The University of Nebraska named the 2023 Operation Hat Trick Excellence in Service award winner

HAMPTON, NH, and Dallas, TX, May 17, 2023 - Operation Hat Trick (OHT), an innovative non-profit supporting the recovery of wounded service members and veterans, has recognized the University of Nebraska’s outstanding efforts in aiding the recovery of wounded U.S. combat service members and veterans by naming the University the winner of its 2023 Excellence in Service Award. In recognition of their impact, OHT will make a donation to the Omaha Fisher House on the University’s behalf. Operation Hat Trick Founder and President Dot Sheehan presented the Excellence in Service Awards at the Collegiate Licensing Company Licensing Seminar in Dallas on May 17.

This year OHT has donated $200,000 to organizations on behalf of the finalists and winner, bringing the overall total in the last 5 years to $650,000.

Nebraska was one of ten finalists that included The University of Arizona, The University of Oklahoma, UCLA, Clemson University, The University of Montana, Texas A&M University, Michigan State University, Gonzaga University, and Western Michigan University. The finalists were chosen based on their efforts to fully integrate OHT on and off their campuses through a presence in their bookstores and other retail outlets; promoting veterans’ causes through their social media properties and advertising campaigns; and generating additional revenue that will be used to support the recovery of wounded service members and veterans.

“I’m proud of what Nebraska has done to support Operation Hat Trick and wounded service members and veterans and are now recovering from invisible and visible injuries,” said Dot Sheehan, Founder and CEO of Operation Hat Trick. “Over the past year, the University has shown not only a commitment to support OHT but also a commitment to support their local community, which is so critical. We at OHT are honored and proud to partner with Nebraska and all of our finalists.”

A portion of each sale of OHT branded merchandise is donated to select organizations that support the recovery of wounded service members and veterans. Through the sale of branded merchandise, Operation Hat Trick has helped 85+ organizations that provide direct support to veterans in need. They include the Travis Mills Foundation, Semper Fi Fund, nine Warriors Ice Hockey Programs, Canine Companions, Let’s Chow!, and the Overwatch Project.

About Operation Hat Trick

Operation Hat Trick is recognized by GuideStar as a Platinum seal of transparency organization for its responsible stewardship (https:/learn.guidestar.org/platinum). Dedicated to Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, two Navy SEALs who were killed in Iraq in 2008 and are buried side by side at Arlington National Cemetery, OHT never forgets their sacrifice.

OHT is differentiated from other veteran-focused nonprofits by its innovative operating model. OHT pioneered the first national philanthropic co-branded cause marketing retail apparel licensing program. Rather than relying on donations to raise money, OHT receives a royalty on every product purchase of co-branded apparel and merchandise in conjunction with over 500 supporting American colleges and universities, as well as many NHL, NBA and MiLB teams. Its products are also available via online retailers such as Fanatics, Amazon and national retailers including Cracker Barrel, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Kohl’s, Lids, Scheels and more.

Support and learn more about Operation Hat Trick by visiting operationhattrick.org.

About The University of Nebraska

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln was chartered as a land-grant university on February 15, 1869, to create opportunity for the state of Nebraska. A proud member of the Big Ten Conference, the Big Ten Academic Alliance, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), Nebraska is classified within the Carnegie “R1: Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity” category. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

About Omaha Fisher House

The Fisher House program, established in 1990 by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, provides free temporary accommodations at no cost, for family members of hospitalized Veterans and active-duty military personnel. The Omaha Fisher House features fully furnished suites and serves as a “home away from home” for the families of Veterans or military service members receiving treatment at the Omaha VA Medical Center.