska Athletics.

These NLS members often operate behind the scenes but play vital roles in underwriting coaching salaries, funding athlete nutrition and wellness programs, and backing new facility upgrades such as the recent Go Big Project, which included the $165 million expansion of North Stadium.

Although many members prefer anonymity, the group includes a who's who of Nebraska's agricultural, financial, energy, and real estate elites. Their cumulative impact is impossible to overstate. NLS members collectively account for over one-third of all annual donations to Husker Athletics.

Corporate Backers: Building Nebraska's NIL and Infrastructure

On the corporate side, major Nebraska-based businesses, including Union Bank & Trust, First National Bank of Omaha, and Nebraska Furniture Mart, have all supported Husker Athletics through advertising, facility sponsorships, and, more recently, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives.

Though NIL is technically separate from university fundraising, companies such as Runza and Werner Enterprises have entered into NIL deals with athletes while also remaining visible contributors to broader Husker sports branding. These partnerships signal a future where the line between traditional donor support and athlete-focused corporate backing continues to blur.

Giving Days and Grassroots Power

Events like Glow Big Red, Nebraska's annual giving day, have demonstrated the breadth of support across Husker Nation. In 2025 alone, more than 1,000 individual donors contributed over $150,000 to Nebraska Athletics in a single 24-hour period. While these gifts may not rival the seven-figure donations of elite boosters, their cumulative impact funds scholarships, travel budgets, and day-to-day operations across all 24 varsity sports.

Conclusion: The Donor-Driven Era of Husker Athletics

Whether it's through multimillion-dollar capital gifts or recurring support from loyal fans, Nebraska Athletics remains deeply donor-driven. Facilities, coaches, and competitive programs aren't possible without the vision and dollars of benefactors ranging from billionaire industrialists to everyday fans.
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As the Big Ten continues its transformation into a billion-dollar media empire, schools like Nebraska must lean on their most loyal supporters to keep pace. In the world of college sports, loyalty matters. But money talks. And in Lincoln, the most prominent voices are those writing the biggest checks.