The University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business community comes together to celebrate Business Week (B-Week), September 13-16. Coordinated by the Nebraska Business Student Advisory Board, the tradition began 100 years ago, originating in 1921 as BizAd Day. Sponsored by Union Pacific and the College of Business, the various events and activities are open to business majors and minors.

As president of the Nebraska Business Student Advisory Board, Micayla Giambruno, a senior economics and criminology and criminal justice major from Parker, Colorado, reveled in the ongoing tradition of this celebratory week.

"B-Week provides not only an opportunity to network and participate in events but also creates community throughout the college. It is known as a bonding experience between students as well as offering student support through opportunities such as getting professional headshots taken for LinkedIn and preparing for the career fairs by getting free professional attire from the Career Closet," she said.

The events include:

• Study Break with Popcorn – Monday, September 13, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. in HLH Henrickson Family Atrium. Stop by and get free popcorn while learning about free tutoring and academic resources available.
• Professional Photo Booth – Monday, September 13 and Tuesday, September 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in HLH 121. Dress professionally and get a free headshot taken to put on your LinkedIn and other social media accounts. Sign up for a photo time slot.
• Career Closet and Career Fair Tips – Tuesday, September 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in DIGS, HLH 102. Prepare for the UNL Career Fairs happening the week after B-Week. Get free professional clothing from the Career Closet, a list of employers attending the fairs and tips to make the most of the career fairs. Enjoy some snacks while practicing your elevator pitch.
• Nebraska Business T-Shirt Giveaway – Wednesday, September 15, 9-11 a.m. in the North Lobby on first floor. Grab a free Nebraska Business t-shirt, while supplies last.
• CoB Clubs and Study Abroad Fair – Wednesday, September 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the HLH Henrickson Family Atrium. Visit with the College of Business’ recognized student organizations to learn more about and connect with groups that may interest you. Learn more about study abroad and global internship opportunities available at the college.
• Student Tailgate – Thursday, September 16, 12-2 p.m. in the Lower Level Courtyard. Students can stop by the tailgate where there will be food and music, served on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Innovation Challenge Kickoff – Thursday, September 16, 5 p.m. in HLH 112. Test your entrepreneurial creativity and meet new collaborators and friends. In this challenge, open to all students at the university, student teams work on a creative task (a secret until the event) over the weekend. Prior registration is required. Signup at: https://business.unl.edu/innovate.

One of the college's longest running traditions, B-Week draws from a 100-year-old event called BizAd Day. The first BizAd Day on October 28, 1921, included cancellation of classes, a parade through campus and downtown, then a picnic and "stunts" at Antelope Park. Years later, the day featured boxing and wrestling matches, football and a dance at the Chamber of Commerce building in downtown Lincoln.

Kimberly Smith, associate director of Communications, Marketing and External Relations Kimberly Smith, associate director of Communications, Marketing and External Relations, researched the college's history to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013. Part of the history shared during the centennial celebration included B-Week and how students sought to keep the tradition alive.

"In 1975, the college's Student Advisory Board expanded BizAd Day into the inaugural B-Week. By the 90s, students no longer celebrated the tradition. However, in 2003, the Student Advisory Board revived it, and as part of the week of events, our alum Warren Buffett ('51) spoke to business students at the Sheldon Museum of Art," said Smith. "What a way to bring the tradition back!"

Since then, business majors and minors can look forward to the perks of B-Week each year. Giambruno knows students appreciate the free giveaways the week brings, but believes students appreciate the greater purpose the week serves.

“We're proud to see B-Week essentially turn 100. It is as an important tradition because students see everything that makes us Nebraska Business. The college creates a solid network of support for students, and this week builds an opportunity for us to rally together as a family, beyond just a college,” said Giambruno.

To learn more about events during B-Week, visit: https://business.unl.edu/bweek.