When J.E. Van Horne Jr. reflects on his remarkable career working alongside music legends like Johnny Cash, AC/DC, and The Judds, he credits one thing above all else: his business education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Now, this successful alumnus is paying that gift forward in a spectacular way that will change lives for generations.

Van Horne has established a $500,000 permanent endowment to create the J.E. Van Horne Jr. South Dakota Scholarship, opening doors for high school graduates from South Dakota to pursue their educational dreams at Nebraska's prestigious College of Business. Beginning this fall, the scholarship will award approximately six deserving students each year with $3,000 grants, making quality business education accessible to those who might have thought it was beyond their reach.

"If you have a business background, you're going to be able to make it," Van Horne shares with genuine enthusiasm. "My University of Nebraska education gave me all the tools I needed to succeed. You have to treat the music/entertainment business as a business."

Van Horne's journey is nothing short of inspirational. As a professional drummer, he opened for iconic acts and later became an award-winning sound engineer, even earning a prestigious 3M Visionary Award for his work on Boyz II Men's "The Birth of Christ." Throughout his adventures in the entertainment industry, the business principles he learned at Nebraska guided every decision.

What makes this gift even more special is Van Horne's deep connection to education and community. Born in Kansas and raised in Nebraska from age eight, he comes from a family with over 140 years in banking and finance, and multiple generations of Nebraska graduates. His grandmother was among the university's early graduates in the 1900s, establishing a proud family tradition.

Kathy Farrell, Dean of the College of Business, celebrates the transformative impact of this generosity: "The J.E. Van Horne Jr. South Dakota Scholarship will make a meaningful difference for students who may have thought a Nebraska Business education was out of reach. Thanks to this generous endowment, South Dakota students will receive support for generations to come."

The scholarship can be combined with other merit-based awards, creating packages comparable to in-state tuition at South Dakota universities—truly making dreams achievable for talented students ready to work hard.

Van Horne and his wife Amy, both longtime supporters of the College of Business and University of Nebraska Foundation trustees, embody the spirit of giving back. "I want to help the state of Nebraska and the state of South Dakota," Van Horne explains. "I'm a firm believer in the importance of higher education."

With characteristic humility and joy, this music industry veteran who has lived an extraordinary life says simply, "I believe in the University of Nebraska. I love this university. I'm the luckiest guy in the world because I've gotten to do so much."

Now, thanks to his generosity, countless South Dakota students will have their own chance to feel lucky—and to build their own success stories. Applications open through MyRED accounts, with a February 1 deadline for aspiring scholars ready to begin their journey.