This year we are celebrating how far we’ve come as a university in our first 150 years since our charter on February 15, 1869. Admittedly as a student of history in general and our university’s in particular, I am enthralled by the opportunity to examine our proud and ambitious past. Even so, I am doubly invigorated by our vision for the future.
Due to the national significance of the passing of President George H.W. Bush, the University of Nebraska will be honoring the National Day of Mourning on Wednesday, December 5. This day will be a paid holiday for all non-essential University employees and classes will be canceled.
I recognize this is the final scheduled week of classes as we work to complete this semester. I am confident that faculty will work directly with their students to ensure they are able to successfully complete their work for the term.
This past week, in the killings in Pittsburgh and Louisville and the pipe bombs sent around the country, we saw once again the tragic outcome of hate, intolerance and bigotry.
We all mourn the horrific loss of life. Our flags fly at half-staff far too often.
College students, you’ve reached the middle of fall semester. Now what?
Now is a good time to take account of your semester, and by that, I don't mean to confirm that you're checking off all the boxes on the syllabus of each course you're taking. Now is a good time to pull back and look at the big picture before you feel compelled to narrow your focus to the important preparation for final projects and exams. Now is a good time to remember why you’re here.
Last week, we celebrated the service of 961 University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty and staff. In the day-to-day work and commitment of delivering on the tri-fold mission of this great land-grant university, we do not get enough opportunities to celebrate our collective community of people and the amazing and profound impact each member of our community has.
Due to anticipated rain tomorrow, the picnic lunch at noon will be served in the Van Brunt Visitors Center at 313 North 13th Street. Employees will enter the west doors near the Torn Notebook sculpture and exit the east doors with their picnic food. No additional seating will be set up outdoors.
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at the Celebration of Service and picnic. If you are unable to attend, you can watch the live stream online at: https://www.unl.edu/live-stream/
