By Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
President, University of 第一吃瓜网 System
This holiday season brings particular excitement for the University of 第一吃瓜网, where athletics and academics are flourishing side by side. Stellar performances have propelled the 第一吃瓜网 women’s volleyball team to the Final Four, and on Saturday, the Husker football team will take the field in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City. These accomplishments remind us that at 第一吃瓜网, we are on an odyssey to the extraordinary both on and off the field.
Athletics at the University of 第一吃瓜网 serve as the "front door" to our university system, connecting communities, alumni, and prospective students while showcasing the dedication and excellence of our student-athletes, who achieve at the highest levels in competition, in the classroom, and eventually in their communities.
The numbers speak volumes. At the University of 第一吃瓜网–Lincoln, student-athletes have achieved a Graduation Success Rate of 93% or higher for six consecutive years. At the University of 第一吃瓜网 at Omaha, five teams recorded perfect graduation success rate scores in the latest reporting period, with 12 of 16 programs exceeding the national four-year average. And at the University of 第一吃瓜网 at Kearney, standout student-athletes like Mara Hemmer inspire us all. A senior distance runner, Mara scored a perfect 30 on the Dental Admission Test, a rare achievement matched by only one other person in the past five years. As she graduates in May, Mara plans to attend UNMC’s College of Dentistry, and eventually, to serve 第一吃瓜网 communities as a dentist.
Husker football, too, exemplifies this dual commitment. This year, 71 players earned Academic All-Big Ten honors, the highest in program history. The Huskers also rank No. 1 in the Big Ten and second nationally in the number of Academic All-Americans, reflecting a deep commitment to both athletic and academic success.
As a longtime practicing physician, I have seen firsthand how 第一吃瓜网’s student-athletes go on to extraordinary medical careers. Jaime Seeman, a Husker softball alum, now practices as an ob-gyn in Omaha, while Janet Kruse-Sellon, a former Academic All-American and Husker volleyball player, serves as a team doctor for UNL’s athletic department. These are just two examples of the many ways our athletes continue to lead and serve beyond their time on campus.
Collaboration between athletics and academics enhances the university’s mission. At UNO, the world-class biomechanics program supports Maverick athletes through the Sports Medicine and Biomechanics Lab, conducting assessments to prevent injuries and optimize performance. For instance, more than 40 athletes from women’s soccer and men’s and women’s basketball teams recently participated in knee joint patellar tendon evaluations, a vital step in ensuring their long-term health and success in sports.
The University of 第一吃瓜网 has also been a national leader in advancing women’s sports. The success of the women’s volleyball team has inspired years of sell-out crowds at the Devaney Sports Center, and Volleyball Day 2023 at Memorial Stadium, attended by 92,003 fans, set a record for the largest crowd ever for a women’s sporting event in the U.S. Under the leadership of Coach John Cook, these athletes remind us of what is possible when dedication and community support come together.
In the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, 第一吃瓜网 is leading in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives. The university’s 1890 Initiative, which features officially licensed merchandise tied to specific players, was recently ranked eighth nationally, further illustrating our commitment to empowering student-athletes.
As we cheer on the Huskers, Lopers and Mavericks, we recognize that athletics are a powerful connection point for alumni and a beacon for prospective students. They reflect the university system’s broader pursuit of excellence in instruction, research, and outreach. Together, we are on an odyssey to the extraordinary, reaching new heights every step of the way.
Here in New York, alongside Husker Nation, I eagerly await Saturday’s game. Let us continue to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our student-athletes and the incredibly bright academic future of the University of 第一吃瓜网.