The building will soon be transformed into the Brandenburg Student Success Center, providing support for students from recruitment through graduation. A groundbreaking event is planned for Oct. 2.
The Wayne State Foundation is proud to announce that it has secured more than $13 million in private philanthropic commitments for the Brandenburg Student Success Center renovation project, making it the largest privately funded project in Wayne State College history.
The historic campaign was made possible through a landmark $5-million leadership gift from Wayne State alumni Don '71 and Diane (Massman) '71 Soukup, whose extraordinary generosity established the campaign's momentum and inspired transformational investments from the Sherwood Foundation and the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation. Together, these commitments total more than $13 million, representing an unprecedented investment in the future of Wayne State College.
This extraordinary support reflects a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives and positions the Brandenburg Student Success Center as one of the most significant and impactful projects ever undertaken at Wayne State College. The legacy of every donor who helped make this vision a reality will be reflected in generations of students whose lives will be enriched through the opportunities this center will provide.
For Don and Diane Soukup, this gift represents far more than a financial investment. It reflects more than five decades of unwavering commitment to the institution that helped shape their lives. Since graduating from Wayne State College in 1971, the Soukups have remained deeply engaged as volunteers, advocates, and philanthropists, supporting scholarships, academic excellence, and initiatives that create opportunities for future Wildcats.
Their vision for the Brandenburg Student Success Center is rooted in the belief that every student deserves the resources and support needed to succeed from the moment they step on campus through graduation.
The Brandenburg Student Success Center represents an $18.7-million investment in students and the future workforce of Northeast Nebraska. Once completed, the renovated facility will serve as a centralized hub for the Academic and Career Success Center, admissions, financial aid, registration and records, disability services, and other essential student support programs. Designed to support students from recruitment through graduation, the Center will bring together critical services under one roof, creating a seamless experience that empowers students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
"Don and Diane have long believed that investing in students changes lives," said Dr. Marysz Rames, President of Wayne State College. "Their extraordinary generosity reflects not only their love for Wayne State College, but also their unwavering belief in the transformative power of higher education. Their leadership inspired others to join this effort, creating a once-in-a-generation investment that will benefit students, strengthen our region, and position Wayne State College for continued success for decades to come."
"Wayne State College has always held a special place in our hearts," said Don and Diane Soukup. "The friendships we built, the education we received, and the opportunities we were given helped shape the lives we've been blessed to live. We hope this gift inspires others to invest in future generations of Wildcats and helps ensure that every student who walks through these doors has the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. We believe education is the foundation of success - not only for individuals, but for businesses, communities, and our nation. Investing in students is one of the most meaningful ways we can help build a stronger future for everyone."
The Brandenburg Student Success Center directly supports Wayne State College's strategic priorities by creating a seamless, student-centered experience that strengthens academic success, increases retention and graduation rates, and prepares graduates to meet the evolving workforce needs of Nebraska.
While fundraising efforts will continue as the Wayne State Foundation engages additional alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations in support of the project, Wayne State College remains fully committed to bringing the Brandenburg Student Success Center to fruition. In addition to the more than $13 million in private philanthropic commitments secured by the Foundation, the project will also be supported through State of Nebraska capital construction funding authorized through LB309 and additional institutional investment by Wayne State College. Together, these investments reflect a powerful partnership among donors, the Foundation, the College, and the State of Nebraska to create an innovative student success facility that will benefit Wildcats for generations.
"This campaign demonstrates the extraordinary impact visionary donors can have on an institution," said Dr. Bob Machovsky, CEO of the Wayne State Foundation. "Don and Diane Soukup didn't simply make a transformational gift – they provided the leadership that inspired others to invest alongside them. Their generosity created the momentum that resulted in the largest privately funded project in Wayne State College history. This achievement reflects what is possible when alumni, foundations, and community partners unite around a shared vision for student success. The Brandenburg Student Success Center will forever stand as a testament to the power of philanthropy and the enduring impact our donors have on generations of Wildcats."
Learn more about the Brandenburg project
Community invited to historic groundbreaking celebration
To commemorate this historic milestone, the Wayne State Foundation and Wayne State College invite alumni, donors, friends, and members of the community to attend the Brandenburg Student Success Center groundbreaking and dedication celebration during Wayne State College’s Homecoming weekend.
The celebration will take place Friday, Oct. 2, on the north side of Brandenburg Hall. Guests are invited to arrive beginning at 4:30 p.m. to enjoy a reception, facility tours, and live entertainment before the official ceremony.
The groundbreaking and dedication ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a celebration social featuring heavy hors d'oeuvres, complimentary beverages, live entertainment, and additional tours of the soon-to-be renovated facility.
This event is free and open to the public.
About Wayne State College
Wayne State College is a public college in Wayne, Neb., committed to preparing students for success through high-quality academic programs, personalized support, and meaningful engagement opportunities. Serving more than 4,600 students, Wayne State is recognized for its strong academic programs, affordability, and commitment to workforce and community development.
About the Wayne State Foundation
The Wayne State Foundation inspires philanthropy and secures the private support that advances the mission and strategic priorities of Wayne State College. Through the generosity of alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations, the Foundation invests in scholarships, academic excellence, campus enhancements, and innovative initiatives that transform the student experience and strengthen the College's impact across Nebraska and beyond.