Doane students are the heart of our university. Find out what this comprehensive campaign means to their success.

Student Stories

Home » Student Stories

The Unparalleled Doane Experience

Welcome to our collection of student stories, where you’ll discover how the Our Time to Lead comprehensive campaign is transforming lives at Doane University.

Progress Goal ($100M)

84.5%

Your Gifts Directly Impact our Doane Students

You are profoundly shaping our students’ educational journeys. Scholarships make a Doane education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, while investments in academic offerings ensure they receive a cutting-edge education.

Beyond academics, your support enriches the whole student experience—enhancing sports programs, performing arts, and a vibrant array of clubs and organizations that foster leadership and community. These opportunities help students build resilience, teamwork, and confidence, ensuring they graduate as well-rounded individuals ready to lead.

Hear Our Student's Stories

Serving students is the purpose of Doane University. Hear from our treasured graduates about what the Doane experience meant to them and their appreciation for our donors.

Cierra Schwarzkopf ’25
Wichita, KS
Special Education and
Elementary Education Double Major

My time at Doane has been the best four years of my life. I’m not just a number or another student on campus.

Jason McIntosh ’25
Maywood, NE
Psychology Major

I came to Doane because I have a passion for music, and Doane’s Music Department is second to none. The ability to meet and know almost everyone on campus is a special opportunity Doane’s campus provided me.

Litzy Lima '27
Crete, NE
Elementary Education and Spanish Double Major

I am a first-generation student, and for most of my life, my dream has been to become a teacher. Without your support, I would not be able to be at Doane fulfilling my dreams.

Aubrie Johnson '27
Lincoln, NE
Engineering Major

I transferred to Doane from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln because I had trouble finding a spot there. Doane has been an incredibly welcoming change, and I’ve truly grown out of my shell here.

Jerson Calderon '27
Bentonville, AR
Engineering Major

The Doane community has been nothing but supportive, which makes campus feel like a home away from home. Thank you for making experiences like mine possible through your support of Doane University!

Jacob Eacker '26
Lincoln, NE
Agribusiness Major with Minors in Communication and Business Admin.

Your investment in Doane makes my unique Doane experience possible. Thank you for your meaningful support!

Brooke Cox '26
Liberty, MO
Sociology Major with Minors in Psychology and Human Resource Management

Having the opportunity to be a member of the Doane community means so much to me and is possible because of donors like you. Thank you for making an impact!

Gifts Create Real Opportunities

Every contribution to the Our Time to Lead comprehensive campaign will be used to make real, tangible improvements in how we serve our students. The links below will help you learn more about the campaign’s opportunities.

Build Doane’s Academic Excellence

Investing in faculty and professional staff will help Doane attract, retain, and serve the best students.

Learn More

Enhance the Crete Campus Experience

Crucial updates are needed to our historic campus. We must add spaces for education and more.

Learn More

Non-Residential Experience Upgrade

Facility updates, technology improvements, scholarship offerings, and student support services are critical.

Learn More

Build a Technology Park

Build student’s experience with real-world application in engineering and business jobs from the community.

Learn More

Grow the University Endowment

Help fund the day-to-day operations critical to Doane achieving its mission, vision, purpose, and values.Help fund the day-to-day operations critical to Doane achieving its mission, vision, purpose, and values.

Learn More

Ready to Make an Impact?

Your support can transform the future of Doane University. Whether you’re interested in funding a scholarship, supporting a campus enhancement, or learning more about giving opportunities, our Advancement Office is here to help.

Contact us today to explore how you can be part of the Our Time to Lead campaign and leave a lasting legacy at Doane.
advancement@doane.edu
(402) 826-8258

Ways to Give Your Support

While financial contributions are beneficial, you can also support Doane University and the campaign in other ways. Discover which one fits best for you!

Donate Stocks and Securities

By gifting highly appreciated assets, you can support the Doane student experience while lessening your tax burden.

Learn More

Direct Support

If you would like to give in cash, with a card, through a check, or other types of direct money contributions, please use the link below to find instructions!

Learn More

Give Through a Donor Advised Fund

Using a donor advised fund to manage your charitable donations? You can use your fund to help Doane continue to build leaders and launch world-changing students.

Learn More

Build Your Legacy

Set up a planned or deferred gift from your estate and continue your legacy of support for the Doane University community.

Learn More

Engage Others

Inspire others to give by committing to a matching gift. With this kind of gift, your contribution can be magnified over and above what you’re able to personally give!

Learn More

Attend an Event

Help the campaign effort by joining a fundraising event! Join the Doane team to learn more about the Our Time to Lead campaign and how you can help us lead higher education into the future.

Learn More

Ready to help Doane lead by making your gift? Use our secure online giving platform below!

You may also email us or call us about your intended gift.

Together, we’ll help Doane lead the way and continue its more than 150-year tradition of academic excellence!

The Latest Campaign News

Stay up to date on all things Our Time to Give with the links to news articles below!

Doane's Health Center staff from L to R: Angela Brase, RN; Jody Yank, APRN; and Andreea Baker, Director of Health and Wellness Photo by Valerie Wissenburg

Doane Health Center Receives Upgrade

Doane University’s health center just got a major makeover, and it’s all about making student wellness easier and more accessible. With a full-time medical provider, Jody Yank, APRN, now on campus, students can get the care they need faster than ever. “Students can now receive faster access to care, be assessed, and have medications prescribed if necessary. This allows them to return to their academics and activities more quickly,” says Andreea Baker, Director of Health and Wellness. The updated health center now…

Learn More

Students walking on path with covered pergola

Doane University Achieves Record-High Retention Rates, Demonstrating Commitment to Student Success

Doane University is celebrating a historic milestone with record-breaking retention rates for the 2024-25 academic year. The fall-to-spring retention rate for first-time, first-year students has reached an impressive 93.63%—the highest…

Learn More

Students Julie Sparks and Jessica O’Day pose for a photo during the student celebration of “One Day. One Doane.” hosted before the blizzard on Tuesday, March 18.

“One Day. One Doane.” a Success, Despite Weather Challenges

Doane University’s seventh annual “One Day. One Doane.” 24-hour giving event took place from March 19 to March 20, 2025. The “Battle of the Decades” theme encouraged alumni from various…

Learn More

Nearly 700 orange ONE DOANE pennants are displayed in front of the large GO DOANE letters in Cassel Theatre, representing the success of this year’s One Day. One Doane.

A Battle of the Decades: One Day. One Doane. 2024

In its sixth annual appearance, One Day. One Doane. — Doane University’s extravagant 24-hour day of giving — a friendly “Battle of the Decades” competition helped bring 490 Tiger supporters together. This year,…

Learn More

Contributors like you make this wonderful news a reality! Make a gift today to help Doane continue our storied history of academic excellence.