· 3 min read
Grit, glory signage draws campus attention
The appearance of “Grit” and “Glory” signage is amplifying the buzz generated by the start of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s fall semester.
The signage — which includes two 4-foot-tall, metal installations in the Nebraska Union and related sidewalk art — first appeared Aug. 17. A university website also features a “Grit and Glory” teaser video with details about events on Aug. 30 and 31.
Opinions about the installation from members of the campus community are ranging from a temporary art installation to an inspirational message for students.
“I see them every day on my walk to campus and here in the union,” said Raven Williams, a transfer student and first-year voice major from Lincoln. “I think it’s very cool because it reminds me to be thankful for the opportunity to be here and being part of a great program.”
The messages lead Williams to recall the work she put in preparing to become a voice major.
“I took classes at (Southeast Community College) over the last year preparing for tryouts here and at other universities,” Williams said. “I worked at least two hours every day getting ready for those tryouts. It took a lot of dedication, but the day I learned I had earned a spot here at Nebraska was glorious.”
Khalid Alrusherdi, a freshman software engineering major from Oman, believes the messages could be linked to work in the classroom.
“I don’t really know, but maybe they’re about academics,” Alrusherdi said. “The words make me think about how important it is to earn a degree so I can work in America as a software developer.”
Sam Feilmeier, a freshman sports media and communication major, thought the installation could be a way to combine recent momentum gained by athletics — including Husker volleyball’s national championship season and the hiring of head football coach Scott Frost, an alumnus who played quarterback and led Nebraska to a national title in 1997 — with academic programs.
Mike Jackson, assistant director for marketing and communications, agreed.
“A few years ago, we aligned athletics and academics under the single ‘N,’” Jackson said. “If this is taking that a step further, I think it’s a great idea because Nebraska is known for strong athletic and academic programs. It just makes sense for those two sides of the university to come together as it will make us stronger overall.”
Information about the installations will be announced during “Grit and Glory” events starting at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 30 and 31. Each day, a presentation for faculty and staff will be offered at 11:30 a.m. with a rally for the entire campus community to follow at noon. The Aug. 30 event is at the Nebraska Union, while Aug. 31 is at the Nebraska East Union. Both rallies include free hot dogs, Dairy Store ice cream, music and giveaways.
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