Nebraska at Oxford Tailgate Celebrates Program’s Silver Jubilee

Nearly 200 people attended a tailgate on Saturday, Oct. 5, to celebrate 25 years of the Nebraska at Oxford Program offered through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business Administration. Held prior to the Nebraska-Illinois homecoming football game, many of the tailgate attendees were Nebraska at Oxford alumni including several members from the first class. Special guests included Dr. Martin Holmes, program director and lecturer in political economy at Oxford, and Dr. Nicholas Horsewood, assistant program director and lecturer of international economics at Oxford.

Dr. Martin Holmes helps lead the festivities

At the tailgate, Donde Plowman, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the UNL College of Business Administration, said, “Martin and Nick, you are the heart of the Nebraska at Oxford program and have changed the lives of so many people. We are committed to this program going forward in the future.”

More than 1,600 students have participated in the Nebraska at Oxford Program, which is the largest and most popular study abroad program at UNL. Students study economics and literature, and learn about themselves and the world while attending Oxford for four weeks.

“I would like to recognize Dean Donde Plowman for everything she has done through her leadership at the College of Business,” said Holmes. “The fact she comes to Oxford sets a signal that this is an important program for the College of Business. It’s important for the students, it’s important for the university and it’s important for the state. It is my great honor and privilege to work with her.”

To celebrate 25 years of the program, a Silver Jubilee Committee was formed to host events at UNL and Oxford University. A Nebraska at Oxford Scholarship Fund was also launched in order to provide students with scholarships to attend the Nebraska at Oxford Program. The goal is to have the scholarship fund grow in order to provide 25 students with scholarships annually.

Nebraska cheerleaders help liven things up

“Through donations to the Nebraska at Oxford Scholarship Fund, UNL students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to study abroad will receive a scholarship to do so at one of the most prestigious universities in the world,” Plowman said.

Three students from the class of 2013 were awarded scholarships at the tailgate. The scholarship recipients were: Adam Smith, junior from Carol, Iowa, majoring in economics and accounting with a finance minor; Marissa Curtis, junior from Alliance, Neb., majoring in economics and English with minors in political science and ag economics; and Christina Guthmann, junior from Omaha, Neb., majoring in international business.

“The program was such an amazing experience. You not only learn from these amazing professors who teach you so much, but you also get to learn from a different culture,” explained Curtis.

There are two ways to contribute to the Nebraska at Oxford Scholarship Fund. Make your check payable to the NU Foundation and mail to: 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68508 or go to the CBA website at: http://cba.unl.edu/support. Those who donate $100 or more will receive a special Silver Jubilee Commemorative T-shirt.

The Silver Jubilee Steering Committee includes: Holmes; Horsewood; Vin Gupta, founding supporter, chairman and CEO of EVERSET Group LLC; Dr. Gordie Karels, associate dean at the UNL College of Business Administration; and Plowman.