Nebraska’s Cory Densberger is not holding back on a second chance at life and giving back to others.
For nearly 13 years, the hospitality service associate has been a friendly face in the heart of the Nebraska Union food court. From early morning to mid-afternoon, Densberger can be found walking between tables, cleaning and offering a friendly “hello” to students, faculty, staff and visitors. It is a routine that has become as much a part of his identity as his job itself.
“Before I came to the university, I was a drug and alcohol addict for 12 years,” Densberger said. “I literally died in 1995 after a car wreck. I was in a coma for two weeks and, when I woke up, they said I would never walk again. But I did.”
After a long recovery — which required relearning how to walk and talk — Densberger found solace and purpose in faith.
“God gave me a second chance,” Densberger said, reflecting on a personal transformation from his darkest days. “This is my chance to be better, to give back.”
Densberger started working on campus in 2013 and quickly became a beloved figure in the food court. His responsibilities are diverse — from making sure recycling is completed properly and making sure spaces behind the scenes are clean, to maintaining the Nebraska Union’s industrial dishwasher and mopping floors.
“I do it all for the students,” Densberger said. “I want them to feel good when they are here, that this is their home. I love seeing them grow and knowing that I have been a small part of their journey.”
Densberger has forged many connections with students over the years, some of whom have graduated and returned for a visit. Lara Celesky, a first-year music teacher at Meridian Public Schools and 2024 UNL alumna, is among those Huskers. She first met Densberger during the Cornhusker Marching Band’s 2023 season, when the trumpet section started gathering for breakfast in the Nebraska Union after morning practices.
“We started moving tables together for our trumpet breakfast and Cory came over and talked with us,” Celesky said. “He was there almost every day to say good morning. It was such a pleasure to get to know him — he really became a part of our group.”
The “trumpeteers” (as named by Densberger) enjoyed the connection so much they pooled money to buy two tickets to their annual Cornhusker Marching Band highlights concert at the Lied Center. Densberger and his son attended the show.
“It was awesome,” Densberger said. “Seeing them perform and do well was incredible. That is why I like this job so much — you make those connections, and it’s like watching your own kids grow up.”
Cory Densberger gives a big thumbs up while taking a group photo with the Cornhusker Marching Band trumpet section breakfast in the Nebraska Union. The group purchased Densberger two tickets to the band's annual highlights concert. Lara Celesky is pictured third from left.
That type of one-to-one connection is exactly what makes UNL unique, Celesky said.
“Knowing Cory sees thousands of people every day and that he’s taking time to greet and get to know us was incredibly special,” Celesky said. “It’s that kind of deep connection that makes UNL such an incredible place.”
Through the work, Densberger manages to maintain a positive attitude, often taking extra time to make sure the Nebraska Union food court is clean and welcoming to all Huskers.
“I may not be making a lot of money, but I’m rich in other ways,” Densberger said. “I’ve had my ups and downs, but I would not change a thing. I want to keep doing this, making people smile and being here for them. That’s what life is all about — doing the little things to make the day a little brighter for others.”
