Husker pride fires up for Glow Big Red

· 4 min read

Husker pride fires up for Glow Big Red

Plan to participate in Glow Big Red.
As part of the Glow Big Red festivities, a number of campus buildings, including the Van Brunt Visitors Center, will be illuminated in red light from Feb. 14-17.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Charter Week celebration is going global with today’s Glow Big Red event.

To honor the 150th anniversary of the university’s founding, Huskers near and far are encouraged to show their support by lighting, flying and wearing their Nebraska red — or by giving some green.

“We’re encouraging everyone to engage how they want to engage — light it, fly it, wear it, give it,” Diane Mendenhall, associate to the chancellor for external engagement and member of the committee, said. “Huskers love to show their spirit, so we’re hoping for a red-out in the state and to see a lot of red globally.”

John Finical (from left), Alex Bechdolt and Patrick Bressman, all of Omaha-based TMS Production Integration, install a projector that will illuminate the north side of Memorial Stadium with the N150 logo during the Glow Big Red event, Feb. 14-15. The fixture is the first of 244 lights being installed to illuminate 19 campus buildings in preparation for the close of Charter Week. All but eight of the lights use energy-saving LED technology. The crew will also install red colored gels over existing exterior lights on four additional buildings, including Love Library. Other buildings, including Sheldon Museum of Art, have permanent exterior lights that are switched to red for the event.
Dave Fitzgibbon | University Communication
John Finical (from left), Alex Bechdolt and Patrick Bressman, all of Omaha-based TMS Production Integration, install a projector that will illuminate the north side of Memorial Stadium with the N150 logo during the Glow Big Red event, Feb. 14-15. The fixture is the first of 244 lights being installed to illuminate 19 campus buildings in preparation for the close of Charter Week. All but eight of the lights use energy-saving LED technology. The crew will also install red colored gels over existing exterior lights on four additional buildings, including Love Library. Other buildings, including Sheldon Museum of Art, have permanent exterior lights that are switched to red for the event.

Along with the State Capitol, many buildings on both campuses, including Memorial Stadium, will glow red from Feb. 14 through the weekend. Huskers are encouraged to join in the red-out by lighting their businesses and homes, flying their Husker flags and wearing their red Feb. 14 and 15.

Huskers can also show their pride through philanthropy. The university, in partnership with the University of Nebraska Foundation, is holding the first Glow Big Red: 24 Hours of Husker Giving to build the next 150 years of excellence. Learn more about the NU Foundation event.

The university will also host Stephen Censky, deputy secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for a 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 14 Heuermann Lecture at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Auditorium, 2020 Transformation Drive. The talk, “Leading Today for America’s Tomorrow,” is free and open to the public. Box lunches will be served. Reservations are recommended.

Stephen Censky

Charter Week began Feb. 11 with a face-to-face conversation between Huskers and U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse. Also on Feb. 11, Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation naming Feb. 8-15 Charter Week for all of Nebraska.

Other events included a Feb. 12 Nebraska Lecture on the history of campus architecture and a Feb. 13 halftime celebration during the Husker men’s basketball game in Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Other Charter Week events include:

  • Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Charter unveiling, Wick Alumni Center. The public is invited to meet with Chancellor Ronnie Green, deans and dignitaries as they greet them and hand out N150 cupcakes. The festivities will include a “Dear Old Nebraska U” book signing; the university charter and other significant objects from the university’s history on display; a University Hall model for viewing; opportunities for individuals to record the university’s impact and/or fondest memory; an N150 photo; and a flag signing.

  • Feb. 15, 1 to 2 p.m.: Dairy Store event. Green will continue the day’s celebration at the Nebraska Dairy Store with the launch of a new ice cream flavor, “Nifty 150.”

  • Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.: “Music and Milestones,” Lied Center for Performing Arts. The celebration will feature songs from the past 150 years that tell the story of the university, including favorites such as “Dear Old Nebraska U.” Music will be performed by students, faculty and distinguished alumni of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, Glenn Korff School of Music and Nebraska Repertory Theatre. Buy tickets.

Learn more about Charter Week at Nebraska and the N150 celebration.

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