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How To Help

Memorial Stadium Campaign

Opportunities of this scope and magnitude 
don’t come along often as history has shown,
and when they do,
you run with them!

The Memorial Stadium Project is an opportunity for you to honor past tradition while leaving a lasting legacy to impact generations to come. By choosing one of the three options below, you have the ability to give in a way that is most convenient for you, while investing in our community’s future.

Make a One-Time Donation (use form below)
Make a Recurring Donation (click here)
Pledge Card (pdf download)

If you prefer to give by check or money order, donations can be mailed to:   

Grand Island Public Schools Foundation
OUR GRAND LEGACY
PO Box 4904
Grand Island, NE 68802-4904



With your one-time gift, we can renovate Memorial Stadium to preserve its history and assure it will continue to serve our students and the Grand Island community well into the next seventy years.

Thank you in advance for your vision and generosity.

  • Leadership Levels

    Hall of Fame
    $500,000+
    Champion
    $300,000 - $499,999
    All-American
    $100,000 - $299,999
    All-State
    $50,000 - $99,999
    All-Conference
    $25,000 - $49,999
    All-City
    $10,000 - $24,999
    Team Captain
    $5,000 - $9,999
    Varsity
    $2,500 - $4,999

    All gifts will be recognized.
    Gifts of $2,500+ will be included in a permanent display at the stadium.

    Starter
    $1,000 - $2,499
    Fan
    $500 - $999

One-time Donation Amount
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Donor Wall

Together we have built the finest high school stadium in Nebraska for our children and our community.  Our original goal was $17 million. We are now just $191,356 away from that goal.  We have built it.  We have celebrated. And, this lasting facility has hosted tens of thousands of people in just two years.

  • Stadium Donor List

    Lead Gift

    Lanny & Sharon Martin


    $500,000+ Hall of Fame

    Kim & Tom Dinsdale


    $300,000+

    Dianne & David Barker

    Janet & Dale Benson

    Les & Vera Martin

    Tom & Kathy Martin

    Carol & Robert Noah


    $100,000+ - All-American

    Five Points Bank

    GISH Athletic Booster Club

    Home Federal Bank

    Jerry's Sheet Metal Heating & Cooling, Inc. - Hehnke Family

    Bill Marshall III

    Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy


    $50,000+ - All-State

    Anderson Auto Group

    Margaret Hornady David

    Earl & Maxine Claussen Trust

    Equitable Bank

    FNBO

    Grand Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

    Pinnacle Bank

    Jeff & Jane Richardson

    Dr. Greg & Lori Sextro

    Dan & Lisa Thayer

    Virgil Eihusen Foundation Inc.

    Wolbach Charitable Foundation


    $25,000+ - All Conference

    In memory of Bob Albee, Gary Albee & Earl & Betty Albee Schweiger

    Dr. John & Tammy Allen

    Gaylord & Joan Apfel

    Ed & Meta Armstrong

    Beavercreek Marketing

    Dan Eakes

    Ron & Sandy Eakes

    Edgar & Frances Reynolds Foundation Inc

    Enterprise Precast Concrete

    Brian & Carey Hamilton

    The Jeffries Family

    Kaufmann-Cummings Foundation

    Kelly Family Dentistry PC

    Dr. Shay & Jacey McGowan

    Midwest Restaurant Supply/TOBA

    Jeff & Sheila Reed

    Evelyn Stelk Starkey

    Tom Dinsdale Chevrolet Cadillac GMC Hyundai

    Dr. Stanley Urwiller


    $10,000+ - All-City

    Dr. Curtis, Lisa, John, Annie, & Maria Albers

    Mark & Jordan Allen

    AMGL, PC

    Will, Lori, Sydney, Samantha, & Sophia Armstrong & Nolan Lien

    Tom & Tami Bednar

    Steven, Kevin & Carson Cahoy

    CHI Health St. Francis

    CMBA Architects

    CNH Industrial

    Class of 1980

    Bill and Kathie Degen

    Ron & Lori Depue

    Eakes Office Solutions

    The Evans Family

    Mrs. Betty Fischer In Memory of Coach Ken Fischer

    Dr. Bill & Kay Fowles

    Fred & Amanda Glade Foundation Inc.

    Gordon & Cara Glade

    GIX Logistics

    Grand Island Physical Therapy

    Greater Grand Island Community Foundation

    Virgil D. & Natalie D. Harden

    Nick Harlow

    John & Karen Higgins

    Islander Band Boosters

    Jeremy & Kim Jensen

    James & Maureen Kahrhoff

    Erin & Andy Marsh Family

    Hank & Pam Price

    Orv & Mary Qualsett

    Tom & Holly Rathman

    The Rerucha Family

    Roger Kruse Associates

    The Roe Family

    Scott & Mary Bosselman Sahling, Troy Schultz, Tracy Schultz Gardner, Grady, Bayley & Mitchell Gardner

    Sampson Construction Co., Inc.

    Hal A. & Christine Schager

    Mike & Michelle Schuster

    Subway- Todd & Debora Carpenter

    In Memory of Coach Dan Traudt

    Tom & Lynne Werner

    William J. Wheeler

    Dave Willman


    $5,000+ - Team Captain

    Eric & Connie Allen

    Jay & Melissa Anderson

    Roger & Melodee Anderson

    Associated Staffing, Inc.

    Terry & Tracy (Welte) Babcock

    Jim & Michelle Brisnehan

    Dan & Nancy Brosz

    Vince & Nancy Dowding

    Todd & Kelly Enck

    Engineering Technologies Inc.

    Sam Foltz Foundation/Gerald & Jill Foltz Family

    The Funes Family- Raul, Angela, Coby, Layla, Amelia & Angelo

    In Memory of Nick Galvan

    Mike Gloor & Marie de Martinez

    Grand Island Independent

    Dr. Tawana Grover

    Kurt Haecker

    Mr. & Mrs. Mike Hamik

    Hausmann Construction

    Ellen Hornady

    Douglas & Cheryl Jensen

    Brad Knuth, In Honor of the Class of 1980

    Douglas & Kimberly Kosmicki

    Katharine Mayer

    Dr. E. Eugene & Phyllis R. Miller Family

    Tom & Sue Millsap

    Michael W. Monk

    Olsson

    In Memory of Gary Pedersen

    Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc.

    Jim & Dee Price in Honor of Georgia Price

    Tom & Lonnie Rathman

    Terry & Melanie Sheen

    Matt & Kathy Shonsey

    Roger & Liana Steele

    Larry & Rose Ann Toner

    Carolyn & Paul Trieschman

    TruGreen

    Craig, Curtis & Scott Geren by Gary & Linda Wegner

    In Memory of Kaitlyn Worthington


    $2,500+ - Varsity

    Renee & Collins Albers Family

    The Ayoub Family

    Gordon D. Bainbridge M.D. & Rogene Bainbridge

    Ron & Rhonda (Bourke) Baldwin

    Kevin & Beth Bartlett

    T & E Cattle Co. by Tom & Liz Baxter

    Douglas ('70) & Cynthia Beran

    Kevin & Bev Brostrom

    Adam & Shannon Brosz

    Kurt & Cindy Brown

    Roger & Susan Bullington

    Class of 1963

    Class of 1964

    Adan Martinez Contreras & Erica Contreras in Memory of Omar Martinez Cruz

    Kevin & Lori Coen; Jaden, Blake & Carly Coen

    In Memory of Friends passed from the Class of 1990

    Mrs. Gretchen Dinsdale

    Tim & Cheryl Dunagan

    Brad & Jodi Fegley

    Rod & Kimberly Foley

    Craig & Susan Foss

    Mike & Dee Garrett

    The Tom & Becky Gdowski Family

    The Cory & Heather Gearhart Family

    Grand Island Senior High Activities Department

    GISH Cheerleaders

    Joseph & Jenna Grenier

    The Grimminger Family- Sam, Kay, Harry & Angela

    Russ & Shelly Harvey

    In Memory of Tex Harvey

    Ron & Sue Hester Family

    John & Bonnie Hinkle

    Hoos Insurance Agency

    Anthony & Clarissa Hostler

    INSUR

    The Mike "Jake" Jakubowski Family

    Keith & Pam Jardine

    Jim & Kelli Jeffries

    Don & Sharon Jelinek

    Stephen & Linda Joel

    Brian & Shelly Kort

    Kris & Dave Koubek

    Kristy Cavanaugh, Agent American Family Ins.

    Marcy, Ryan, & Riley Krolikowski in memory of Randy D. Krolikowski

    The Kruger's Tom, Ronda, Heath, Cole, Tad

    Jack, Leigh & Jonah Lillibridge

    Live Well Physical Therapy

    Dr. David Lofgreen & Jan Rockwell

    Kent & Cyndee Mann

    Marty & Julie Markvicka

    Ken Mathine

    Marv Maurer, Carmen & Joel

    3 Daughters in Honor of Niels & Vicki McDermott

    Kurt & Shirley McCallum

    Brian & Angie Mustion

    Daniel & Korinna Naranjo

    Nebraska Truck Center, Inc.

    Lance, Brandy, Cohen, Miles & Tayla Nelson

    Vic & Missy Nelson

    Max & Laura Norvell

    Overhead Door Nebraska Division

    Kirk & Toni Palmer

    James & Cindy Panowicz

    Andy & Fran Petersen in memory of Barney McGahan

    The Dan Petsch Family

    Daniel & Cristina Phillips

    Dan, Cheryl, Will, Kate & John Placzek

    Charmaine Purdy Coppom

    The Kirk & Katie Ramsey Family

    Steve & Ann Rathman

    Kevin & Jodi Rathman Gaden

    Debra Rathman Webster

    Randy & Julie Rhodes

    Al & Jean Satterly

    William & Catherine Shaver Family (Bill '53, Nancy '55, Julie '58, Roberta '61 & Tom '63)

    Jack & Melissa Sheard

    Bret & Nicole Sheffield

    Barry & Traci Skalberg

    Boyd & Heather Smith

    Bruce & Judy Smith

    Randy & Lynn Spiehs

    Mark & Wanda Stelk

    Roxy & Wayne Stelk

    David & Nicki Stoltenberg

    The Tomlin Family

    Ronald Trampe

    In Memory of Steve Toner

    In Memory of Larry Trosper

    Robert & Marilyn Wagner

    Walnut Middle School

    Bobbie Weaver, Dave, Susan, Tom in Memory of Mildred and Gordon Evans

    Jeremy & Trisha Watson

    Joe & Cindy Wells & Family

    Bill & Jayne Westering

    Erika Wolfe

    Herb & Jennifer Worthington


    $1,000+ - Starter

    Anonymous

    Glenn & Brittney Bills

    Claire & Ellen Boroff

    Doug Carlisle

    Copycat Printing & Signs

    Niels & Vicki McDermott by Andrew & Christine Coubrough

    Niels & Vicki McDermott by Greg & Stacey Dohrman

    Niels & Vicki McDermott by Jeff & Barb Engberg

    David & Elizabeth (Cannella) Denman

    Doug & Jill Fargo

    In Memory of Ed & Lola Felske

    Brian Gallagher

    Fred Glade

    Go Big Give Matching Funds

    Chuck Hamner

    Hansen International Truck, Inc.

    Randy & Tonya Jelinek

    Mike & Michelle Kneale

    Larry Lubeck

    In Memory of Bob McFarland

    Kristine L. McMullen

    National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation - In Memory of Merlene Roe

    Rosemary Osborne

    Mary I. Pedersen

    Bart & Lisa Qualsett

    Larry & Nancy Rutar

    Damon & Stacy Shada

    Dr. Steven & Beckie Stec

    In Memory of Steve Toner

    Cory Townsend - In Honor of Kasey & Kamden

    Mark Traynowicz

    Steve & Virginia Wheeler

    Ron Wiese


    $500+ - Fan

    Robert & Amy Almquist

    Roy & Barbara Anderson

    Bartenbach Family

    In Memory of Jim Beck

    Oscar Bredthauer

    The Briseno's in honor of Rosalio Briseno Jr. named on Plaque at Memorial Stadium

    Lloyd L. Brown

    Terry & Penny Brown

    Duane & Jacqueline Burns

    In Memory of Paul Casteel

    Eric Christenson

    Dan & Rosanne Chrystal

    Kate Crowe & Micah McCaffery

    Dale & Cathy Davis

    Dan & Cathy Denman - in honor of Paige, Jenny & David

    Danny & Vikki Deuel

    Buzz Douthit

    Brett & Karen Duff

    Edward Jones Investments - Will Armstrong

    Jerry & Renee Farlee

    Randal R. Fett

    Kenny Fischer

    Mary Fischer

    Fonner Park Patrons

    GISH Class of 1968

    Patrick & Angela Harder

    Kim Hawke

    Al & Julie Hayman

    Jim & Rene Hinman

    Jeff, Deb, Jordan, & Dru Hofeldt

    Calvin & Jordyn Hubbard

    Lori Jankowski - in memory of Geralyn Leiser Bruns

    James & Darcy Kahrhoff

    Pat & Kathleen Keenan

    Marilyn Korgel In Memory of Dennis Korgel

    John, Karen, Jay & Pete Kropp

    Joe & Ronna Kutlas

    Rita, Brian, Ashley & Brad Lammers

    Adrian & Verna (Schwieger) Lewandowski

    Steve & Julie Martin

    Judith McCarthy - in memory of David McCarthy

    Luke & Maggie McDermott

    Bob & Kathy McFarland

    L. Denise McGovern & William L. Gulzow in Memory of Wilhelm Gulzow

    Donald McKinnis Jr.

    Joyce McKinny

    Mark & Renee Miller

    In Memory of Gary Martin - Jackie Martin, Cindy Avila, Kriste Molacek, Jill Myers and Brad Martin

    Michael Monk - in memory of Ramona McCumber

    Greg & Tracy Morrow

    Michael & Jill Myers

    Paul Davis Restoration

    Bev Peterson & Family

    Robert & Linda Plummer

    Steven & Paula Poppe & Family

    Shawn, Kari, Madison & Johnathan Price

    Jack & Joanne Rasmussen

    Sam & Nancy Reynolds

    Michael & Lauren Schumacher

    Dave & Linda Shenk

    Jon & Melanie Smith

    Brayden Snell & Family

    Jeff & Cindy Stern

    Tom & Brenda Strand

    Jennifer Thaden

    Myla Thompson

    Larry & Betsy Uhing

    Mike & Bonna Wanek

    Albert, Dawn, Addie Werner

    Joel & Terry Wiegand


    $1-$499 - Donor

    Advanced Radiology of Grand Island PC

    Donna Allen

    Alpha Delta Kappa Epsilon

    Carol Anderson

    John & Michelle Anderson

    Mike Anderson

    Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Jeff Apel

    Connie Arends

    Gene & Bess Armstrong

    Don Arrants

    Johnna Jeffries Austin - In memory of Bud & Marilyn Jeffries

    Todd & Sandy Bahensky

    Nate Balcom

    Carlos & Angela Barcenas

    Bill & Kathy Bartunek

    J. Kaye Maupin Bayne

    Cindy Beaman

    Rocke & Marlene Beason

    Melissa Beberniss

    Joseph & Michele Becker

    Kenneth Beekman

    Douglas & Jennifer Beilby

    Kimberly Wolfe Bell

    Lynn Bender

    Shelly Billington

    Kathy Bohnart

    In Memory of Randy Bohnart

    Bobby & Cindy Bonczynski

    Kathy Boroff

    BPO Does No. 147

    Mark & Cheryl Brei

    Don R. Brittin

    Patrick & Nancy Brock

    Patrick & Nancy Brock

    John & Norine Brooker

    Barry & Jennifer Brown

    Kent & Tonja Brown

    Diane Brownell

    Kirsten Busse

    Bryan & Patty Bydalek

    Gordon Bye

    Donald & Lynette Byrnes

    Mr. & Mrs. Jim Cannon

    George & Catherine Cargill

    Mary Beth Casteel

    Gary & Roberta Catlett

    Central Catholic Development Foundation

    Brian & Donna Chandler

    Patty Chase

    Nancy Chavez

    Dave & Carole Chmelka

    Jeff & Valerie Chmelka

    James Christensen

    Lori J. Christensen

    Bob Clark

    Class of 1967

    Neal & Donna Clausen

    Bruce Clayton

    In Honor of Francine Clayton

    Roderick & Anita Sue Clement

    Cobler Chiropractic, Inc.

    The Cochran Family

    Kent & Jean Coen

    Toba Cohen-Dunning - In Honor of Traci Skalberg

    Joseph & Nancy Conahan

    Terrence & Lisa Connealy

    Douglas & Jenifer Cook

    Randall & Paulette Cordes

    Josue & Anya Covarrubias

    Leah Davey

    Akil Davis

    Thomas & Helen Davis

    Lawrence & Carolyn Debaere

    Craig & Wendy DeNoyer

    Dr. Robin Dexter

    John & Kathy Digits

    Jeff Dillon

    Larry Dillon

    Dane Doty

    Jacques Dubois

    Craig & Joni Duff

    Brian Dunagan

    Nicole Eastman

    Shelley Eickhoff

    Marilyn Eihusen

    In Memory of Tom Eisenmenger

    Kaye Ernstmeyer

    Michael & Barbara Esch

    Chris Falldorf

    Jerry & Carol Fanta

    Corey Farlee

    Preston Fegley

    Conrad & Barbara Feller

    Rod & Cheri Felton

    Jean Ann Fisher

    Marlene Fisher

    Tracy Fisher

    Steven & Cynthia Flaherty

    Nancy Folden

    Scott & Laura Fox

    Chuck & Glenda Frasier

    Nicholas & Rebecca Freelend

    Scott E. Freese

    Donald & Mary Grace Frei

    Mark Frei

    Mike Frei

    Friday Book Club

    Kurt & Connie Frohling

    Becky Frustaglio

    Sam & Deena Fuller

    Montie & Kim Fyfe

    Delmar Garrelts

    Glen Gartner Family

    Gates Elementary PTA

    Andrew & Abbie Gdowski

    Jake & Katy Gdowski

    Dale & Candace Gerlach

    Russell & Catherine Gies

    William E. Giesenhagen

    GISH Football Family

    GISH Freshman Academy

    Sharon Glaser

    Mark & Jane Gloor

    Tina Albers Godfrey

    Mrs. Jeanne Going

    Annalien Gonzalez de le Vega

    Kyle & Kristin Goodwin

    Todd & Ellen Goshorn

    Tom & Jeanne Graves

    J.J.& Kathie Green

    Ann Greving Brown

    Thomas & Carol Grooms

    Carolyn Grove

    Andy & Lila Gudgel

    Greg & Donna Gustafson

    Dennis & Kathleen Hahn

    Barrett & Jennifer Hahn

    Gene & Karen Hand

    Jeff & Amy Haney

    Lavonne Hansen

    Don & Mary Kay Hanson

    Dr. G.H. & Dee Hanssen

    Rob & Deb Harder

    Phillip & Terri Harders

    William & Judith Hardy

    Roger & Kathy Harms

    Judith Harrie

    Paula Harris

    Bev Harvey

    Janet Harvey

    Don & Dawn Haymart

    In Honor of Ervin Heiser

    Tom Heiser

    Kevin M. Henn

    Todd & Wendy Henrichs

    John, Darlene, Jeff & Jennifer Heuer

    Tom & Janet Hill

    Michael & Lisa Hinken

    John & Kristy Hirschman

    Terry & Ann Hoffman

    Jana Holle

    Canon, Collins, Kallum & Kennady Holley

    Joe Hoos

    Anthony B. Hostler

    Dr. Gordon & Sally Hrnicek

    Butch & Caroline Hug

    Dr. Karl & Shirley Hughes

    Dorothy Hunt

    Ulen & Wanda Jackson

    Angie Jacobsen

    Mary Janky

    Mr. Burl Janzen

    Wade Jarvi

    Stewart K. Jobes

    Michael & Jill Johnson

    Jackie Jones

    Nancy Jones

    In Honor of David Jorgensen

    Donna & David Jorgensen

    Tom & Sherry Kahrhoff

    Allan Keck

    Keith Kelly

    Panom Keolavone

    Beth Kilday

    Ed, Gretchen & Payton Kinne

    Gianna Kjerstad

    Kenneth & Linda Klaasmeyer

    James & Carrie Kolar

    Danny & Jolene Kopf

    Douglas Krueger

    Jamie & Laurie Kuebler

    Greg & Dayna Kush

    George & Victoria Kyros

    Shane Labenz

    Dr. Daniel Laing

    Travis & Susan Lamke

    Steve & Mary Lamken

    Terry & Deborah Larsen

    Lloyd & Stacia Larson

    Alicia Lechner

    Sharon Ledgerwood

    Jeff Leep & Kari Hooker Leep

    Alicia & Jamie Lemburg

    David & Linda Lenz

    Casey, Maria, Evan & Taylor Leth

    Amanda Levos

    Kenneth & Lois Link

    Judy Lorenzen

    Fred G. Lowery

    Dick Luebbe

    In Memory of Loel L. Luft

    Luceil Lush

    Mark & Carrie Manning

    Geri Marshall Mohler

    Amy Mancini-Marshall

    In Honor of Lanny Martin

    Philip & Ann Martin

    Judy Maupin in memory of Larry Maupin

    Karen Mayer

    Troy & Kim McCain

    Todd & Julie McCoy

    Ms. Caroline McDannel

    Teri McDermott

    Mike & Irma McDonald

    Dr. Mike & Tracy McGahan

    Anonymous

    Andy Means

    Terry & Cheryl Medjo

    Perry & Jean Menard

    Steve & Kate Metzger

    Mr. & Mrs. Clayton Meyer

    In honor of Wayne '49, Liz '07, Emily '10, Becca '16 Meyer

    Robyn Meyer

    Midwest Financial Services

    Dan & Anne Miner

    Jesse & Maggie Mintken

    Ron Moran & Kim Mickels Family

    In Memory of Blaine Morrow

    Chandra Myers

    Richard Nabity

    Dr. Tom & Jeanne Nabity

    Dylan Naranjo

    Kent Naylor

    Roger & Deborah Nesbitt

    Allan & Nannette Neuhaus

    Tom & Tracy Noble

    Michelle Oberschulte - in Memory of Mary Langenberg

    Omaha Community Foundation

    Bill & Sandy O'Malley

    Maureen O'Malley Wagoner

    Doak & Ruthie Ostergard

    Barb Fischer Osterhout

    Earl & Ilus Overton

    Dwight Overturf - in memory of Dr. Dwight Overturf, RPH

    William Partington

    Kathy Patton

    Paypal Giving Fund

    In Memory of Darrell Penas

    Mike & Tara Peterson

    Nate Pfeifer

    Pitney Bowes

    Margaret Placzek

    Kevin Pool

    Anonymous

    Cheryl Preister

    John & Linda Price

    Linda Price

    Hank & Pam Price - In Honor of Dick Luebbe

    Hank & Pam Price - In Memory of James Brantley

    Hank & Pam Price - In Honor of Tom Millsap

    Todd & Amy Price

    James H. Proffitt - In Memory of Joe Rembolt

    Cleo Ramsey

    Kip & Jeanette Ramsey

    Clark & Kathy Rasmussen

    Richard S Rasmussen

    Michael Redman

    The Clark and Karen Reese Family

    Patricia Reilly

    Vern & Doris Rempe

    Anne Riebschlager

    Marcia Riedy

    Chris & Rhonda Riha - In honor of Kayla J. Stutzman

    Chris & Rhonda Riha - In honor of Jacob R. Riha

    Terry Rinke

    Sara Robinson

    In Honor of Jan Rockwell

    Rick & Marilyn Roenfeldt

    In Memory of Richard Roenfeldt

    Herb & LaNita Roeser

    Gary & Linda Rosacker

    Kenneth Ruff

    Roger & Dorothy Ruff

    Roger & Karla Schmidt

    Tom & Cathy Schock

    In Memory of Henry S. Schuff

    John & Dayle Schutte

    Clay & Heidi Schutz

    Dennis & Kaye Schuyler

    Jane Shaw

    Laura Lliteras

    Christine Shenk

    Sherwin Williams

    Fletcher & Sally Shields

    Theronne Burlison Singletary - In Memory of Irvin Burlison

    Tammy Slater

    Dane & Becky Smith

    Kellie Smith

    Colette S Sorensen

    Katie Soto

    Kris Spellman

    Calvin & Robyn Splattstoesser

    Paula Spotanski

    L.T. & R.M. Steinkruger

    Patty Stewart

    Chris Stinson

    Arthur Struebing

    Lenore Stubblefield

    Chris Studley

    Roger & Debra Sweley

    James Tews

    The Balestrieri Family Rev Trust - In Honor of Tom Rathman

    The Benevity Community Impact Fund

    Joyce Thomas

    Jane Thorngren & Gail Yenny

    Jim & Susan Toner

    Kevin & Dani Trosper

    Jim & Mary Kay Tuma

    Terry & Cheryl Twiestmeyer

    Daniel & Debra Vahle

    Van Wie Healthcare

    Pete & Tammie Van Winkle

    Vincenzo's Italian Ristorante

    Martin & Judith Vinyard

    Van Vohland

    Robert & Marilyn Wagner - In Memory of Caroll Lucht

    Donna Wanitschke

    Kelley Ward

    Selena Wardyn

    Dr. Joe & Bonnie Watkins

    Barbara (Bobbie) Weaver

    Debra Wells

    Connie Jean Werner

    Kathy White

    Matthew & Kayla Wichman

    Kenneth & Candi Wiemers

    Rebecca Wilhelmi

    Shaun Willey

    Catherine Wilson

    Dr. Rob & Donna Winter

    Kimberly Witt

    Anonymous

    John A. Wolf

    Brad & Denise Wolfe

    Lee Wolfe

    Joel & Staci Zuerlein

    In Memory of Shirly Ziemba

    Daniel & Rosalind Zwilling


Campaign Record

"There's nothing like having the home field advantage."

- Tom Rathman, Honorary Co-Chair

  • Project Description

    Memorial Stadium Campaign

    The Memorial Stadium Campaign is truly a collaborative partnership between the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation, the Grand Island Public Schools and the community, similar to the community effort during the stadium’s inception in 1947. Grand Island Public Schools Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is specifically focused on improving the education and experience of GIPS students, is managing the fundraising project. These key organizations along with the lead donor and donors like you will bring life to this exciting opportunity to transform Memorial Stadium into a premier community facility.  

    Collectively, each of these partners bring the capacity and expertise necessary to make this historic project a reality. It is not only an opportunity for Grand Island Public Schools and their students, but for the entire Grand Island Community and especially those who are actively involved in programming held at Memorial Stadium.

    Funds raised through the capital campaign for the Primary Project at Memorial Stadium will include:

    • Preservation and improvements to the Memorial section at East Stadium
    • Improved facilities to both the East and West Stadium to include, updated restrooms, concessions and locker rooms
    • Two-tiered press box at West Stadium, to include specific area for media and for filming
    • Meeting space at West Stadium for special events, coaches meetings, team meetings and educational purposes
    • Improved seating with adherence to current codes and ADA regulations to better accommodate visitors
    • Updated infrastructure for technology
    • Increase in permanent seating capacity (does not include metal bleachers) from 2,896 to 5,109

    Once funds are raised for the Primary Project, additional funds will be used for an Expanded Project allowing the following improvements to East Stadium:

    • An addition to the current East Stadium to include 425 more permanent stadium seats
    • Expanded locker room and training area
    • A family restroom
    • Expanded areas for concessions

    Thank you for considering a donation to support of the Memorial Stadium Capital Campaign.
    We deeply appreciate the generosity of our donors.

  • Project Leadership

    Tom Rathman
    Honorary Chair, GISH Class of 1981

    Tom is a Grand Island Senior High alumn, former football player and three-year letter winner at the University of Nebraska. He was drafted into the NFL in 1986 and is a two-time Super Bowl Champion. His professional playing career spanned nine years. After retiring as a player, he began his coaching career at the high school level. He has been a NFL running backs coach for 14 seasons and is currently coaching running backs for the Indianapolis Colts. Tom is proud of his Grand Island roots and speaks fondly of his time spent as an athlete in Memorial Stadium as well as how his education and teachers prepared him well for his successful career.

    Holly “Yencer” Rathman
    Honorary Chair, GISH Class of 1981

    As an Honorary Chair, Holly is excited about how progressive Grand Island is and she cannot wait for students and community members to participate in activities at the renovated Memorial Stadium. Holly is a Grand Island Senior High alumna and a four-sport athlete. Holly is a former athlete and graduate of the University of
    Nebraska. Holly and Tom have three daughters and reside in California. The Rathman’s are advocates of public schools and are proud supporters of our Memorial Stadium Campaign.

     

    Jeff and Jane Richardson
    Campaign Co-Chairs
    GISH Class of 1983

    Jeff is a Graduate of Grand Island Senior High class of 1983. He graduated from Louisiana Tech University and was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 7th round of the 1986 free agent draft. He was voted team MVP in 1987 and All-Star MVP for Tampa and became the fastest player to 100 hits. After an injury in 1995 forced his retirement, he spent 3 years managing in the minors winning the Carolina League title in 1998. He retired from minor league coaching in 1998 and then led his alma mater Louisiana Tech University to their first winning season since 1987. Jeff coached at Louisiana Tech for four years before resigning to manage his own successful businesses in Grand Island. Jeff is a proud Grand Island Senior High graduate, an avid GISH fan, and is a champion for community progress and development in Grand Island. 

    Jane was born and raised in Grand Island and is a graduate of Grand Island Senior High class of 1983. Jane graduated from the University of Nebraska with her teaching certificate and taught for two years in western Nebraska. She graduated from University of Nebraska Law School in 1992. Jane and Jeff have three daughters and consider Grand Island an optimal family setting. Her family, civic duties and their three businesses keep her very active in the community. She is excited to see the renovated Stadium serve many community members in varying activities. 

     

    Jim and Maureen Kahrhoff
    Campaign Co-Chairs
    GISH Class of 1960 and GICC Class of 1960

    Jim is native of Grand Island and a Grand Island Senior High graduate class of 1960. Jim is also a graduate of University of Nebraska graduating in 1964. He joined the Army in 1965 and served in Vietnam as a Captain assigned to “OLD GUARD”, 2BN 3 RD infantry 199 light infantry Brigade. He received the Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf cluster and Air medal with Valor. He is proud of his service to our country and is passionate about preserving and honoring those who have served and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Jim is proud to support the Memorial Stadium campaign because of the stadium’s tribute to the fallen of World War II and the ability of the renovated stadium to serve the community for decades to come. Jim enjoys his retirement after building a successful Insurance career, in which he always made it a priority to give back to the community. 

    Maureen is a Grand Island native and a graduate of Central Catholic High School. Maureen has special memories of the student activities she participated in at the stadium while she was in school, but she is most fond of her memories of watching her children and grandchildren enjoy activities at Memorial Stadium. It is especially important to Maureen for future students and their families to have a facility that not only host activities, but to have the infrastructure to see those students excel, preparing them for strong futures.

     

    Project Leaders

    Tom & Holly Rathman, Honorary Chairs
    Jim & Maureen Kahrhoff, Co-Chairs
    Jeff & Jane Richardson, Co-Chairs
    Will Armstrong, GISH Booster Club Chair
    George Ayoub, GIPS Foundation Alumni Liaison
    Ron Depue, GIPS Foundation President
    Kelly Enck, Board of Education
    Jeff Gilbertson, Grand Island Senior High Principal
    Dr. Tawana Grover, Superintendent, GIPS
    Kurt Haecker, GIPS Foundation Board Emeritus
    Virgil Harden, Chief Financial Officer, GIPS
    Bonnie Hinkle, Board of Education President
    Leigh Lillibridge, Campaign Coordinator
    Dan Petsch, Director of Building & Grounds, GIPS
    Pam Price, GIPS Foundation Board Member
    Kirk Ramsey, GIPS Foundation Vice President
    Jack Sheard, Marketing & Communications Coord., GIPS
    Terry Sheen, GIPS Foundation Treasurer
    Traci Skalberg, GIPS Foundation Executive Director
    Cindy Wells, GISH Activities Director

    Grand Island Public Schools Foundation Board

    Vikki Deuel, President
    Zach Butz, Vice President
    Tom Gdowski, Treasurer
    Traci Skalberg, Executive Director
    Connie Allen
    Bianca Ayala
    Kathie Degen
    Todd Enck
    Jenna Grenier
    KC Hehnke
    Vince Hernandez
    Kim Jensen
    Audrey Lutz
    Erin Marsh
    Pam Price
    Roger Schmidt
    Dr. Rob Winter

Stadium Events
Frequent Questions
  • What was the seating capacity and how did it change with this project?

    The permanent seating capacity at Memorial Stadium was 2,896. With the Primary The completion of the project increased the seating capacity to 5,534.

  • Who owns the facility?

    Grand Island Public Schools has had ownership and stewardship of the facility since the community raised the funds and gifted the facility to the district in 1947 at its original dedication.

  • Will this still be a Veterans Memorial? Jack Martin Field

    Memorial Stadium will remain a Veterans Memorial as it has for the last 70 years.

  • How will this project affect my property taxes and what percent of the project is tax funded?

    The school district contributed a total of $2 million to this $17 million project. This $2 million is made up of $1.25 million in general maintenance and building funds that GIPS budgets for track and turf replacement as well as general upkeep needs. Additionally, the district has access to QCPUF dollars to improve accessibility to existing facilities. $750,000 came from the QCPUF allotment available to GIPS. Using the entire $2 million as consideration, under 12% of the project was funded with tax dollars. The project does not increase or decrease the general tax levy.

  • Will other area schools and community events still be welcome to use the updated facility?

    Area schools and community events will still be welcome to use the facility upon mutual understanding of scheduling and maintenance. Current protocol will be followed.

  • If I donated to the Turf Project in 2009 how will my gift to Memorial Stadium be recognized?

    Gifts to the Turf Project will be recognized as an addition to the total gift made for the Stadium Project. For example: If a donor gave $25,000 to the Turf Project and is now giving $50,000 to the Memorial Stadium Project, the gift will be recognized at the $75,000 level on the permanent donor display.

  • What happens if you raise funds beyond the project goal and the expanded project goal?

    Funds raised beyond the expenses of the project will be held in a fund at the GIPS Foundation for future stadium maintenance and upgrades.

  • How will gifts be recognized?

    All donors will be recognized in print, online and in appropriate publications. Donors who contribute $2,500 or more to the project will also be included in a permanent display at the Stadium.

  • What forms of gifts are accepted and how long is the pledge period?

    Gifts of cash, check, credit card and securities are welcome. Other forms of giving will be considered on a case by case basis. Gifts may be pledged over a three (3) year period to allow gifts to be given in increments over time.


Jack Martin Legacy

The Memorial Stadium Campaign Lead Gift from Mr. Lanny Martin is a lasting tribute to his late father Jack Martin.

A life well lived for the betterment of others, Jack Martin left the world, and especially Grand Island a better place. He was raised on a farm near Waverly, Nebraska and took his hard work ethic with him to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and into his successful teaching and business careers.

Jack and his wife, Lucile moved their family to Grand Island in 1945, the same year the original Memorial Stadium Campaign began. Jack worked for Grand Island Senior High as a vocational agriculture teacher. All six of their children graduated from GISH, Les (‘49), Carol (‘55), Dianne (‘61), Lanny (‘64), Tom (‘69), and Janet (‘70). Jack not only taught at GISH, but also served as volunteer timekeeper for football and basketball games for more than two decades. The program from the inaugural game played in Memorial Stadium on September 19, 1947 lists Jack as timekeeper.

  • Read more...

    Jack Martin Legacy

    The Memorial Stadium Campaign Lead Gift from Mr. Lanny Martin is a lasting tribute to his late father Jack Martin.

    A life well lived for the betterment of others, Jack Martin left the world, and especially Grand Island a better place. He was raised on a farm near Waverly, Nebraska and took his hard work ethic with him to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and into his successful teaching and business careers.

    Jack and his wife, Lucile moved their family to Grand Island in 1945, the same year the original Memorial Stadium Campaign began. Jack worked for Grand Island Senior High as a vocational agriculture teacher. All six of their children graduated from GISH, Les (‘49), Carol (‘55), Dianne (‘61), Lanny (‘64), Tom (‘69), and Janet (‘70). Jack not only taught at GISH, but also served as volunteer timekeeper for football and basketball games for more than two decades. The program from the inaugural game played in Memorial Stadium on September 19, 1947 lists Jack as timekeeper.

    Lanny Martin shared that his siblings spent time “helping” their dad keep time and, “During our years attending GISH, all of us participated in activities at Memorial Stadium. Whether it was marching band, pep club, football, track or graduation ceremonies, it was an important center of activity for the whole family.”  

    Later in his career, after leaving teaching, Jack led the Grand Island Production Credit Association and was co-founder of Husker Harvest Days. He also served as Grand Island’s mayor in 1955-56, when the city received its first All-American City award and he presented a Key to the City to then Vice President, Richard Nixon in association with the city’s honor. Jack was serving as president of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce when the city received its second All-American City honor in 1967. He also served as an elder and a deacon of the Grand Island Presbyterian Church and was president of the Lions Club.  

    Lanny Martin credits his parent’s strong work ethic, value for education, and their devotion to seeing their children succeed, as the driving forces for assuring all of their six children were able to attend college. Lanny sees those as a critical factors in the productive lives he and his siblings have had.

    Lucile, in addition to raising six children, served as a Sunday school teacher, and as an elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church. She also spent many years volunteering at the St. Francis Memorial Hospital as well as with the YWCA serving in the Giggles outreach program which served disadvantaged 5th and 6th grade girls. Due to the great pride Jack and Lucile took in their belief in strong family ties, education, and serving their community, Lucile and her children established the Jack Martin Scholarship Fund at the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation twenty years ago. The family created additional scholarship funds including the Lucile Martin Dream Scholarships, over the years. Since 1998, the Martin Family Scholarships have been awarded to over 100 students.


Veterans Memorial

Please view the listing of fallen veterans from Hall County Nebraska to be included on the new Veterans Memorial Wall and interactive touchscreen display inside East Memorial Stadium. The interactive display will feature service information, awards and stories of our fallen veterans. As a part of this project, the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation has researched this list and now asks the public for additional information.

Grand Island Public Schools Foundation strives for accuracy. Contact the Foundation at foundation@gips.org with any additions/corrections on a Hall County fallen veteran, or complete the fallen veteran information form.


Gallery
 


Article Archive

  • Out of a coffee drinking session in the Hotel Yancey coffee shop in World War II days grew the dream that became Grand Island’s Memorial Stadium.

  • After more than a year of planning, hard work, and through the Grand Island Memorial Stadium became a reality...

  • At the close of World War II, the community seeking a suitable memorial for veterans of World War II...

  • Inspired by a $10 million gift from 1964 Senior High graduate and Hall of Honor member, Lanny Martin, the Memorial Stadium Project now looks to raise an additional...

  • Students at Senior High and Barr and Walnut Junior Highs have been doing their share to aid in construction of the new Memorial Stadium here, and so far, have raised more than $1,000 to be added to the stadium fund.

  • The 1945-47 Memorial Stadium Campaign included these 1,600 community donors

  • Lists 131 Names; Stand in Niche In East Stadium

  • When the GIPS Foundation decided to take on a fundraising effort to renovate Grand Island’s Memorial Stadium, the first thing we knew we had to do was research the past. We wanted to know how this community pulled together to build the stately Memorial Stadium and who was involved. We found some great help at the Grand Island Public Library and started to piece the information together. See original campaign letters, lists and news clippings. There is also an article by the Grand Island Independent about how the GIPS Foundation received these historical documents.

  • Join us at Grand Island Senior High’s West Gym for the HISTORIC GROUNDBREAKING CELEBRATION of our Memorial Stadium. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to park in the west parking lot off Custer Ave.

  • On January 21, 2019 the Grand Island community gathered to celebrate the historic groundbreaking for our new West Grandstand and the preservation and renovation of the East Grandstand at our Memorial Stadium.

  • The Top Out Ceremony on Wednesday, July 10th was a historic event celebrating the hoisting of the last steel beam into place at West Stadium. This traditional milestone is commemorated by having the steel erection crew, construction team, designers, administrators, donors and other dignitaries sign the beam for posterity.

  • A press conference was held to announce the start of the renovation and preservation of Historic East Stadium which includes plans for a new Memorial Wall to be installed inside East Stadium.

  • I have 16 names of men who I know died for their country, and yet try as I might, I can’t find any reference to them apart from their names on a memorial marker. There is no grave stone, no newspaper article, or yearbook entry. They are just lost...

  • My first visit to Grand Island’s Memorial Stadium was a postcard fall evening in Central Nebraska: a slight nip to the air; a brilliant orange sunset giving way to purples and reds; the smell of burning leaves wafting about; an itchy wool sweater against my neck.

  • The rededication of Grand Island’s Memorial Stadium — Our Grand Legacy — is set for Sunday evening August 22. The festivities for this special community celebration will include tours, marching bands and short program that will begin at 7 p.m. The doors to the stadium will open at 6 p.m. so the public can tour the magnificent new facility.

  • You are invited!
    We are excited to celebrate the Rededication of our Memorial Stadium. Watch the video below and join our facebook event to see the latest details as they are released.

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