Alumni centerpiece | Photo of the Week

· 10 min read

Alumni centerpiece | Photo of the Week

Artist Matthew Placzek (in white hard hat) watches as the new stainless steel N for the centerpiece of the Alumni Association's remodeled Holling Garden is lowered into place. The statue was positioned by a crane on June 24.
Craig Chandler | University Communication

Artist Matthew Placzek (in white hard hat) watches as the new stainless steel N for the centerpiece of the Alumni Association's remodeled Holling Garden is lowered into place. The statue was positioned by a crane on June 24.

Click the image below to watch a video that explains the project and showcases the N being moved into place.

Video: Finishing touches to Holling Garden




June 19 | No sweat

Ellenor Sell works out wearing a mask after the Campus Recreation Center opened to patrons on June 15. After closing on March 23 due to COVID-19 concerns, Campus Rec facilities are now operating with a variety of safety concerns.
Craig Chandler | University Communication

Ellenor Sell works out wearing a mask after the Campus Recreation Center opened to patrons on June 15. After closing on March 23 due to COVID-19 concerns, Campus Rec facilities are now operating with a variety of safety concerns.

Learn more about changes that are making Campus Rec safe for students, faculty, staff and other users.




June 12 | Forward to Fall

Campus squirrels seem to be anticipating the return of students, faculty and staff on campus for the fall semester.
Craig Chandler | University Communication

Husker squirrels are joining the rest of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln community in growing anticipation about the return to on-campus instruction for the fall semester.

Learn more about the university's Forward to Fall plans and ongoing response to COVID-19.




June 5 | Honoring Prem

A new sign on the Vine Street side of the Whittier Building honors the legacy of Prem Paul and caps the renaming of the building.
Greg Nathan | University Communication

New signage on the south side of the Whittier Building honors the legacy of Prem Paul, who served as vice chancellor for research and economic development from July 2001 to August 2016. Paul died Sept. 2, 2016, after a lengthy illness.

The university experienced unprecedented research growth under Paul's leadership. Nebraska was one of the fastest-growing research universities in the nation from 2001 to 2009 and, in 2016, sponsored research surged to an all-time high of $146.9 million.

Learn more about Paul's lasting impact on the university.




May 29 | Engineered upcycler

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Craig Chandler | University Communication

Huskers are helping slow the spread of COVID-19 by masking up.

Here, Sunandita Sarker, a doctoral student in mechanical engineering, proudly wears a cloth mask crafted from one of her old engineering T-shirts. Masks are becoming a key defense in the battle against the pandemic with studies showing that they can reduce the forward distance of a deep exhale by at least 90%.

At this time, local health officials are recommending that, when outside of a residence, all individuals should wear protective face coverings to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. As campus facilities begin to reopen in June, all university employees who return to campus for work are expected to wear face coverings when interacting in-person with other individuals. Learn more about the university’s ongoing COVID-19 response, including faculty and staff guidelines for June.




May 22 | Flower power

Read more at https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/horticulture-club-to-host-plant-giveaway-may-21/
Craig Chandler | University Communication

The power of spring blooms drew Nebraskans by the carloads to the Horticulture Club's Mental Health Plant Distribution event, held May 14 on East Campus.

The first-ever event was organized after COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln student club's annual spring plant sale. Students grow and care for the plants sold in the fundraiser, however this year they had to abandon their plants when the university shutdown in response to the global pandemic in mid-March. Club co-advisers, Stacy Adams and Terri James continued to care for the plants. The students decided to give the plants away as a way to help the community.

The giveaway was divided into morning and afternoon sessions. The event drew hundreds with cars lining up two hours prior to the start of the morning session. The first giveaway of 100 prepackaged plant assortments was completed in 22 minutes. Some of those who did not receive plants remained in line, waiting for the afternoon session.

As the final morning assortment was handed over, a young woman in the car yelled a thank you and said she was shaking due to excitement. The flowers were for her mother.

Learn more about the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Horticulture Club.




May 15 | Campus cruise

A landscape services employee goes round and round, giving a campus green space a needed trim. While many university buildings and facilities are shutdown due to COVID-19, a number of employee continue to maintain the university.
Craig Chandler | University Communication

A landscape services employee goes round and round, giving a campus green space a needed trim. While many university buildings and facilities are shutdown due to COVID-19, a number of employee continue to maintain the university.

Learn more about employees who continue to serve on campus and about the university's response to COVID-19.




May 8 | Go Big Grad

Go Big Grad box preparation
Craig Chandler | University Communication

Paula Wenzl packs a Go Big Grad box on April 24 in the Printing and Mail Services building. Every May 2020 graduate received a box to help celebrate their achievement. The boxes include a complimentary mortarboard or tam alongside other surprises.

Due to the threat of COVID-19, the university will hold a virtual "Go Big Grad" celebration rather than a traditional ceremony for graduates on May 9. Along with being the university's first virtual graduation celebration, the event will feature a record-setting class of more than 3,500 graduates. Learn more about the celebration.




May 1 | Spring studies

Kelsey Eihausen (from left), a sophomore from Bennington, and Molly Sambol, a junior from Omaha, study outside of the Phi Mu sorority on April 27.
Craig Chandler | University Communication

Kelsey Eihausen (from left), a sophomore from Bennington, and Molly Sambol, a junior from Omaha, study outside of the Phi Mu sorority on April 27. A small number of university students continue to live and study on campus in Greek houses and residence halls. After switching to remote access instruction in the middle of the spring semester and extending it through summer sessions, the university has started planning to hold in-person teaching in the fall. Details about fall plans will be announced.




April 24 | Just passing by

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Craig Chandler | University Communication

Alyssa Mahon, a junior in pre-health and nursing from Overland Park, Kansas, jogs past the blooming trees outside the Nebraska Union on April 22.

All University of Nebraska system campus facilities are closed to functions and most work. Only employees designated by supervisors are allowed on campus and have access to buildings. The temporary facility closure continues. All university operations — including instruction of students, which switched to remote access — are continuing through the facility closure. Learn more about the university's decision to "flatten the curve."




April 17 | Research continues

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Craig Chandler | University Communication

Mackenzie Zwiener, a graduate student in agronomy, works with sorghum seeds in her family home in Lincoln. Zwiener is designating random plot labels to the varieties for the spring planting season.

Learn more about how Nebraska research has continued to move forward during the COVID-19 outbreak.




April 10 | Social distancing

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Craig Chandler | University Communication

David Strang, an events associate with Academic Services and Enrollment Management, takes part in a Zoom meeting from tables outside the Willa Cather Dining Center on April 7.

All University of Nebraska system campus facilities are closed to functions and most work. Only employees designated by supervisors are allowed on campus and have access to buildings. The temporary facility closure continues through at least April 21. All university operations — including instruction of students, which switched to remote access — are continuing through the facility closure. Learn more about the university's decision to "flatten the curve."




April 3 | Remote teaching

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Craig Chandler | University Communication

As dusk turns to night, Walker Pickering, assistant professor of art, rehearses a photography course lecture from his backyard sunroom on April 1. In response to the threat of the 2019 novel coronavirus, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln shifted to remote access coursework on March 30. Learn more about how faculty adjusted to the change.


March 13 | Celebrating the arts

Members of Nebraska Steel, a steel drum band for students in the Glenn Korff School of Music, smile as they perform during the third annual Arts Advocacy Day on March 6. Hosted by College of Fine and Performing Arts, the event celebrates student artwork and performers, exposing the university community to statewide arts advocacy efforts.
Justin Mohling | University Communication

Members of Nebraska Steel, a steel drum band for students in the Glenn Korff School of Music, smile as they perform during the third annual Arts Advocacy Day on March 6.




March 6 | Love Gala

Love Gala
Justin Mohling | University Communication

Hieu Ngo, a first-year interior design major, dances during the Love Gala, which was held Feb. 28 at the Wick Alumni Center. The event, organized by the Office of Academic Services and Intercultural Services, closed out the university's Black History Month observance. The annual gala allows participants to celebrate love for themselves, others and different cultures.




Feb. 28 | Let the good times roll

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Craig Chandler | University Communication

Steam wafts from a pot of chicken and sausage gumbo stirred by Ron White, assistant food service manager at the Massengale Dining Center. The dish was featured on the Mardi Gras menu served at the East Campus dining center on Feb. 25.

White, who is from New Orleans, prepares his family's traditional Louisiana recipes for the annual event. The work — which included distinct lunch and dinner menus — was featured on Lincoln's KLKN TV station.

(Clockwise, from top left) Katie Steffen, a junior from Beatrice, eats crawfish prepared for the Mardis Gras meal. The celebration included king cake, which is a Fat Tuesday tradition. Dishes featured during the special meal are family recipes provided by Ron White, shown here smiling while moving a hot pan in the East Campus dining center.
Craig Chandler | University Communication
(Clockwise, from top left) Katie Steffen, a junior from Beatrice, eats crawfish prepared for the Mardi Gras meal. The celebration included king cake, which is a Fat Tuesday tradition. Dishes featured during the special meal are family recipes provided by Ron White, shown here smiling while moving a hot pan in the East Campus dining center.



Feb. 21 | A Thousand Words

Actor Philip Crawford (in black morph suit), a junior theatre arts major, performs as the grandfather character in the Nebraska Repertory Theatre's production of "A Thousand Words."
Justin Mohling | University Communication

Actor Philip Crawford (in black morph suit), a junior theatre arts major, performs as the grandpa character in the Nebraska Repertory Theatre's production of "A Thousand Words" on Feb. 19. The original play by students in a course led by Andy Park, the Rep's artistic director, features more than 100 large-scale puppets. The grandpa character features two puppeteers, with Crawford controlling the main body and left arm, and Matt Blom, a sophomore theatre arts major, operating the right arm.




Feb. 14 | Career connection

Nick Vetter, a junior management major, meets with a Nelnet recruiter during the 2020 Spring Career Fair. The fair included 160 companies from across the country looking to connect Nebraska students with both job and internship opportunities.
Justin Mohling | University Communication

Nick Vetter, a junior management major, meets with a Nelnet recruiter during the 2020 Spring Career Fair. The fair included 160 companies from across the country looking to connect Nebraska students with both job and internship opportunities. Read more about the 2020 Spring Career Fair.




Feb. 7 | Celebrating Rwanda

Rwanda Night
Justin Mohling | University Communication

A choir of Huskers sings during the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Rwanda Night celebration in the Nebraska Union's Centennial Room on Feb. 1. The annual event feature Rwandan-inspired cuisine, dancing and traditional music.




Jan. 31 | Healthy space

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Craig Chandler | University Communication

Erica Ryherd looks in on Ah'Mel, a patient at Nebraska Medicine’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit in Omaha. Ah'Mel was born Nov. 29, 2019 with a birth weight of 1.68 pounds. Ryherd, an associate professor in the Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, is working to make NICUs better for the young patients. She specializes in noise control, architectural acoustics, environmental noise, and human response to the built environment.




Jan. 24 | Shining moment

Ruby Bridges receives a standing ovation after speaking on her experiences as one of the first black children to attend an all-white school in New Orleans. Bridges was the keynote speaker during the university’s MLK Week observance.
Craig Chandler | University Communication

Ruby Bridges receives a standing ovation after speaking on her experiences as one of the first black children to attend an all-white school in New Orleans. Bridges was the keynote speaker during the university’s MLK Week observance.




Jan. 17 | Presidential tour

Chancellor Ronnie Green (left) points out the C.Y. Thompson Library renovation to Ted Carter (right) as they and Mike Boehm (center), vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, toured East Campus on Jan. 16.
Craig Chandler | University Communication

Chancellor Ronnie Green (left) points out the C.Y. Thompson Library renovation to Ted Carter (right) as they and Mike Boehm (center), vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, toured East Campus on Jan. 16. Carter, in his first official visit to campus on Jan. 16-17, toured various facilities, met with administrative leaders and talked face-to-face with students, faculty and staff.




Jan. 10 | Glamour shots

Nebraska's Annie Albin and Troy Fedderson pose for updated portraits in the University Communication photo studio. The photos are among images that will be used to update the University Communication webpage. Campus units and individual faculty/staff can request updated professional portraits for university business by contacting Greg Nathan at 402-472-2666 or gnathan2@unl.edu.
Greg Nathan | University Communication

Nebraska's Annie Albin and Troy Fedderson pose for updated portraits in the University Communication photo studio. The photos are among images being used to update the University Communication webpage. Campus units and individual faculty/staff can request professional portraits for university business by contacting Greg Nathan at 402-472-2666 or gnathan2@unl.edu. University Communication also maintains a searchable, online database of photos taken by its staff.



Did you know University Communication offers an ever-expanding digital photo archive? Learn more about campus images and how to access them.

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