06/18/2008

What would you wish for on your 100th birthday?

For the University of Nebraska at Omaha, whose centennial celebration begins in October, an early gift from Carl and Joyce Mammel came in the form of the largest-ever philanthropic gift given to the UNO campus.

In an extraordinary measure of commitment to UNO and the Omaha community, the Mammels have made a gift that will provide funding for the construction of a new College of Business Administration, which will be named Mammel Hall in their honor. University officials broke ground for the new facility on June 6.

"This is a most exciting time for our college," CBA Dean Louis Pol said. "The new facility will act as a catalyst for advancing community partnerships and improving our research and teaching capabilities. Proximity to the Peter Kiewit Institute, Aksarben Village and the Scott Technology Center will provide unique opportunities to advance our role as a collaborator in economic development efforts."

Omahans Ruth and Bill Scott, longtime supporters of the university, have joined the Mammels in making an additional gift, which will allow construction on the Pacific Street campus to begin this summer. UNO Chancellor John Christensen commended the Scotts, saying, "Their ongoing support of UNO and its mission as a metropolitan university is exceptional. And combined with their commitments to key projects across this community has greatly enhanced our city in a quiet yet extraordinary way."

According to their son John, Ruth and Bill Scott's gift is an investment in the education of future business leaders in honor of those who lead currently.

"First, our family would like to recognize the leadership of Carl and Joyce Mammel in this meaningful endeavor," John Scott said. "My parents enjoy the opportunity to partner with the Mammels in helping bring this project to fruition. They share in Carl and Joyce's passion for supporting excellence in education and in promoting the economic strength of our community."

The goal for the project, which will be funded entirely with private gifts through the University of Nebraska Foundation, is $38.5 million; $31 million is allocated for the building costs and $7.5 million earmarked for the college's endowment fund.

Mammel Hall is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2010 and to open that fall.

"During the last 10 years we have observed the achievements of the students and have become aware of the effective leadership of the college," Carl and Joyce Mammel said. "We are pleased to be help fund the completion of this new hall and believe it will greatly benefit both the students and the business community."