Decades after leaving Lincoln, Travis Berry’s heart and generosity continue to shape the future of its students. “Lincoln was always home. That’s where I grew up, and it’s an extraordinary city,” he reflects. Though his teaching career took him to Arizona, Travis’s deep-rooted belief in the power of education—and the community that raised him—drew his support back to Lincoln Public Schools (LPS). When asked to describe himself, Travis laughed: “You couldn’t find a more boring person on the planet!” But as he shared his story, it became clear nothing was boring about a man who spent decades in the classroom, taking a pragmatic approach to teaching and a heartfelt commitment to making a difference in students’ lives. His path to education wasn’t straightforward. He began as a business administration major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln but soon found himself questioning that direction. A casual conversation during a bowling league became a turning point. “My friend told me, ‘If you want to do something worthwhile and impact kids, you should go into elementary education,’” Travis recalled. That advice stuck—and ultimately shaped the rest of his life.
After earning his teaching certificate, Travis moved to Tucson, Arizona, driven in part by a desire to escape the Nebraska winters. He started as a substitute teacher and three days later landed a full-time role. For 27 years, Travis taught sixth grade in the same classroom, making the school a second home. The emotional impact of his retirement was clear when his school gifted him the number plaque from his classroom door—a symbolic farewell that underscored how deeply he was woven into the fabric of that community. Despite his long tenure in Arizona, Lincoln never left his heart. He remained impressed by the city’s unified school district and its strong commitment to education. “Being one huge school district—Lincoln prioritizes education,” he said. That mindset, along with his personal ties to Randolph Elementary, Lefler Middle School, and Lincoln High, inspired him to give back to his local community. His discovery of the Foundation for LPS’s Fund a Need program resonated deeply.
Having team-taught for much of his career, Travis knew firsthand how even the best ideas could be limited by budget constraints. “Every school has several teachers with great ideas,” he said. “And one thing that could be holding them back is the budget.” Supporting those ideas through Fund a Need, he said, was a “no-brainer.” The Fund a Need program is a crowdsourcing platform that allows LPS teachers to request funding for classroom projects, enhancements, or field trips—connecting generous donors with real-time needs. “What could be better for someone who cares about education and community?” Travis asked.
For him, supporting these projects has been deeply fulfilling. “It’s been a great ride. I’ve done so many over the years, and it makes me feel good.” One recent project that stood out was at Scott Middle School’s library, where a grant helped expand resources that benefit the entire student body. “Sure, the librarian is going to be impacted first—but the whole school feels it.” Another especially meaningful moment came when his support for a broadcasting studio at Lincoln High led the school to name the space the “Travis Berry Studio” in his honor. He’s candid about the emotional hurdle that can come with philanthropy.
“If you’re going to give money away, that is a hurdle,” he said. “Because you have to do that instead of buying something for yourself.” But for Travis, the reward far outweighs the sacrifice. A quote displayed on his desk sums up his approach: “Giving is the most fun you can have with money. In that it brings joy and contentment to both the giver and the recipient.”
His involvement goes beyond writing checks—it’s about empowering passionate educators and inspiring innovation in the classroom. “In every school, there are people with ideas that would be SO cool for the kids or the staff—and could make a huge difference,” he said. “The only way those ideas happen is if funding exists for special projects.” To anyone considering giving, his advice is simple but heartfelt: “Once you break the ice and give that first donation, you’ll feel the joy, the contentment—and that’s what keeps you coming back again and again.” And to LPS educators and students, “You are so fortunate to be in a school district that prioritizes your success and a community that continues to put public education first,” Travis said.
Travis Berry’s story is a beautiful reminder that home is more than a place—it’s a community we shape and support. Through his thoughtful generosity and belief in the power of teachers, he’s building a legacy rooted in education, creativity, and care.
This story was featured in our 2025 Spring Newsletter. Read more stories and catch up on what we've been up to!
