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Kathy's Point: August 2017

Kathy Farrell
Kathy Farrell
It’s difficult to believe it’s been just over five years since deciding to build a world-class building and raise the level of educational opportunities for College of Business students, faculty, staff, alumni and business partners. Today, as we move into our new privately-funded $84 million, 240,000-square-foot building at 14th and Vine streets, I’m noting that this is one of the biggest events in the history of the university. It represents an ongoing commitment to excellence by all of those who support our college, university and state.
 
To celebrate this momentous occasion, we welcome you to join us on Friday, August 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. for a special Open for Business: Ribbon Cutting and Back to School Bash. The event features live music, food and drinks, prizes and most importantly – the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. University leaders including Chancellor Ronnie Green, who will share an exciting announcement, and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Donde Plowman, who spearheaded the new building project, will be speaking along with NU President Hank Bounds, Chair of the Regents Bob Whitehouse, Regent and Alumnus Howard Hawks, and CEO of the NU Foundation Brian Hastings. This will be an event you do not want to miss.
 
Now that I go to work each day in the new building, I can proudly say that the view from inside looks just as spectacular as the view from outside. Designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects of New York and Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture of Omaha, and built by Hausmann Construction, you see something new and inspiring in every part of the facility. To learn more about the event and RSVP to see the building first-hand, go to: http://business.unl.edu/bash.
 
On the heels of our celebration, the school year begins the following Monday, August 21, with a spectacular event all its own – a total solar eclipse on the first day of classes. Twenty-five thousand pairs of viewing glasses have been ordered at Nebraska and will be distributed around campus at watch locations. The Business Advising and Student Engagement Office (formerly called Office of Undergraduate Programs) will also hand out a thousand viewing glasses to business students at the Welcome Desk that day. All are encouraged to take part in viewing this rare occurrence, as they simultaneously experience finding new locations in the building, such as their department for their major, our Yes Chef Café, Huskers Shop, Business Career Center (formerly known as Career Services), and of course, their new classrooms.
 
As you might be able to tell, I’m as excited for the beginning of the 2017-18 academic year as I’ve been for any since I came to Nebraska in 1993. The best part is – this is only the beginning. Our mission to educate the next generation of business leaders for Nebraska and the world remains at the forefront of everything we do. With the support of all our tremendous alumni and business friends, we cut the ribbon on our new building. I hope to see you on campus very soon.
Published: August 8, 2017