Barbara and Wally Weitz pledge $25 million to Only in Nebraska campaign

Omaha philanthropists Barbara and Wally Weitz have made a $25 million gift commitment to invest in strategic priorities and leadership at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and redevelop a historic building at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) in Curtis, Nebraska, to support student growth and success.

The Weitzes have pledged $19 million to UNO and $6 million to NCTA through the University of Nebraska Foundation.

Their gift was made as part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future.

At UNO, the couple’s gift will create the Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund and establish the Barbara and Wally Weitz Endowed Chair in Higher Education Leadership.

UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, said she is humbled by the gift.

“On behalf of UNO, thank you for making this smart investment in our university,” she said. “This sends a signal to our faculty and staff that you believe in the work they do, as well as UNO’s strategic focus on improving the economic and social mobility of our students. This gift is significant, and it means a great deal to our campus.”

WEITZ INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE FUND

The Weitzes designated $14 million of their gift to create the Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund, to be 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 Omaha and the state of Nebraska.

“UNO will have discretion in how to use these funds. We have trust in the people doing the work to come up with the best ideas for our students and the community,” Wally Weitz said.

From 2024 through 2029, the UNO chancellor will annually ask for proposals. An evaluation committee, made up of senior faculty, will then review the proposals based on criteria that include how well a proposal addresses a campus priority, the nature of the need being addressed and the likelihood of success.

“Truly, this gift is an investment not only in UNO, but also in the entire Omaha community and the state of Nebraska,” Chancellor Li said. “The Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund will support our faculty to dream big and realize opportunities to make the future of Nebraska’s teaching, working and learning a reality. All projects supported through this funding will be selected with an eye toward how they strengthen our community as a whole.”

BARBARA AND WALLY WEITZ ENDOWED CHAIR IN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

The Barbara and Wally Weitz Endowed Chair in Higher Education Leadership, supported by a $5 million gift, is the first endowed chair in higher education leadership to be attached to a chancellor’s position in the University of Nebraska System.

The endowed chair, to be awarded to the UNO chancellor, will aid in the recruitment and retention of top leadership at the university.

The gift will be invested permanently in the endowment and provide an estimated $200,000 in annual distributions to support the UNO chancellor and her/his strategic priorities.

“We are living in a time of immense change and opportunity, requiring skilled, strategic leadership from people who not only deeply understand the issues, but can set a bold vision for the future and inspire others to come along,” University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter said. “The Barbara and Wally Weitz Endowed Chair in Higher Education Leadership will help to ensure UNO always has strong leadership to move the university and the Omaha community forward.”

ABOUT BARBARA AND WALLY WEITZ

Barbara Weitz is a member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, and Barbara and Wally Weitz are chairs of the UNO campaign committee for the Only in Nebraska campaign. The Weitz Family Foundation, established by the couple, was the lead donor to the UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, which was dedicated in 2014.

Barbara Weitz is also a retired faculty member of UNO’s Grace Abbott School of Social Work. Wally Weitz is the founder and co-chairman of the Omaha investment firm Weitz Investment Management.

“Barbara and Wally have given generously of their time and resources as volunteer leaders of the Only in Nebraska campaign — both as members of our campaign executive committee and as campaign chairs for UNO. Additionally, Barb previously served as a member of the foundation board, in addition to her current role as an elected regent,” said Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation. “Their leadership and generosity demonstrate the lasting impact the Only in Nebraska campaign will have across the state.”