Category: News

Ameritas Executive Gustin Named to the Board of Directors for the NGF

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Ameritas Executive Gustin Named to the Board of Directors for the NGF

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (www.negreats.org) which serves former collegiate athletes from Nebraska with medical and educational needs, and financial challenges announces the addition of longtime Ameritas Executive Karen Gustin to the Board of Directors. Her three-year term was unanimously approved by the current board members.

She retired after a 40-year association with the Lincoln-based Insurance and Financial Services giant serving as Executive Vice President for the Group Dental and Eye Care divisions. A 1983 UNL graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, she remains active in the alumni association and the alumni marching band.  In the community, she served as Board President for Voices of Hope.

Said Gustin, “The Nebraska Greats Foundation epitomizes what Nebraskans are about. I think it’s too easy to get caught up in the moment when athletes are competing, and we quickly move on to the next season and player. I’m extremely excited to help keep the spotlight on their lives and let them know they weren’t just a game for they are family.”

“Karen is corporate and community rock star! We are thrilled and very fortunate to have her commitment to our mission. She is a great Nebraskan and a passionate fan of collegiate athletes,” said NGF Board President Johnny Dorn.

She joins a board consisting of athletic, education and community leaders in support of athletic heroes in their time of need. They are Dorn, Brett Wetton, Bill Hamik, Bruce Rasmussen, Eric Crouch, Rod Kestel, Boyd Epley, Matt West, Tom Dinsdale, Monte Kratzenstein and Chairman/Founder Jerry Murtaugh.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Assists a Former Husker Football Player

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Assists a Former Husker Football Player

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Assists a Former Husker Football Player

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501C-3 non profit) www.negreats.org which serves former letter winners from Nebraska’s 4-year colleges and universities who face medical and financial challenges, proudly announces a grant for former Husker football letter winner Paul Kastl.

The NGF is assisting Paul with past due medical expenses.

Kastl, who lettered at Nebraska from 1998-2002, was a walk-on running back after a standout HS career at Lincoln Pius X.

Says Kastl, “I’d like to say that I’m honored and blessed to have been introduced to the NE Greats foundation and their amazing staff. They have come to my side in a great time of need. I cannot thank them enough.”

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Supports a Former Husker Football Walk On

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Supports a Former Husker Football Walk On

The Nebraska Greats Foundation, 501C-3 nonprofit (www.negreats.org) which aids current and former Nebraska athletes in need has provided a grant to Anthony Branch, a former Husker football walk on wingback. He currently resides in the Dallas metro area. Early this month, Branch received a diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease, a form of kidney cancer. Shortly after, doctors recommended he have both kidneys removed immediately. Anthony then reached out to the Nebraska Greats Foundation which serves former athletes with emergency medical needs. He tapped into the NGF’s national following for assistance. Due to this condition’s genetic nature, Branch’s children and grandchildren are unable to donate.

After his football career, Branch started a career in financial services and eventually transitioned to real estate investments. For over 35 years, he coached (AAU) basketball, working with kids from third grade through high school.

He needs a qualified donor willing to donate a kidney immediately.

“The Nebraska Greats Foundation is assisting me in getting the word out to anybody in Husker Nation who may be able to help. I know it’s a very big ask, but I am hoping somebody will care enough and be able to give me this gift.” Says Branch

Find more information and a donation link: https://nebraskagreatsfoundation.org/anthonybranch/

International Masters Swimmer and former Husker served by NGF

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

International Masters Swimmer and former Husker served by NGF

The Nebraska Greats Foundation, 501C-3 nonprofit (www.negreats.org) which aids current and former Nebraska athletes in need has provided a grant to Keefe Lodwig, a former All Big 8 swimming champion from UNL.

Lodwig, who starred at Omaha Benson High School in the 1960’s has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a degenerative neurological disease that progressively robs its victims of motor skills. It is commonly known as ALS or “Lou Gehrig’s disease.”

While an accomplished swimmer in his youth, Lodwig shined the most as one of the world’s top Master’s Swimmers. He competed globally, setting records, and capturing gold medals well into his 70’s.

ALS victims require constant medical care. The NGF is assisting Lodwig with needs as the disease progresses.

“I feel lucky that I was able to be an athlete for Nebraska and I am very grateful for the help I am receiving from the Nebraska Greats Foundation.” Says Lodwig.

Donations to the NGF are tax deductible and can be made online at www.negreats.org/giving

Nebraska Greats Foundation Comes Through for Another Small College Nebraska Athlete

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Nebraska Greats Foundation Comes Through for Another Small College Nebraska Athlete

The Nebraska Greats Foundation, 501C-3 nonprofit (www.negreats.org) which aids current and former Nebraska athletes in need has provided a grant to Keven Marques, a freshman Midfielder from Ribeirao Preto, Brazil

Keven was admitted to a local hospital in August complaining of severe abdominal pain and severe vomiting. After a series of tests and other procedures, doctors located the cause of the illness and began treatment. Keven made a full recovery.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation assisted Keven, who is largely funding his own education with funds to cover outstanding medical expenses.
“I am very grateful for all the help and assistance provided by the Nebraska Greats Foundation. I appreciate and recognize the great work they do in helping people and families who need or have needed help, just like me.” Said Marques.

To learn more about the mission of the NGF or provide tax deductible assistance to athletes in need, please visit www.negreats.org

Anthony Branch

Posted on by klarinc

Anthony Branch

In 1977, high school football player Anthony Branch found a home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Not by scholarship or heavy recruiting, but through the school’s developing walk-on program. For Branch, it was simple – he moved from Idaho to Lincoln because he believed in Coach Tom Osborne and the University of Nebraska. And he wanted to prove it.

In 1977, high school football player Anthony Branch found a home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Not by scholarship or heavy recruiting, but through the school’s developing walk-on program. For Branch, it was simple – he moved from Idaho to Lincoln because he believed in Coach Tom Osborne and the University of Nebraska. And he wanted to prove it.

For the next three seasons, Branch poured his heart into the team, earning a spot on the roster as a wingback on teams that won conference titles, played in New Year’s Day Bowl games and finished in the Top Ten. It was during this time he would form an unbreakable bond with his teammates and coaches; a bond that remains just as strong to this day.

Now, 42 years after finding his family on the football field at Memorial Stadium, Anthony Branch is in dire need of our help. Early this month, Branch received a diagnosis of kidney cancer. Shortly after, doctors recommended he have both kidneys removed immediately while those around Branch attempt to expedite the kidney transplant process. Anthony then reached out to the Nebraska Greats Foundation which serves former athletes with emergency medical needs. He tapped into the NGF’s national following for assistance.

“A week ago, I had both of my kidneys removed because of cancer, and I’m in dire need of a new kidney. I know this would be a major, major endeavor for someone to take upon. But it would be greatly appreciated.”

Anthony Branch needs a living-donor kidney transplant immediately. If you are willing to donate or know of anyone who is willing to assist Branch and his family at this time, please click the information below.

After playing football for the University of Nebraska, Branch started a career in financial services and eventually transitioned to real estate investments. For over 35 years, he coached Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, working with kids from third grade through high school.

Branch is a loving father to 10 children and 21 grandchildren. Unfortunately, his kidney issues stem from a hereditary condition called Polycystic Kidney Disease, which is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop around one’s kidneys, causing them to lose function over time. Due to this condition’s genetic nature, Branch’s children and grandchildren are unable to donate.

“I know this would be a major ask, but it would be greatly appreciated. My family and I would be truly blessed, and we would forever be grateful. Thank you.”

In His Words

Anyone who is healthy and eligible to be a kidney donor can give Anthony the gift of life.  A donor does not have to be a direct match, can live anywhere in the US, and will have access to donor protections and resources. To learn more please contact:

Medical City Fort Worth

Kathryn Lozano, BSN, RN, CCRN
Kathryn.Lozano@medicalcityhealth.com

All inquiries will be held in complete confidence.  There is no commitment required to learn more.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Supports a York College Soccer Player

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Supports a York College Soccer Player

The Nebraska Greats Foundation, which aids current and former Nebraska college or university athletes has provided a grant to Carlos Ortega a sophomore Midfielder from York College.  Carlos is originally from Margarita Island, Venezuela.

Carlos applied for a grant to assist him with medical bills stemming from an injury he suffered while competing.  The NGF provided funds to a provider for services not covered by insurance.

Said Carlos “I want to thank the Nebraska Greats Foundation for all your help and support.  I truly appreciate what the NGF does for athletes in need.  It will allow me to stay in school to continue competing and getting a college education.”

The NGF a 501C-3 non profit www.negreats.org seeks applications from any former letter winning athlete who may have a medical need and a financial challenge.   The NGF has provided over $500,000 in qualified grants since its founding in 2014.