A Heart of Gold Beneath the Helmet: Nebraska Football Legend Ndamukong Suh and Wife Katya Suh Donate $3.5 Million to Transform Local Schools, Spreading Joy in the Big Red Neighborhood
LINCOLN, NE – July 7, 2025 – The fierce determination and powerful impact Ndamukong Suh displayed on the football field for the Nebraska Cornhuskers are now being channeled into a transformative act of generosity off it. In a heartwarming announcement that has sent ripples of pride and gratitude across the “Big Red” state, Nebraska football legend Ndamukong Suh and his wife, Katya Suh, have pledged a remarkable $3.5 million personal donation to fund comprehensive renovations and improvements for local schools within the Lincoln area. This substantial gift, made through their Suh Family Foundation, is set to uplift communities and enrich the educational experience for countless children.
The announcement was met with widespread jubilation, underscoring the deep connection the Suh family continues to have with the state where Ndamukong became a collegiate icon. While details were shared at a press briefing, the true spirit of the donation was felt in the immediate joy and hope it brought to educators, parents, and students in the neighborhoods poised to benefit.
“Nebraska shaped me, both as an athlete and as a person. The values instilled in me here, on and off the field, have guided my life,” Ndamukong Suh stated, his voice reflecting sincere emotion. “Katya and I firmly believe that education is the ultimate foundation for success. Every child deserves access to a safe, modern, and inspiring learning environment. This donation is our commitment to ensuring that the next generation in Lincoln has the resources to thrive, to dream big, and to build their own legacies, just as the community here helped me build mine.”
Katya Suh, co-founder of the Suh Family Foundation and a University of Nebraska alumna herself, emphasized their shared passion for empowering youth through education. “Our foundation’s mission is rooted in providing resources across three key pillars: education, health and wellness, and empowerment,” she added. “Coming back to Lincoln, a place that holds so many cherished memories for both of us, and investing directly into its schools, feels incredibly meaningful. We want to equip these students with the tools they need for long-term success, from financial literacy to strong academic foundations.”
The $3.5 million donation, a significant personal contribution from the Suhs, will be strategically allocated to multiple identified schools in Lincoln that are in pressing need of facility upgrades, technological enhancements, and enriched educational programs. The specific projects targeted include:
- State-of-the-Art Classroom Technology: Equipping classrooms with interactive whiteboards, tablets, and advanced computing resources to foster dynamic and engaging learning experiences.
- STEM Lab Development: Creating or upgrading dedicated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics labs, providing students with hands-on opportunities in critical future-focused fields.
- Library and Resource Hub Modernization: Transforming existing libraries into vibrant learning and media centers, offering expanded book collections, digital archives, and collaborative study spaces.
- Athletic Facility & Play Area Revitalization: Renovating gymnasiums, outdoor sports courts, and playgrounds to promote physical activity, teamwork, and overall student well-being.
- Essential Infrastructure Upgrades: Addressing fundamental needs such as improved lighting, renovated restrooms, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and enhanced safety features to create optimal learning environments.
- Wellness and Empowerment Programs: Supporting initiatives focused on mental health resources, financial literacy workshops, and leadership development programs, reflecting the Suh Family Foundation’s holistic approach to youth empowerment.
The impact of this donation is anticipated to be transformative for the recipient schools and their surrounding communities. Educators have long faced challenges in securing funding for such extensive overhauls, and the Suhs’ gift provides a vital catalyst for change.
“This is a game-changer for our schools and for our community,” exclaimed Dr. Angela Johnson, Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools, her voice filled with emotion. “Ndamukong and Katya Suh’s generosity goes beyond the monetary value; it’s a powerful statement of belief in our students and our educators. These renovations and program enhancements will provide a direct path to greater opportunities for countless children, fostering environments where they can truly thrive and realize their full potential.”
Ndamukong Suh’s legacy in Nebraska is indelible. From 2005 to 2009, he dominated the defensive line, culminating in a senior season that saw him earn unanimous All-American honors, win multiple national awards (including the Lombardi and Outland Trophies), and finish as a Heisman Trophy finalist. His academic commitment, earning an engineering degree from UNL, further cemented his status as a role model. His initial $2.6 million gift to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shortly after his NFL draft in 2010, which included funding for athletics and an engineering scholarship endowment, showcased his early commitment to giving back. This new donation further extends that profound connection to the wider Lincoln community.
The Suh Family Foundation, co-founded by Ndamukong and Katya, has a proven track record of impactful philanthropy, particularly in education and youth empowerment in various cities across the U.S. and internationally. This latest gift represents a significant expansion of their commitment to the region that played such a formative role in their lives.
“We want to ensure that every student has the chance to develop their talents, whether it’s in academics, arts, or athletics,” said Ndamukong Suh. “This investment is about building stronger communities, one school at a time, and empowering these young minds to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
As the blueprints for renovation are finalized and construction is set to begin, a palpable sense of anticipation and gratitude is sweeping through the “Big Red” neighborhoods. The powerful presence that Ndamukong Suh once commanded on Memorial Stadium’s field is now being translated into a profound and lasting legacy of giving, ensuring that the heart of gold beneath his helmet continues to spread joy and opportunity for generations to come in Lincoln.
