The University of North Texas (UNT) is celebrating a significant honor as the Kuehne Speaker Series has been named the winner of the Best of CASE District IV Award for Special Events (In-Person, Multi-Day). The award, presented by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), recognizes the series’ outstanding success in inspiring alumni, engaging donors, and transforming lives through scholarships.

The series was born from the vision of donor and namesake Ernie Kuehne, whose commitment to UNT students and alumni continues to guide its success. 

"This journey began with the simple goal of connecting alumni to the incredible work being done at UNT and providing life-changing opportunities for our students," said Kuehne. "Watching the series grow and achieve national recognition is a deeply rewarding experience, and it’s a credit to everyone who has played a role in its success." 

Since its founding in 2013, the Kuehne Speaker Series has been a cornerstone of UNT’s efforts to connect with alumni and supporters across Texas. Held twice a year in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and expanded to include an annual event in Houston, the series brings together some of the nation’s most dynamic speakers and the university’s most dedicated supporters. Through these events, the series has raised more than $3.5 million for an endowed scholarship fund, awarding up to six $25,000 scholarships annually — the largest donor-funded scholarship program at UNT.

"The Kuehne Speaker Series exemplifies UNT's dedication to providing enriching experiences for our community while directly supporting our students through substantial scholarships," said Brandon Buzbee, Vice President for University Advancement. "This recognition from CASE District IV underscores the series' significant role in advancing our mission and fostering meaningful connections among alumni, donors, and friends of the university."

Kuehne Speaker Series events offer an engaging mix of keynote speeches, moderated discussions, and networking opportunities. A VIP event preceding each luncheon provides top sponsors, lifetime members, and special guests with exclusive access to speakers, fostering deeper connections and conversations. By creating spaces for impactful dialogue, the series has become a vital platform for showcasing UNT’s vision and accomplishments.

“I am proud to see the UNT Kuehne Speaker Series receive this recognition. This award celebrates the exceptional caliber of speakers they bring to the stage, the dedication of the team behind the scenes, and, most importantly, the remarkable scholars whose futures we are privileged to invest in through life-changing scholarships,” said G. Brint Ryan, UNT alumnus and Ryan LLC CEO. “Ryan is honored to sponsor this event and partner with UNT, whose leadership and commitment to education and innovation are inspiring. We look forward to supporting them for years to come.”

The recognition of the Kuehne Speaker Series as a Best of CASE District IV Award winner highlights its enduring legacy as a program that not only elevates UNT’s reputation but also directly impacts the lives of students and their families.

For more information about the award, visit the CASE awards website.