The University of Alabama and The University of Nebraska named the 2025 Operation Hat Trick Excellence in Service award co-winners
HAMPTON, NH, and ATLANTA, GA, May 7, 2025 - Operation Hat Trick (OHT), an innovative non-profit supporting the recovery of wounded service members and veterans, has recognized the University of Alabama’s and the University of Nebraska’s outstanding efforts in aiding the recovery of wounded U.S. combat service members and veterans by naming the Universities the co-winners of its 2025 Excellence in Service Award. In recognition of their impact, OHT will make a donation to Three Hots and a Cot and Javelan Service Dogs, respectively, on each University’s behalf. Trey Derrenbacker, OHT’s Director of Licensing presented the Excellence in Service Awards at the Collegiate Licensing Company Licensing Seminar in Atlanta on May 7.
This year OHT has donated $113,000 to organizations on behalf of the finalists and winners, bringing the overall total in the last 6 years to almost $1 million in donations.
Alabama and Nebraska were two of thirteen finalists that included The University of Arizona, Clemson University, Texas A&M, Liberty University, Old Dominion University, UCLA, The University of Nevada, Michigan State University, Utah State University, Virginia Tech, 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 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 extremely proud of what Alabama and Nebraska have done to support Operation Hat Trick and wounded service members and veterans who are from their service-related visible and invisible injuries,” said Dot Sheehan, Founder and CEO of Operation Hat Trick. “Over the past year, the Universities have 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 be partners. Together we are making a difference.”
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 128 organizations that provide direct support to veterans in need. They include the Travis Mills Foundation, nine Warriors Ice Hockey teams, Adaptive Training Foundation, Warriors and Quiet Waters, Canine Companions, CreatiVets and others.
About Operation Hat Trick
Founded by Dot Sheehan in 2007, Operation Hat Trick (OHT) generates awareness, support and funding for the recovery of America’s wounded service members and veterans. The 501c3 has been recognized by GuideStar six years in-a-row 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.
Operation Hat Trick’s innovative operational business model is clearly differentiated from other veteran-focused nonprofits. OHT pioneered the first national philanthropic, co-branded, cause marketing retail apparel licensing program in America. Instead of relying on donations, OHT raises money by selling distinctive headwear and apparel, receiving a royalty from every product purchase. More than 500 American universities and colleges proudly display their logos with OHT’s on co-branded merchandise. Many businesses, NHL, NBA and MiLB teams are also active supporters.
Operation Hat Trick products are available via leading online retailers such as Fanatics, Colosseum and Amazon as well as national retailers including Cracker Barrel, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Kohl’s, Lids, Scheels,and Rally House
Support and learn more about Operation Hat Trick by visiting operationhattrick.org.
About The University of Alabama
Founded in 1831 as the state’s flagship university, The University of Alabama has always focused on being the best. Today, world-class faculty continue to guide our students to reach their highest potential and make a positive impact in our community, in our state and around the world.
About Three Hots and a Cot
Three Hots & A Cot will serve those who have served. We will provide a place for homeless veterans to receive the assistance they need to transition back to civilian society. Each veteran will be treated with the dignity and respect due to every member of our armed services. Without regard to race, creed, color, or religious background, any veteran who seeks our assistance will be afforded the opportunity our services offer.
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 Javelan Service Dogs
The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety.
Police officers and firefighters put their lives on the line for us each and every day.
They are the first people on the scene when an emergency strikes. While everyone else is running away, these brave men and women are running towards dangerous situations to save and protect the people of our community.
