Nebraska's winter weather gave us a historic, snowy start to the semester! We thank the university's Landscape Services for putting in more than 30 hours clearing paths and parking lots so students, faculty and staff could safely venture across campus. In addition to Huskers helping Huskers during this pandemic, the heavy lift by this crew exemplifies our Husker spirit. When business student Harry Pecha wrote "Dear Old Nebraska U" in 1924, I don't think he could have dreamed the symbolism this past year has brought to the words, "We'll all stick together, in all kinds of weather, for dear old Nebraska U."

You'll find those values of resilience, ingenuity and collaboration within this month's Inside Nebraska Business. Marketing major Olivia Rempe shared her story of courage and renewal as she works to help other students see "it's never too late to make it matter." MBA@Nebraska alum Tyrell Ross, '10 and '18, followed in his father's footsteps on Nebraska's Track and Field team and achieved breaking his father's record before making his own mark on the university. Dr. Liang (Leon) Xu, assistant professor of supply chain management and analytics, provided timely insight into the COVID-19 vaccine accelerated approval and distribution process.

Additionally, this month we celebrated that our MBA@Nebraska program ranked No. 17 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This represents the hard work and collaboration of our faculty and staff to make it a top online MBA program. These rankings showcase the quality of a Nebraska Business degree. Another way we're able to serve as a leading business school is by piloting the new AACSB accreditation standards.

During the first week of February, we hosted an AACSB accreditation team who virtually met with faculty, staff and students, and evaluated us using new standards that address the radically changing context of higher education in terms of technology, globalization and lifelong learning. Only a small group of business schools will be reviewed this year by these new standards, and we're honored to be one of them.

This year, some of you asked us how you can get involved in our diversity and inclusion efforts. Right now, you can help us by helping us spread the news about a new scholarship opportunity with high school seniors you know considering Nebraska Business. Students who apply by March 1 and are selected to the new Inclusive Business Leaders program receive a $1,000 scholarship, free textbook rentals and exclusive opportunities such as peer mentoring. Next fall, this inaugural group of first-year students will learn how they can lead in making business more inclusive for all.

New opportunities like the Inclusive Business Leaders scholarship program are realized because of support from alumni and friends. I hope you'll join us in Glow Big Red, the 24 Hours of Husker Giving, February 17-18 and make a gift of any size to the College of Business. This support to scholarships or to the N Business Start Something Fund provides much-needed general support to college programs, allows us to meet priority needs and makes a big impact on our students. As a special bonus, gifts totaling $60 or more receive a Nebraska scarf.

No matter if you're in Nebraska or Nepal, I hope to see you Glow Big Red by supporting Husker students, wearing red and posting on your social media (#GlowBigRed) who "glowed" for you during your time at Nebraska that enabled you to now glow for others.

Sincerely,

Dean Kathy Farrell