With so much to celebrate, we never wanted it to end. We marked our anniversaries with exciting activities, events, good food and specialty drinks. More is planned for the Spring semester and we invite you to join in on the fun.
Husker History
October 2, 2025
An event by Archives & Special Collections demonstrated how memories can be animated through research, teaching, and the exploration of archival materials. The items on display featured:
- Poetry from rare book collections along with records from literary societies and journals at UNL
- Artists’ books and journals, including works by UNL alum and Pulitzer Prize winner Karen Blessen, as well as Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate from 2004 to 2006
- Photographic representations of Lincoln and the campus, both past and present
Participants also had the chance to share their own campus memories by contributing to a collaborative, crowd-sourced art journal that will be created during the event and preserved by the UNL Archives.
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Staff creating mini art pages for a historical journalImages by Liz McCue, UCOMM -
People looking at archives documents.Images by Liz McCue, UCOMM -
Archival materials on tabletops with people looking at themImages by Liz McCue, UCOMM -
People viewing archives materialsImages by Liz McCue, UCOMM -
People creating mini art pages for the historical journalImages by Liz McCue, UCOMM -
People viewing archives materialsImages by Liz McCue, UCOMM
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Attendees at the event -
Attendees listening to remarks. -
Raffle prize of a volleyball signed by Dani Busboom-Kelly -
Professional volleyball player Jordan Larson with attendees. -
Ice cream served to attendees. -
Dean Lorang giving remarks. -
Jordan Larson gives remarks -
Andy Jewell, Chair and Liz Lorang, Dean pulling names for raffle prizes. -
Dayle Williamson volleyball raffle prize winner -
Husker band members
A Volleyball Tailgate for Those Who DIG the Libraries!
September 24, 2025
This invitation-only reception was a signature event of the Pages to Paths: A Celebration of Our Libraries initiative.
Sixty alumni and donors came together to commemorate the anniversaries of the Libraries and their contributions to students, faculty, and citizens of Nebraska. In addition to comments from Dean Lorang, Nebraska volleyball star Jordan Larson emphasized the vital role Libraries play in supporting athletes, accompanied by a performance from the Big Red Alumni Pep Band.
Karen Blessen Journals Exhibit
The Muck, the Seeds, the Weeds, the Blossom
Event with opening remarks: September 18, 2025
Exhibit Open: Sept. 18, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026
The thoughts, life, and creative process of an artist are revealed to the public in The Muck, the Seeds, the Weeds, the Blossoming: The Journals of Karen Blessen, an exhibit that features 24 of Karen Blessen’s journals recently donated to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries Archives & Special Collections.
Ice Cream Social Pop-up
Sep. 2, 2025
Libraries introduced the Dairy Store’s latest flavor for 2025-26, UNL Libraries Latte Crunch (a delightful mix of coffee ice cream, chocolate chips, and espresso pillows) to celebrate the anniversaries of the Libraries. More than 300 guests enjoyed our signature ice cream flavor.
Anniversary Kick-off Event
April 10, 2025
The kickoff reception introducing our signature mocktails. Invited guests included donors, university administrators, and members of the Steering Committee who advised the Dean on the Pages to Paths initiative. Remarks were given by Dean Lorang, Dean Button and Steve Allen of the University Foundation.
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Libraries supporter, Patty Beutler and Liz Lorang, enjoy the mocktails. -
Kay Walter, Andrew Jewell and other mingle -
EVC Mark Button and Liz Lorange chat with librarians -
Donor Jan Walkenhorst enjoys the appetizers -
Attendees getting mocktails from the bar. -
Attendees eating appetizers at a table -
Attendees in conversation at the event. -
Attendees at the event