The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s weeklong, statewide celebration of its 150th anniversary opens today with a student-led conversation with U.S. Senator Ben Sasse.

The Charter Week event, “Why Don’t We Get Along? How Huskers Can Change the Future: A Student-led Conversation with Sen. Ben Sasse,” is 5:30 p.m., Feb. 11 at the Coliseum. The presentation is primarily for students.

Tickets are reserved for students, faculty and staff, and are available at the welcome desks in the Nebraska Unions on City and East campuses. A valid NCard is needed to receive a ticket and for admission into the talk.

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Sen. Ben Sasse

The event will feature a panel discussion in which three Huskers — Hunter Traynor, senior political science major; Grace Chambers, junior sociology major; and Kamryn Sannicks, a junior political science major and member of the Nebraska National Guard and UNL’s Army ROTC program — will talk face-to-face with Sasse. The panel will be facilitated by Patrice McMahon, director and chair of the University Honors program.

Sasse will also participate in a question and answer session with students attending the event.

Opening and closing remarks will be made by Chancellor Ronnie Green. Refreshments and pizza will be provided.

Other Charter Week events include:

• Feb. 12, 4:30 p.m.: Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture, “Building Nebraska U: The Saga of University Hall and the Origins of the Modern University” by Kay Logan-Peters, Nebraska Champions Club. Logan-Peters, University Libraries professor and digital arts coordinator, will present the February Nebraska Lecture. The talk will examine the architectural history of the university and include an NET-produced virtual-reality tour of University Hall — the first building on campus. Learn more about the Nebraska Lectures.

Archives and Special Collections

Looking north from R Street, this undated photo shows two of the earliest buildings on the University of Nebraska's original four-block campus — Architecture Hall (at left), which was originally a library, and University Hall (right). University Hall, the first building on campus, was demolished in 1948. Architecture Hall, built in 1892, is the oldest structure on campus.

• Feb. 13, 8 p.m.: A tribute from Pinnacle Bank Arena. The Husker men’s basketball game against Minnesota will include a special halftime tribute that celebrates the university’s 150th year. Tickets are sold out, but the game will be televised on BTN.

• Feb. 14, all day: Glow Big Red. Huskers across Nebraska and around the world are encouraged to show their support for university by lighting, flying and wearing red — or giving some green.

• 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.

Nebraska's original charter was created nearly 150 years ago on Feb. 15, 1869. The charter and other significant objects from the university's history will be on display Feb. 15 in the Wick Alumni Center.

• 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.