Libraries Donors
Through their generous gifts and inspiring stories, UNL Libraries donors are helping create opportunities that support student success and enrich the Husker community. The University Libraries is deeply grateful for their contributions and the lasting impact they have made on students, the UNL community, resources, and the future of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. By giving back, these Huskers are helping build a legacy that will benefit future generations of students. We invite you to read the stories behind the donations and check back to see the new chapters being written by our generous donors.
All of these stories have been previously published in the University Libraries Donor Newsletter.
How to Support Libraries
Support the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries by helping advance innovative spaces, services, collections, and technology that enrich learning and research, and show your Libraries pride with exclusive merchandise including hoodies, tees, totes, and more.
Karen Blessen
Karen Blessen, a University of Nebraska alumnus, Pulitzer Prize-winning artist, and founder of the arts organization 29 Pieces, donated a collection of her personal journals to UNL Libraries’ Archives & Special Collections to preserve her creative work and inspire future generations. The collection offers a unique look into her artistic process, personal reflections, and decades-long journaling practice.
Jane Crabill
Jane Crabill, a 1966 University of Nebraska graduate and former military librarian, built a distinguished career providing information services and research support for the U.S. Army. Her support of UNL Libraries reflects a lifelong dedication to the power of libraries, learning, and access to information.
Stuart Embury
Stuart P. Embury, M.D., developed a lifelong passion for American art collecting and scholarship, building one of the most comprehensive private libraries on American art. Through his generous support and donation, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries became home to the Stuart P. Embury Library of American Art, a world-class resource that continues to support research, teaching, and the study of American art.
Kay Guiles
Kay D. Guiles, a Nebraska native, dedicated more than six decades to the Library of Congress and had a lifelong passion for libraries, history, and learning. Through a generous estate gift, he established the Kay D. Guiles UNL Libraries Excellence Fund to support University Libraries initiatives and help future generations of students and researchers.
Tom & Candy Henning
UNL alumni Tom Henning and Candy Henning pledged support for University Libraries’ Course Materials program, helping expand free access to textbooks and other course resources for students. Their gift is funding additional unlimited-user e-book licenses, reducing financial barriers and helping more students succeed academically.
Helen Plasters Nemzek
Helen’s gift to UNL Libraries was inspired by fond memories of her time as a student during World War II, when soldiers in the Army Specialized Training Program were housed in Love Library. Her story reflects how meaningful campus experiences and personal connections can leave a lasting impact, motivating her to support the library decades later.
Raymond Schmidt
Raymond Schmidt, a University of Nebraska alumnus and retired U.S. Navy captain, has supported UNL Libraries through philanthropy focused on Archives & Special Collections and student learning opportunities. His generosity, alongside his wife Roberta, helped establish the Schmidt Family Library Internship, providing students with hands-on experience in archival research, exhibit development, and public history projects.
Jim & Connie Thorson
Jim and Connie Thorson have long supported the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries through both philanthropy and service, motivated by a deep belief in the value of education, research, and access to knowledge. Their generosity helps strengthen library programs and resources that benefit students, faculty, and future generations of researchers.
Jan Walkenhorst
Jan Walkenhorst, a 1974 UNL graduate, has been a dedicated supporter of University Libraries since 1998, helping strengthen library programs and resources that benefit students, faculty, and researchers. Her long-standing philanthropy reflects a commitment to ensuring future generations have access to the information, learning spaces, and services that are central to academic success.
