The University of Nebraska System has of its "Heart to Heart" podcast series. Hosted by University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., the podcast features in-depth conversations with leaders, researchers, educators, alums and university partners who are making a difference in Nebraska and beyond.
In this month’s episode, Dr. Gold is joined by Lori Byrne, executive vice president of advancement and campaign director at the University of Nebraska Foundation. Byrne shares her personal journey in philanthropy, her passion for education and the transformational impact that private support makes across the NU System.
The University of Nebraska Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves as the philanthropic partner to the University of Nebraska System. Gifts made through the NU Foundation support many areas across the university that wouldn’t be possible with state-appropriated funds alone—from support for faculty, including endowed chairs and professorships, to major capital construction projects, scholarships and emergency assistance for students.
During the conversation, Byrne discussed how a single moment early in her career—helping a donor couple connect their philanthropic interests to a university priority—led her to a lifelong commitment to fundraising.
“When they handed me the check, they hugged me,” she recalled. “That was the moment I realized I was helping people transform lives. It was an amazing feeling and I was hooked.”
At the Foundation, Byrne leads a team that manages more than 11,000 donor funds, with an endowment that ranks among the top 25 in the country for public universities—all while operating at a lower cost than Nebraska’s peer university foundations.
A major initiative currently underway at the Foundation is the university’s comprehensive campaign, Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future. The campaign has three priorities at its core: student access and success, faculty and academic excellence, and research and innovation.
“The opportunity to run a comprehensive campaign is also an opportunity for the university to clarify its vision, articulate its priorities and understand the impact private philanthropy can have,” Byrne said. “Overall, we've been extraordinarily successful, and the momentum is strong.”
During the episode, Byrne also shares powerful stories of donors and students whose lives have been changed through giving, including one scholarship recipient who went on to lead a nonprofit—fulfilling the vision of a donor who believed in supporting future community leaders.
Dr. Gold praised Byrne’s leadership and the work of the Foundation in supporting the University of Nebraska’s mission:
“The partnership between the university and the private philanthropic community is remarkable,” he said. “Not only is the Foundation highly successful and efficient, but the partnerships and relationships built by Lori and her team are strong and enduring.”
New episodes of the "Heart to Heart" podcast are released monthly, featuring guests from across the University of Nebraska System and the community, covering topics ranging from education and healthcare to athletics and student success.
Listeners may follow the podcast on , and .
To learn more about the Only in Nebraska campaign, visit .