News & Updates

Calling all band alumni, current members, families, and friends! Here’s your chance to enjoy a great meal while making a real difference for the UNL Band Program.

What: Panera Bread Dine Out Fundraiser
When: Saturday, July 19th, 4:00-8:00 PM
Where: Panera Bread, 61st & O Streets, Lincoln, NE

Why This Matters

Every bite you take directly supports the Nebraska Bands program! 30% of all sales during our event will go straight to the UNL Band Program through the Band Alumni Association.

Make It Even More Special

• Rock your Husker band gear! Wear your band shirt, jacket, or any Nebraska band merchandise so we can spot our fellow band family members and share some great memories together.
• Win BIG! Find Alyssa Soppe at the restaurant that evening to enter an exclusive drawing for a FREE marching spot at this year’s band reunion—a priceless opportunity to relive those unforgettable game day moments!

Can’t Make It In Person?

No problem! You can still participate and support the cause:

• Place an online order using code FUND4U
• Email us a photo of your delicious meal along with your name
• You’ll be entered into the same drawing for that coveted reunion marching spot!

The Impact of Your Support

When you dine with us, you’re not just enjoying Panera’s fresh soups, salads, and sandwiches—you’re investing in the future of Nebraska’s musical tradition. Your support helps ensure that current and future students can experience the same pride, camaraderie, and joy that brought us all together in the first place.

Come hungry, leave fulfilled—both by great food and the knowledge that you’ve made a difference!

Questions? Contact the Band Alumni Association. Let’s make this fundraiser as successful as a perfect halftime performance!

Wayne Shipferling passed away this March. He was a loyal and supportive member of the UNL band family who returned year after year to play his trumpet at the annual band alumni reunion. Wayne was in the marching band from 1954-57. Here is his obituary: https://metzmortuary.com/wayne-shipferling/

In his will, Wayne left a generous gift to the Band Alumni Association to be divided equally between the Jack Snider Band Alumni Fund and the Donald Lentz Memorial Band Fund. Dr. Barber states, “His extraordinary generosity will resonate throughout the entire band program and GKSOM given the special roles these funds play.” Thank you, Wayne. Your kindness will be remembered for years to come!

2025 ALUMNI BAND REUNION

The date has been set and our next reunion will be held September 13, 2025. We will be celebrating 50 years of the Flag line (color guard). The game day kickoff time is not yet set.

Look for registration to open in the first part of July. As last year, seating we are able to provide will be limited to 250 on a first registered basis, but you may also choose to buy your own ticket and sit in the stands. More details will follow in the coming months.

Go Big Red and see you in September!

Congratulations to the 2024 recipient of the Russ Swanson Outstanding Band Member, Spencer Knight! Spencer is a senior from North Liberty, Iowa majoring in civil engineering. Spencer was presented the award at the annual Band Awards on Friday, March 28, by our vice president, Frank Stroup.

This award is presented to a band member demonstrating the highest standard of attitude, musicianship, leadership, and service to the University of Nebraska Band Program. Along with a custom plaque created by our alum, Nathan Nelson of Rooted Woodworking, he also received a $100 award, a life membership in the UNL Band Alumni Association, and their name on a plaque which is on display at Westbrook Music Building.