Between vacations, study-abroad trips and various other summer activities, the University of Nebraska continued to make headlines this summer. To help you catch up with recent news as the new semester begins, here’s a list of the university’s top summer headlines.
New era of leadership begins
Ronnie Green – named Harvey Perlman’s successor as chancellor on April 6 – assumed full authority as chancellor May 8, effectively becoming the 20th leader of the university and commencing a new era of campus leadership. Green officially began his chancellorship on July 1.
Sponsored research surges to record highs
Sponsored research funding reached a record high this year, increasing more than 12 percent to $146.9 million, the Office of Research and Economic Development said in August.
Valentino’s to set up shop in Nebraska Union
Valentino’s, the Lincoln-based, family-owned Italian restaurant chain, announced in May that it is coming to the Nebraska Union, occupying the space of the former Subway Pizza Express in the food court.
Nebraska N rolls out
The new Nebraska N replaced icons used by academic units, Nebraska Athletics and the Nebraska Alumni Association on July 1.
3,708 Pokémon trainers storm Memorial Stadium
A two-hour Pokémon Go catch-a-thon at Memorial Stadium on July 14 drew more than 3,700 gamers seeking to capture creatures in the new augmented reality smartphone app.
Huston announces Lied Center performance
Nebraska native and “The Voice” finalist Hannah Houston announced she would perform with the Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra in two Sept. 18 concerts at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. Huston finished third in the latest season of the NBC show.
Digital Learning Center opens in Love Library
The university opened its Digital Learning Center in June. Located on the first floor of Love Library North, the center will be a one-stop shop for web-based assessment and Scantron Services.
Researchers earn $20M award for partnership to improve crop productivity
On June 17, Edgar Cahoon and James Alfano discussed their leadership of a new $20 million, Nebraska-based research effort to improve crop productivity.
Ankerson named dean of College of Architecture
Katherine Ankerson, who was a professor and associate dean in the architecture college from 1996 to 2011, assumed the dean’s post July 1.
Education Abroad draws record numbers
The university has seen a significant increase in the number of students taking part in college-related, overseas experiences – reaching all-time institutional highs in academic years 2014-15 and 2015-16.
Pérez named interim dean of engineering
Lance C. Pérez was appointed to the position of interim dean of the College of Engineering. Chancellor Ronnie Green made the announcement June 16.
Pound Hall will be open in fall — again
Housing officials said in June that Pound Residence Hall would extend its return from retirement for the third consecutive year to house both freshmen and upperclassman students this fall.
