Diversity and Inclusion

Students share the tradition of Lunar New Year

On Thursday, Jan. 26, the Office of Academic Support and Intercultural Services hosted a Lunar New Year celebration for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus community.

Lavender Graduation

Held April 21, the Lavender Graduation and Chancellor’s Awards for Outstanding Contributions to the GLBT Community honored achievements by members of the LGBTQA+ community at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The ceremony honored six undergraduates, four master’s degree graduate students and two doctoral graduate students. All are graduating members of the LGBTQA+ community who received certificates and commemorative rainbow tassels. A complete participant list is provided below.

Student Spotlight: "Changed" by College

Within the first few weeks of college, someone very close to me at the time expressed to me that “Lincoln (read: UNL) changes people.” I remember feeling very offended at that statement. I didn’t feel any different. What did this individual mean? Was this meant to be defamatory in some way toward myself, my friends, or my chosen institution of higher education?

Intercultural Spotlight celebrates unity with a talent competition

More than 400 students, faculty and staff members gathered in the Nebraska Union on Feb. 4 to watch twelve student groups compete in the Intercultural Spotlight Competition. The evening highlighted unity and cultural appreciation through entertaining performances.

“We organized the event because we believe in the value of cultural diversity and [wanted] to showcase a variety of cultures from different countries, not only one country,” said Luyao Yan, residential international student coordinator.

Celebrating 100 Years of Brotherhood

Smiles, hearty laughter and stories of the good old days flowed freely when members of Kappa Alpha Psi gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Eta Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“It’s like a second homecoming – though UNL has their homecoming in the fall, it’s like that second homecoming for the individuals and they just made a big weekend out of it,” said Alfonzo Cooper, a graduate advisor to the Kappa Alpha Psi chapter at UNL.

Pi Alpha Chi Joins Nebraska Panhellenic Association as Associate Member

Pi Alpha Chi, a local sorority founded on Catholic values, was accepted into the Panhellenic Association at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an associate member in September.

Making Strides: Increasing Minority Student Graduation Rates

In March the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was recognized by The Education Trust for its 10-point reduction in the achievement gap between white and black students between 2003 and 2013. At the same time, UNL increased the overall graduation rate by 4.5 percent. While there is room for continued improvement, this great feat should be celebrated and studied to examine how to further close the achievement gap for minority students.

Book Club Invites Discussion on Japanese Literature and Culture

When senior global studies major Milla Heikkinen talks about the Kawasaki Reading Room Book Club, the enthusiasm and passion in her voice proves that the club is more special than your average reading group.

The Kawasaki Reading Room Book Club provides a place for students and members of the community to be in fellowship with people who share an interest Japanese culture.

International Students Visit the UNL Rodeo

Cowboy hats, chaps, boots and roping gear commonly are seen around the state of Nebraska thanks to the dominant agriculture scene. However, these artifacts and the entire rodeo concept are unfamiliar to many international students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Students Learn About Immigration & Volunteer in Nebraska Communities Over Fall Break

While many were spending fall break at home, relaxing or on vacation, four students joined the Center for Civic Engagement’s Fall Break Service-Study ASB.

“An ASB is an opportunity for students to travel with their peers at a relatively low cost, learn about a community, delve into the culture and history of a community, and then serve that community,” said graduate student Grace Brown, who both planned and attended the ASB.

Celebrating the dimensions of love at A Love Affair Gala

On Feb. 17, students, staff and faculty gathered in the Ross Van Brunt Visitor’s Center for Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services' A Love Affair Gala. The gala, free for students, was a celebration of Black History Month and the various dimensions of love.

Rev. Karla Cooper opened the gala with a message. The reverend emphasized that love is instinctive, and people must love themselves before they can love others.

Appreciating Asian Pacific American Heritage

The month of April marked the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. To commemorate the event, the Office of Academic Support and Intercultural Services (OASIS) co-sponsored art and cultural speakers, a talent show and a samurai dinner event.

Behind the Success of the Night of the Living Drag Show

All seats were filled five minutes before the start Night of the Living Drag Show on Friday, Oct. 28. When the show started, so many people had flooded the Centennial Room in the Nebraska Union that the emcee had to remind attendees to move away from the door because blocking the exit was a fire hazard.

How to be an activist: Tips from organizers of Mizzou’s Concerned Student 1950 protest

On Tuesday, Feb. 21, Autumn Branch and Andrea Fulgiam shared their experiences with Mizzou's Concerned Student 1950 protest.

Never Forget to Smile, Nebraska

My name is Mohammed Hussain Al Abdullah and I was born in Saudi Arabia where I lived for the first ten years of my life. At the age of ten, due to my career in cycling, I moved with my Road Cycling Club to the Czech Republic where I lived for nearly four years without my family. From there, I lived for a year in Manchester City, in the United Kingdom, before leaving for Dubai. While living in Dubai, I learned about myself, discovered my passions, and figured out what I wanted to do in my life.

OASIS Hosts Speaker to Discuss Asian American Student Issues

On Wednesday, Nov. 2, students filled the OASIS Student Lounge to discuss the challenges that Asian American and international students face at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Speaker Rebecca Reinhardt opened the discussion by reflecting on her own struggle to learn English and adapt to American culture after moving from China.

Dinner in a Nebraska Home connects international students with university employees

Fifty-seven University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty and staff members invited 117 international students into their homes as a part of a program called Dinner in a Nebraska Home. The program, sponsored by Student Engagement, strives to introduce international students to an aspect of daily life in Nebraska by connecting the students with university employees.

Q&A with Charlie Foster

Get to know Charlie Foster, the new interim director of the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center and assistant to the vice chancellor for student affairs for diversity and inclusion. After 15 years in Counseling and Psychology Services (CAPS), Foster is excited to work with new staff at the Gaughan and to further her connections with UNL students. Plus, learn why the football stadium is her favorite place to be on campus!

Dia de los Muertos Celebration Draws Hundreds to Kauffman

Although Dia de los Muertos occurs on the first and second of November, hundreds of students, faculty and staff, and members of the community gathered in Kauffman Hall to celebrate on Nov. 4.

The Mexican American Student Association (MASA) and Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. planned the event that included food, crafts, music and more. In addition, the Mexican Dance Academy of Nebraska performed traditional dances and showcased a play related to the holiday and the importance of remembrance.

Huskers Unplugged facilitates connections and conversations

On Friday, Mar. 3, UNL Hillel partnered with the Muslim Student Association and the UNL Ballroom Dance Club to host Huskers Unplugged. Students strengthened friendships and made connections at the technology-free event.

The evening of activities kicked off with sunset yoga on the Nebraska Union green space. After yoga, students gathered in the Centennial Room for bingo, coloring and conversation. Students enjoyed soda, popcorn and Israeli chocolate balls for snacks.