State of Nebraska Proclamation
July 1, 2011
Whereas the University of Nebraska—Lincoln today joins 11 other comprehensive doctoral research universities as a member of the Big Ten Conference, and
Whereas the Big Ten Conference is comprised of world-class academic institutions that share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service, and
Whereas entrance into the Big Ten also means a coveted slot in the conference's academic consortium, the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, known as the CIC, which fosters increased collaboration among member universities, researchers and faculty, and offers increased opportunities for students, and
Whereas the conference's 100-plus years of history, strong tradition of competitive intercollegiate athletic programs, vast and passionate alumni base, and consistent leadership in innovations position the Big Ten and its entire community, now including Nebraska, firmly on the Big Stage, and
Whereas the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness in all aspects of its student-athletes' lives, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that each individual has the opportunity to live a Big Life, and
Whereas citizens of Nebraska can look forward to athletic competitions that move the Big Red into a new era, as well as to innovative academic and research collaborations that will benefit Nebraska,
I, Dave Heineman, Governor of the State of Nebraska, do hereby proclaim the 1st day of July 2011, as “Big Red in the Big Ten Day” in Nebraska, and I do hereby encourage all citizens to recognize the University of Nebraska—Lincoln as it enters this new era as a member of the Big Ten Conference and the CIC.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and cause the Great Seal of the State of Nebraska to be affixed this First day of July, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Eleven.
Attest:
John D. Gale, Secretary of State
Dave Heineman, Governor