The University of Nebraska Foundation’s UNK advancement team will relocate in late May to the Regional Engagement Center at University Village, located just south of U.S. Highway 30. (UNK Communications, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — The University of Nebraska Foundation’s advancement team for the University of Nebraska at Kearney, comprised of foundation and alumni association staff, will relocate in late May to the new Regional Engagement Center on the UNK campus.
The Regional Engagement Center, located just south of U.S. Highway 30, is a cornerstone of University Village, a 104-acre development that combines educational, residential, commercial and recreational opportunities within a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood.
In conjunction with the move, the foundation will list for sale the UNK Alumni House, 2222 Ninth Ave. The foundation and UNK jointly decided to sell the house, which has served as a gathering place for alumni and community groups but has not housed foundation or alumni staff since 2015. The Regional Engagement Center will provide a technology-rich venue for campus, foundation and alumni association meetings and events going forward.
Scott K. Anderson with Coldwell Banker Town & Country Realty of Kearney will market the 6,160-square-foot property on behalf of the foundation. The house, which has had several owners during its history, has been owned by the foundation since 1992. Once the house is sold, it’s anticipated the proceeds will be transferred to UNK, subject to approval by the University of Nebraska Foundation Board of Directors. The foundation is working closely with the university archivist on the historical and memorabilia items located in the Alumni House.
“The Alumni House has played an important role in UNK’s history and its evolution and success over the years,” said Lucas Dart, vice president of UNK alumni relations and development for the University of Nebraska Foundation. “Even so, our needs and opportunities are different today than when I began advancement work 22 years ago. Our new space in the Regional Engagement Center is ideally suited to meet our needs today and into the future.”
The Regional Engagement Center, a public-private partnership, will connect people across the state, serving as a hub for business, education and community development in greater Nebraska.
“I’m excited for this next chapter,” UNK Chancellor Douglas Kristensen said. “The Regional Engagement Center will be a centerpiece and anchor for University Village that will attract talented students and faculty to UNK, bring new businesses to the city and benefit employers across the state. We’re thrilled to have the University of Nebraska Foundation and the UNK Alumni Association as the Regional Engagement Center’s first occupants.”
The foundation and UNK Alumni Association are currently located in offices at 214 W. 39th St. in Kearney. Their new address in the Regional Engagement Center will be 2204 University Drive, Suite 103, Kearney, NE 68845. Telephone numbers will remain the same. The foundation’s Kearney office can be reached at 308-698-5270, and the UNK Alumni Association can be reached at 308-698-5271.
About the University of Nebraska Foundation
The University of Nebraska Foundation grows relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. During the most recent fiscal year, 58,072 donors supported the University of Nebraska, and a record $354.5 million in new funds was committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. The foundation raises more than $7 for every $1 spent. Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future is its current campaign with a goal to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. More information is at OnlyinNebraska.org.