Gift will expand Schmoker Reading Center’s impact across Nebraska

Philanthropist and alumna Catherine “Kit” Schmoker has made a leadership gift to support the Kit and Dick Schmoker Reading Center in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Education and Human Sciences. The gift will help the reading center expand its services to communities, schools and children throughout the state.

“Reading is the key to unlimited possibilities,” Kit Schmoker said. “It can be used for education, as well as the joy of reading a book. It translates the past, rejoices in the present and leads to future knowledge.”

At the request of the donor, the total commitment amount will remain confidential.

Established in 2008 as a one-of-a-kind program in Nebraska, the Kit and Dick Schmoker Reading Center provides one-on-one reading and writing tutoring for K-12 children in the Lincoln area who are reading below grade level. 

“The Schmokers’ remarkable generosity reflects a deep and enduring belief in the transformative power of literacy,” Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett said. “This gift ensures that more children across Nebraska will have access to the tools and support they need to become confident, capable readers. It also enhances the preparation of future educators who will further this mission. 

“We are profoundly grateful for Kit’s vision and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children, families and communities across our state.”

Tutoring at the reading center is provided by Husker graduate and undergraduate students in the College of Education and Human Sciences under the direction of faculty and certified teachers. Instruction is individualized with the goal that each child improves his or her reading and writing skills, gains greater confidence as a reader and establishes a love for reading.

“It’s my privilege to help prepare future teachers and watch them grow in their ability to support young readers — not just in theory, but in real time with real children,” said Emily Fisher, assistant professor of practice in teaching, learning and teacher education and co-director of the Schmoker Reading Center. “Kit’s generosity allows us to expand this work in tangible ways — reaching more children across greater Nebraska, offering more hands-on opportunities for Nebraska teachers and children and ensuring that our impact continues to grow. Kit’s longstanding commitment to this mission reflects a powerful belief that literacy changes lives, and this gift helps us live out that belief with even greater capacity.”

Kit, who lives in Minneapolis, and her late husband, Richard “Dick” Schmoker, are both Husker alumni. Kit graduated with an education degree in 1964, while Dick graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1962 and the College of Law in 1964.

Kit was a member of the University of Nebraska Foundation Board of Directors from 1999-2006 and a founding member of Women Investing in Nebraska. She received the Perry W. Branch Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service from the NU Foundation in 2008. Kit is also an honorary University of Nebraska trustee.

The Schmoker Reading Center was established to offer practical experiences for current and future teachers in the teacher preparation programs in the College of Education and Human Sciences, using effective instructional approaches for improving the literacy skills of children and their families. To complement this mission, the reading center engages in research and outreach activities aimed at improving knowledge of evidence-based practices in literacy.

“Thanks to Kit’s support, we will be able to partner with large and small school districts statewide to offer in-person, school-specific professional development and literacy coaching designed to implement evidence-based literacy instruction and systems,” said Pam Bazis, assistant professor of special education and communication disorders and co-director of the Schmoker Reading Center. “This gift helps us turn our vision into action, bridging research to practice and equipping educators with the tools they need to unlock the full potential of every child in our state.”

The reading center serves children in grades K-6 during three semesters (fall, spring and summer) while serving students in grades 7-12 during the fall semester. On average, about 65 Husker students provide tutoring in the Schmoker Reading Center each semester. 

“The Kit and Dick Schmoker Reading Center is a crown jewel in the way we prepare teachers,” said Nick Pace, interim dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. “It provides our future teachers with unique one-to-one experience with students needing reading support. The Schmoker family has made an indelible impact on CEHS and those we serve.”

The Schmokers have a history of support for their alma mater, including philanthropic support for the College of Law — funding for faculty, educational facilities and the endowed Richard C. and Catherine Stuart Schmoker Professor of Law; a major gift to support the construction of the Adele Coryell Hall Learning Commons; and the establishment of the Catherine and Richard C. Schmoker Presidential Chair in Systems Engineering. 

Of all the ways the Schmokers have impacted the University of Nebraska, Kit said their decision to support the reading center has been among her favorites because reading is the foundation for all other learning.

“Reading just delights me,” she said. “The reading center, without a doubt, has been one of the most impactful donations we’ve ever made.”

Kit Schmoker’s gift supports Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future. The campaign’s goals are to engage 150,000 unique benefactors to raise $3 billion to support the University of Nebraska.

Learn more about the Kit and Dick Schmoker Reading Center.