The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Jazz Area recently wrapped up a successful scholarship fundraising campaign during which $25,000 was raised to establish an endowed jazz scholarship fund through the University of Nebraska Foundation. The campaign lasted just under two years and included two major fundraising performances that featured Karrin Allyson performing with the UNO Jazz Ensemble and UNO’s Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra. Mike Gurciullo’s Omaha-based “Las Vegas Big Band” also contributed significant fundraising performances to the cause. Additionally the UNO Jazz Ensemble performed all over Omaha for corporate parties and private functions to complete the fundraising effort. The endowed scholarship will allow UNO to offer a $1,000 renewable scholarship in perpetuity. Dr. Pete Madsen, UNO’s Coordinator of Jazz Studies plans to continue adding to the endowment in coming years as performance opportunities for the band present themselves.