Nebraska Today is out on campus this week capturing the scene as Huskers return to campus for the start of the fall semester. We're updating multiple times daily, so stop by to dive into the excitement as our university returns for another academic year. If you have a campus moment you would like to share, send us details at tfedderson2@unl.edu.
He's here, he's there, he's every...
Forget a soccer ball and a withering scowl. Nebraska U’s version of Roy Kent is armed with a camera and a welcoming smile.
In the nine days that encompass summer commencement and the first week of Big Red Welcome, Nebraska's Craig Chandler has snapped more than 10,000 frames celebrating Huskers as they collected degrees, moved into residence halls, stormed the turf in Memorial Stadium and celebrated the new semester.
On Aug. 18-19 alone, Chandler’s phone tracked him covering 29,000 steps — good thing he bought a new pair of shoes on Aug. 16.
“I love this time of year,” Chandler said. “There are all these new faces, everyone is excited and I get to talk with so many people.
“For me, this is just a whole lot of fun.”
During these busy weeks, he also coordinates with a handful of student interns who cover with Chandler or shoot the few events he is unable to attend. Even with that help, Chandler attends as many (possibly more) back-to-school events than even Chancellor Ronnie Green.
Through the long hours, two things keep Chandler shooting — the connections he makes with students, faculty and staff, and (this is his secret weapon), Diet Dr. Pepper.
“There’s nothing better than capturing the excitement we all feel at the start of the semester,” Chandler said.
Huskers can review Chandler’s most recent work (alongside that of the student interns) in photo stories featuring summer 2022 commencement and the first week of Big Red Welcome.
— Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing
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Yogis and kids — goats that is
When Campus Recreation released their schedule for the Big Red Welcome Wellness Fest, the two sessions of Goat Yoga Aug. 20 filled quickly.
“We’ve got a waiting list of about 100, but unfortunately we have to maintain a goat to people ratio,” Hattie Roberts, grad assistant in group fitness, said. “This is our third year offering it.”
It’s something wildly different, which was exactly the goal in offering it, said Steve Woita, assistant director for wellness services and fitness programs.
“It draws students in to try something new,” Woita said. “It was an idea we had, and then we found out from someone at University Libraries about Shepherd’s Rest.”
Jen Schurman, of Pickrell, Nebraska, owns and operates Shepherd’s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue, and offers a select number of her animals for yoga and other meet and greet events in the local area, and on her property. The partnership with Campus Recreation is special, she said, because her family is full of Husker alumni.
“We train the goats to affection and have several that are certified as therapy animals,” Schurman said. “We do visits to nursing homes, offer yoga classes on our place, and office visits.
“It’s very rewarding work for these animals. They love to snuggle on people.”
Indeed. With seven goats roaming among the 30 or so participants of each session, every student got the opportunity to pet a goat, and grab selfies with the animals afterward.
“The purpose of the goats is to get you out of your head, so you can be grounded in the moment, and not have your thoughts interrupting what is supposed to be relaxing, mindful exercise,” Schurman said.
For Macy Henderson and Rachel Greunke, both sophomores from South Elgin, Illinois, the goat yoga was on the top of their weekend events list.
“I heard about it last year from people I knew, and made sure to get on the Mind Body app to reserve my spot this year,” Greunke said.
“I really like yoga,” Henderson added. “I’m not the best at it, but it’s fun and I do like goats. I did like being able to come out and be calm for an hour.”
Both roommates said they're really looking forward to the semester, especially athletic events and more classes at Campus Rec.
"I'm ready to meet new people who have different experiences than me," Henderson, who transferred to Nebraska, said. "And I'm excited to try out anything I can on campus."
By the end of the second session, the goats were excited to wander. They had noticed more humans further out on the green space and wanted to say hi, so Schurman and her helpers made quick work of loading them up before they could make a break for it.
“My husband spends most of his time trying to keep them fenced in where they’re supposed to be,” Schurman said. “They’re sneaky.”
— Deann Gayman | University Communication and Marketing
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Painting a new path
Nebraska Law students, faculty and staff painted a home as part of Lincoln’s annual Paint-A-Thon community outreach project on Aug. 20.
When she learned about the event, Tatiana Eskridge, a first-year law student from Omaha, saw it as the perfect way to give back and mingle with fellow Huskers.
“Since I’m new to the college, I felt this was a good opportunity to connect with faculty, staff and other students — particularly the other newcomers,” Eskridge said. “It is also a tremendous way to make a positive impact in the community by helping a family in need.
“I can’t think of a better way to start the semester.”
For as long as she can recall, Eskridge has had a desire to give back. It’s something she credits to her mother (whom Eskridge recently helped recover from a long illness). And, it is what is driving the former music teacher’s pursuit of a law degree.
“I’ve been working toward this for a long time,” Eskridge said. “My hope is that, in the future, I can use my degree to help develop policy related to school and health law.
“We should want what and work for is best for all kids in our classrooms and for those who are navigating the health care system.”
As she takes her first steps on a new career path, Eskridge is ready to dive in, learning all she can about the legal system and its inner workings.
“This year, I’m excited to build my basic knowledge of the legal system, take advantage of all the opportunities Nebraska Law has to offer, and work toward an internship,” Eskridge said. “I also hope to maintain a B or B-plus grade average because I could always use a few more scholarships.”
— Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing
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First-year victor
In a contest of ultimate focus and precision, a freshman whose chose to keep a clear head and follow others marched away victorious during the Aug. 19 Cornhusker Marching Band exhibition.
“My first thought was, ‘Oh, shoot, how did I pull that off,’” said Drew Carlson, a first-year Emerging Media Arts student from North Platte. “I’ve never participated in one of these competitions before — and we only really practiced it once during band camp.
“I just, I guess, got lucky.”
The competition was the Cornhusker Marching Band’s annual drill down, an event in which participants must precisely follow marching commands shouted by section leaders. Any band member who falters — say pivots left rather than right, or simply fails to stand correctly at attention — is eliminated.
Carlson survived four rounds of eliminations in the competition. His previous best, during that band camp practice earlier in the week, was a single round.
“I went in with a plan to keep my head clear and follow what others around me were doing,” Carlson, a trumpet player, said. “I focused on looking like I knew what I was doing and, hopefully, not making any big mistakes.”
Don’t mention this to the other 299 band members — Carlson is quick to admit that his performance wasn’t close to perfect.
“Oh, I messed up a few times,” Carlson said. “Luckily, it wasn’t enough for the judges to notice.”
In victory, Carlson was rushed by his fellow Cornhuskers and hoisted into the air as some 12,000 fans celebrated in the stands.
“Band camp was tiring but amazing — this has been a tremendous way to start the semester,” Carlson said. “It’s going to be a great year. I can’t wait to get out more on campus and explore everything, making connections that lead to career success and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Carlson is also already looking ahead to the Cornhusker Marching Band’s 2023 camp.
“Oh, I’ll be back,” Carlson said. “And I’m going to defend my drill down title.”
— Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing
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No 'I' in Dining Services team
Teamwork is the key to success for Dining Services.
That was on full display Aug. 19 as some 3,200 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students — many fresh off storming the field in Memorial Stadium — gathered for the chancellor’s welcome back barbecue.
Led by Pat McManus, manager of the Harping Dining Center, a team of Dining Services employees and Student Affairs volunteers served the rush in record time — some directing students to shorter lines or to gluten-free options, others serving with a smile and well wishes for the semester ahead, and more flowing in and out, refilling food trays as they neared being empty.
“When we succeed, it’s not because of just one of us,” McManus said. “It’s because everyone works as a team, from planning and prep work to serving and cleaning up.
“That team spirit and our desire to have fun while connecting with students is what makes Dining Services at the University of Nebraska special.”
Working to fulfill student desires and making them smile is McManus’ top goal. And, he’s ready to get going in a semester that looks like the most-normal since the pandemic started in 2020.
“I’m ready to get back to normal — or as near as we can be,” McManus said. “And, I’m excited to serve our students.”
And Huskers should be ready for a few new tricks from McManus and his Harper Dining team.
“We have a few ideas in the works,” McManus said. “We’re always looking to expand what we offer and maybe get a few more smiles for our work.”
— Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing
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The suite life
Vickie Ference and her mom, Christie, had a big job ahead of them moving into Massengale Residential Center on East Campus Aug. 19.
“You can see it’s packed all the way up to the ceiling,” Christie said as she opened the rear passenger door of the fully-packed white Ford F-150.
“I overpack all the time,” Vickie admitted.
Vickie, now starting her sophomore year, spent a lot of time living out of a suitcase her first year of college because she was often on the road visiting high schools across Nebraska as state vice president of FFA.
“Last year, I had to take a lot of my classes online because I could be gone three days out of the week, traveling, so I’m looking forward to being in the classroom this year,” she said.
As she and her mom took the first cartloads into the elevator and down the hall to her suite, Vickie said she’s most excited to start her Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program class, Venture Laboratory, where students each get $50 with a challenge to start a business.
“When you’re in the Engler program, they really invest in you and in how you learn the best,” she said. “I’m a people person and an entrepreneur — that’s what I want to do. I’m focusing on the agribusiness side and being my own boss.”
Vickie has already established a small fresh pork operation, Vickie’s Swine, which will take her home to Ord, Nebraska, many weekends. She’s also planning to get her real estate license in the future and work in that industry, too.
“I started in agriculture education, but I want to focus more on the agribusiness side now,” she said. “After I wrapped up my FFA state office, I got 12 head (of swine), and sold five in August with plans to sell seven more in September, so I’m going to be busy.”
Her mom looked around the suite and the bedroom and suggested Vickie may need to make some adjustments.
“You might have too much stuff,” Christie said with a laugh. “What are we going to load back up? Should I take the carpet back?”
“No — I like my fuzzy carpet,” Vickie said as she began making her suite her home.
— Deann Gayman | University Communication and Marketing
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First-year Huskers give back
An opportunity to give back allowed Lauren Flickinger (and 100 other Huskers) to take the plunge.
A first-year civil engineering major from Minnesota, Flickinger was among the dozens of University of Nebraska–Lincoln students taking part in Big Red Welcome’s Urban Plunge on Aug. 19.
“I don’t know anyone here — I just met them all today,” Flickinger said. “I have always volunteered in my hometown, so I thought this would be a good event to participate in.”
Organized by Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement, the event was an opportunity for first-year students to engage in hands-on service projects across Lincoln. The work included sorting donations to local non-profits, making tie blankets, cleaning up local trails/neighborhoods and gardening.
Flickinger was part of the team that helped sort items donated at the People’s City Mission Help Center at 6800 P St.
“I did lots of (volunteering) through my church,” Flickinger said. “I made and served a lot of food and I did sorting of clothes, like what I’m doing today.”
Nebraska’s core belief that every person and every interaction matters is what drew Flickinger to campus.
“I narrowed my search between Nebraska and the University of Minnesota,” Flickinger said. “But, Nebraska just made me feel more at home. I loved the sense of community here and loved the campus.”
In the coming academic year, Flickinger hopes to make time for more community outreach work. She also hopes to connect with fellow students.
“I’m most looking forward to making new friends,” Flickinger said. “And, attending some football games.”
— Veronica Riepe | Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement
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Service commitment
With her right hand in the air and smile on her face, Rianna Wells was one of five new cadets who opened the fall semester on Aug. 19 by committing to military service through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Army ROTC program.
“I was so nervous,” said Wells, a second-year pre-nursing student from Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. “It’s a big commitment, but one I’m proud to make. I look forward to serving in whatever way is needed.”
Wells became a part of the university’s historic ROTC program through a friend. While participating in program events, Wells discovered her community, one that offered a support network that helped navigate her first year on campus.
“These people are amazing and they’re always there to support you in whatever way you need,” Wells said. “I love being a part of this community — and the scholarship it offers helps reduce stress on how you are going to pay for college.”
A major next step in her ROTC journey will be the completion of cadet summer training in 2023. The training, held at multiple Army bases across the nation, including Fort Knox, introduces cadets to the military profession and focuses on developing leadership skills for future officers. Approximately 10,000 cadets from across the nation take part in the program annually.
“It’s going to be a challenging year in terms of my courses,” Wells said. “But my goal is to work hard in class and ROTC, then excel at CST next summer.”
With that goal on the horizon, Wells is happy to settle back into college life.
“I spent all my summer working,” Well said. “Now, having made my commitment, I’m most excited to be back on campus and have the chance to reconnect with my friends.”
— Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing
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Finding their way
Rain Sidwell has always had the Rocky Mountains at her side.
Transported some 500 miles east to start classes at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the native of Boulder, Colorado, was in search of a new wayfinder to rely upon. While waiting in a food truck line during the College of Fine and Performing Arts’ welcome event on Aug. 18, the first-year Emerging Media Arts student mentioned the issue to a fellow Husker.
Standing nearby with camera in hand, Craig Chandler, director of photography with University Communication and Marketing, piped up with a possibility.
“Let Memorial Stadium be your mountains,” Chandler said. “When you are on campus, it will always be to your west — just like the Rockies are.”
Sidwell took the advice with a nod and a thank you, advancing in the line with a smile, reassured knowing the iconic home to Big Red football is on the horizon, at the ready to point the new Husker in the right direction.
— Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing
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Trivia triumph
“Brownie points — our team name is We Know Tiff,” Trevor Swonger told a nearby faculty member as he went to turn in his trivia team’s answer sheet bearing the shortened name of Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “Think it’ll work?”
“It might,” the faculty member replied.
Swonger, a PGA golf management major from Dalton, Minnesota, was among 240-plus first-year students who participated in the trivia contest at the start of the CASNR welcome program Aug. 18 in the Great Plains Room of the Nebraska East Union. The event is meant to connect students to one another and to key people and resources in the college.
And, it turns out, flattery does pay off sometimes. (Or at least so it seems.)
Swonger’s team, comprised of all PGA golf management majors except for one forensic science major, erupted in cheers as it was announced that they had won the contest. Their chosen prize? A bowling and pizza party in the Nebraska East Union.
Swonger, who hopes to become a PGA professional, said the triumph felt “amazing.”
“It’s one of the biggest things I’ve ever won,” he said.
— Sean Hagewood | University Communication and Marketing
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Taking a breather
Bishop Placke was quick to spy the shady hammocks swinging on the Nebraska Union Plaza.
Walking from his new home in Knoll Residential Center, the first-year University Honors student decided that the comfy confines of the black netted fabric would be the perfect spot to kick back and let the world pass him by for an hour or two. His opportunity arrived in the warm afternoon sunshine on Aug. 18.
“I saw them yesterday and thought, ‘yeah, that looks relaxing,” Placke said.
The physics and math major said he’s planning one more quick trip home to Grand Island to see some friends in a musical performance, and then it’s onto full-time college life.
“I’m actually excited for classes to begin to start studying something I really want to study, and to make friends through that,” he said.
— Deann Gayman | University Communication and Marketing
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Coffee, please
It’s been a jam-packed few days for first-year Honors student Evelyn Prem, and she needed a java jolt. There was just one problem.
“I haven’t bought creamer yet for my room, but I really wanted some coffee,” Prem said. “I’m pretty tired today.”
Thank goodness there’s a full-service Starbucks in Nebraska Union.
Prem met up with new friend Kaitlyn Richards, a sophomore, and enjoyed some frappuccinos while swapping notes about the dining options and events on campus.
“Being more familiar with everything this year, I’m ready to get started and dive more into my major, even though my classes are going to be harder,” Richards, an environmental studies major, said.
Despite meeting Richards fairly quickly, Prem said the social aspect of college gives her some anxiety, but she can’t wait to be in the classroom as a classics and religious studies major.
“So far, it’s been good, but I am more of an introvert, so my biggest worry is meeting people,” she said. “I’m super excited for the courses I’m taking, though.”
And campus already feels like a home away from home.
“I really loved it when I toured it, and immediately knew this was the right spot for me,” Prem said. “I’m still really loving it while getting more familiar with it, and finding new things I didn’t know were here.”
— Deann Gayman | University Communication and Marketing
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Ronnie on the roof
Up on the rooftop, click, click, click… Inside the cupola, is that Chancellor Ronnie Green?
Huskers who looked up in the afternoon of Aug. 16 may have caught a glimpse of a man in red standing inside the newly-refurbished Love Library cupola. Joined by his wife, Jane, and a crew from University Communication and Marketing, Green ventured to the campus landmark to record his annual “welcome back” message.
Green recorded the video message in and around the cupola as a way to highlight the restoration of the iconic structure this summer. The project, which was completed this summer, included replacing rotted wood within the structure, installation of modern windows and a complete repaint of the exterior. It was funded through LB384, a Nebraska Legislature bill that appropriates funds for building updates on university and state college facilities.
University Facilities Planning and Construction led the restoration. Paul Davis Restoration served as the general contractor. Learn more about the project.
Information about the history of Love Library and the cupola is available on the university’s Historic Buildings website.
Green’s welcome back message to students, faculty and staff will release later this week.
— Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing
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Great to see the newly rebuilt @UNLincoln Love Library cupola up close and personal yesterday. And in case folks are wondering , the original interior wood is intact….along with signatures of many visitors over its 79 year history of being a signature icon of the University. pic.twitter.com/Ph3B2roPgg
— Ronnie D. Green (@RonnieDGreen) August 17, 2022
Don’t expect Dismas Nsabiyumva to be a Husker at rest for long.
A first-generation college student from Omaha, Nsabiyumva felt the need to move during Nebraska College Preparatory Academy’s summer institute (an extended orientation program) on Aug. 16. So, he stepped outside and started dancing on the front stoop of Bessey Hall.
“I’ve been sitting too long and felt the need to move,” Nsabiyumva said. “I started listening to this music and it made me want to dance. I figured this was as good a place as any.”
Hailing from a family that included eight siblings, Nsabiyumva has discovered he loves the alone time that his first days of college life have offered.
“It was scary at first, but once I got situated, I realized I liked being able to make my own decisions,” Nsabiyumva said. “I love being able to go places on campus — especially Campus Rec. And, I’m a little worried, but excited for classes to start.”
One of his favorite spots is the Harper Dining Hall, home to “the best wings on campus.”
“They are just about perfect,” Nsabiyumva said.
And, he’s grateful for the NCPA program and the support it has provided in the lead up to the fall semester.
“I’m not the best student in terms of concentration — I try to be a good student and I do work at it — but NCPA has really helped me prepare,” Nsabiyumva said. “Financially, coming to Nebraska would have been iffy for me at best, so being part of NCPA made it possible. Now, they’ve helped get me as ready as I can be.”
The song that inspired Nsabiyumva's need to dance, "Virgen" by Adolescentes Cancion, is available here.
— Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing
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As construction in and around her office nears completion, Nebraska’s Loukia Sarroub sees the potential of Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall.
The new academic hub for the College of Education and Human Sciences, Edwards Hall is located on 14th Street, between Vine and W streets, and it is to open for the fall semester. As final construction progresses, faculty and staff have started to move into the 126,590-square-foot, four-story facility.
“This building is going to strengthen every aspect of our mission — teaching, research and service,” said Sarroub, chair and professor of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education. “It will offer our college new opportunities for collaboration across the university and the work we do with educators and partners statewide and nationally. And, it’s going to benefit and engage students as we help them prepare for their careers.”
Edwards Hall features classrooms, meeting spaces, offices, labs, a 380-seat auditorium and a link directly to Teachers College Hall. It is the academic home to the CEHS dean’s office; Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education; and the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools.
“I’m excited to be part of Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall; it’s definitely a space with tremendous potential for innovation once we’re all moved in,” Sarroub said.
Classroom spaces within will open to broad use in the spring 2023 semester. Office space will be occupied this fall.
Edwards Hall is named in honor of Carolyn Pope Edwards, a faculty member at Nebraska for 18 years. Her life mission was raising the quality of young children’s education by understanding how they develop and thrive cognitively, socially and emotionally. Learn more about the building here.
— Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing
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Justus Lollar couldn’t help being pulled in by the University Bookstore’s Husker basketball display.
“I need it to play games up here,” Justus said.
And, having a ball at the ready for the occasional pick-up game is a requirement when your family lives a handful of blocks from the University of Kansas.
“It’s kind of what we’re known for down in Lawrence,” Joshua said. “Definitely more so than football.”
The Lollars hit up the bookstore to purchase T-shirts for family members, textbooks and other miscellaneous goods (including the basketball) after moving into Smith Hall on Aug. 16. Justus, a first-year student in the College of Business, said he is excited to start college and looks forward to attending his first Husker football game.
“I’ve never been to a game and can’t wait to experience Memorial Stadium — I think the team is going to be pretty good,” Justus said. “It’s going to be a great year experiencing new things here at Nebraska.”
— Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing
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Nebraska’s Bianca Swift kicked off graduate school at the front of the line.
As one of the early-arriving customers at the University Bookstore on Aug. 16, Swift was able to pick up a pre-order of eight textbooks in record time with no waiting.
“Usually when I come in there’s a longer line,” Swift said. “This was incredibly efficient.”
Swift, an alumna who earned a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Arts and Sciences in May 2021, is beginning her graduate work in creative writing with a focus on poetry. She is also part of the team running the Charles W. Chestnutt Digital Archive.
“Graduate school was never really in my plans, but I’m very excited for the opportunity to get back to learning,” Swift said.
She is most looking forward to an American literature course ("Problems in 19th Century U.S. Literature and Culture," ENGL961) led by Matt Cohen, a professor of English who co-directs the Walt Whitman and Charles W. Chestnutt archives.
“It’s taught by my boss, so I kind of have to say that class,” Swift said with a laugh. “But, seriously, it looks incredibly interesting. And, while it doesn't really fit into my interest in poetry, it does fulfill my desire to learn more about African American literature."
— Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing
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Nebraska’s Rachael Volin and her mom, Beth, had an unexpected surprise during move-in for Greek Rush on Aug. 14.
As they shuttled items into Smith Hall, the duo realized they were also connected as “neighbors” — just 25 years apart. As a first-year student, Beth had lived next door to Rachael’s new room.
This week, Rachael is among the 700-plus Huskers participating in sorority recruitment. The week of exploring sisterhood in the university’s sororities. The week culminates with Bid Day — when participants learn about which Greek house they have earned membership in — on Aug. 20.
Learn more about Greek Life on campus.
— Troy Fedderson | University Communication and Marketing
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