State Farm Insurance has given $40,000 to the University of Nebraska Foundation to support the business ethics program and a college access program at UNL.
A gift of $25,000 supports the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy, UNL's college access program for Nebraska students from low-income families and students who are the first in their family to attend college.
Amber Hunter, executive director of the NCPA, said the support will enable it to accomplish several proposed projects during the year centered on academics, student leadership development, community service, family support and more.
"The NCPA scholars and staff greatly appreciate State Farm's generosity," Hunter said. "Their support is critical as UNL and the state works to close the education inequality gap for Nebraska students."
The NCPA provides a broad range of support services, from academic counseling to financial support, to high school students attending Omaha North Magnet and Grand Island Senior High who plan to attend UNL or Metropolitan Community College.
A second gift from State Farm of $15,000 bolsters the Ethics for Business Leaders Program at the College of Business Administration. With the support, the college plans to publish a business ethics booklet and create a code of ethics reference card for students. The college also plans a fall 2012 ethics lecture sponsored by State Farm.
Janice Lawrence, director of the business ethics program and associate professor of accountancy, said support from State Farm will enable the college's 3,500 students to improve their decision-making skills and become better prepared to assume future leadership roles.
"Our focus is on strengthening the ethical leadership skills of our students, and this generous gift from State Farm provides many ways to enhance ethics education," Lawrence said. "The issues faced by today's business leaders are complex, and ethics discussions need to go beyond theory. This partnership provides opportunities for students to examine the ethical dilemmas faced in day-to-day business situations."
Dean Van Loon, State Farm Insurance vice president-operations, said the company partners with the university to help prepare tomorrow's leaders.
"State Farm is proud to provide this support," he said. "The gift to the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy supports our desire for all young people to have access to a quality education, while the support for the College of Business Administration will certainly help students better understand and respect the important role ethics play in business."
The gifts from State Farm also support the University of Nebraska's current fundraising initiative, the Campaign for Nebraska: Unlimited Possibilities, and a priority to increase private support for undergraduate education at UNL.
— Robb Crouch, NU Foundation