The chill of early fall rains weren’t enough to dampen spirits as the University of Nebraska–Lincoln warmly honored the dedication of 961 faculty and staff during a Celebration of Service on Sept. 25.

The campuswide event included Chancellor Ronnie Green presenting awards to employees who served 45 and 50 years at Nebraska; a historic presentation by Rick Alloway, associate professor of broadcasting, that featured headlines and campus events in five-year increments from 2013 to 1960; a performance by Nebraska Steel, a student steel drum band in the School of Music; and picnic lunch open to all faculty and staff.

“I recall a statement made by NU President (Hank) Bounds in his investiture remarks in 2016 when he stated that an institution wins first and foremost with its ‘people,’” Green said. “He could not have been clear or more on target.

“I go to bed every night and wake up every morning thankful for our people — each of our 6,117 employees across our three campuses in Lincoln, and spread throughout the breadth of the 93 counties of the great state of Nebraska.”

Video: 2018 Celebration of Service

Overall, the 961 employees who earned honors represent more than 14,500 years of service to students and Nebraska.

The celebration also featured a nod to 235 retirees, including 40 new emeriti faculty, as well as a welcome for recently hired employees — including 145 faculty and 560 staff.

“I thank each and every one of you for your service, for your commitment to our mission, for your unending belief in the transformative power of education and knowledge generation, and most importantly for your selfless dedication to excellence in what you specifically do and deliver every day,” Green said.

Craig Chandler | University Communication

Facilities employees Russ Kraft (right) and Bryan Ludemann enjoy Dairy Store ice cream during the universitywide picnic. Ludemann earned a 10-year Service Award, while Kraft is a seven-year employee at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Complete lists of Service Award winners are available for download via Box. The first features employees listed alphabetically by last name and grouped by years of service. The second shows employees listed alphabetically by department or unit.

Service Awards not picked up by employees prior to the Sept. 25 celebration will be mailed to campus departments for distribution. For more information, contact Human Resources at 402-472-3101.

2018 Celebration of Service

Greg Nathan | University Communication

Huskers in Nebraska Steel perform prior to the start of the Celebration of Service. The group is the university's first steel drum band.

Troy Fedderson | University Communication

Nebraska Steel, a student steel drum band in the School of Music, performs prior to the start of the Celebration of Service on Sept. 25 in Kimball Recital Hall.

Troy Fedderson | University Communication

A pewter Herbie Husker, which is a five-year Service Award option, awaits a pickup prior to the start of the Celebration of Service.

Craig Chandler | University Communication

Faculty and staff line up in the Van Brunt Visitors Center to pick up a lunch during the universitywide picnic that followed the service celebration. Fall rains forced food pickup for the picnic indoors.

Greg Nathan | University Communication

Chancellor Ronnie Green chats with Edward Becker, professor of philosophy during the Celebration of Service. Becker earned a 50-year Service Award. Other 50-year honorees that attended include (from left of Becker) Roger Bruning, Allan Peterson and Brett Ratcliffe.

Troy Fedderson | University Communication

Fred Thorne (left), irrigation manager with landscape services, assists Calvin Sandidge look for his 10-year Service Award prior to the start of the Sept. 25 ceremony in Kimball Recital Hall.

Craig Chandler | University Communication

Elizabeth Tyler helps hand out ice cream during the universitywide picnic on Sept. 25.

Greg Nathan | University Communication

Chancellor Ronnie Green addresses the nearly 300 faculty and staff who attended the Celebration of Service in Kimball Recital Hall on Sept. 25.