INTERACTION

'Road Show' Draws Crowd

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's inaugural 'Big Red Road Show' drew thousands to Omaha's Civic auditorium on a snowy February afternoon. The super-sized open house featured more than 75 interactive exhibits including dozens of booths dispensing information about UNL's academic programs, a question-and answer session with NU Athletic Director Steve Pederson, autograph sessions with Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch and other Husker legends, and music and dance performances.

The event proved so popular, organizers are bringing it back; the 2004 event is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 29, 2004 at Omaha Civic Auditorium. "I'm excited about the way the campus has come together for this event," said Alan Cerveny, UNL dean of admissions, in an interview during the show. "I think this is very important to let Omaha know that UNL cares, we want to be a part of their community, and we want them to understand all of the exciting opportunities available at UNL."

Visitors to the show included everyone from elementary school on up. Deb Stevens' daughter is planning for college, but the whole family came. "There're things that are fun for younger kids, if you've got one that's college bound you can bring them also," Stevens said. "My husband is around with the younger one who's interested in sciences, so they're off doing that while she's checking out the different colleges."

Shane Cherney, of Papillion, came with his dad to check out the show. "It gives you a lot of general information about basic stuff that goes on at the schools and it gives you a heads up on what's going on," he said. "It makes it a lot easier because you can actually talk to people face to face instead of just going on line." Shane's dad Larry was a bit in awe: "A lot of things have changed since I went to college," he said.

BIG RED ROADSHOW