'Nuestra Familia, Nuestra Universidad' takes UNL west May 7-9

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will present "Nuestra Familia, Nuestra Universidad -- Our Family, Our University," a series of public events in May to help communities with growing Latino populations learn more about higher education.

UNL will host events and visit public schools May 7 in Scottsbluff and Gering, May 8 in North Platte and May 9 in Lexington.

"Knowing that college is an option is a critical part of broadening a student's career opportunities and lifetime earning potential," said Amber Hunter, director of undergraduate admissions. "We're excited to take our staff on the road and show just how accessible a college degree can be, including from a Big Ten university like UNL."

Students of all ages -- from elementary school through community college -- are invited to share in the experience, including UNL information sessions, question-and-answer sessions with admissions staff and family fiestas. The fiestas will include food, music, dancing and activities for all ages. Lil' Red will make a special appearance, with a spirit squad taking pictures and giving out temporary tattoos.

Parents of students, educators and others interested in higher education are welcome.

"We believe all students have the potential to make an impact in the world, and it is our goal to help them see that they can start their story at UNL," Hunter said. "We recruit the entire state and beyond, but to continue our enrollment growth and best serve the changing population of Nebraska, we are working to increase the number of diverse, low-income and/or first-generation students attending."

Raymond Ramirez, diversity recruitment and outreach manager said, "Not only is UNL the most affordable college in the Big Ten, but it's a university that offers an unprecedented value with top-notch faculty and award-winning research. We are proud to be a university that any student from any background can claim as theirs."

The following events are open to the public (all times local):

Scottsbluff and Gering, May 7: School visits -- 9-10 a.m., Lincoln Heights Elementary in Scottsbluff; 9:30-10:30 a.m., Gering Freshman Academy; 10:30-11:30 a.m., Lincoln Elementary in Gering; 1-2 p.m., Cedar Canyon Elementary in Gering; 2:30-3:30 p.m., Gering Junior High School and Gering High School; Family Fiesta, Centennial Park, Fifth Avenue and E. 20th St., Scottsbluff, 6-9 p.m.

North Platte, May 8: School visits -- 8 a.m.-1 p.m., North Platte High School; 8-9 a.m., Lincoln Elementary; 9 a.m., Cody Elementary; 9:30 a.m., Washington Elementary; 9:45-10:15 a.m., Jefferson Elementary; 10:30 a.m., Buffalo Elementary; 2-3 p.m., Madison Middle School; Family Fiesta at Memorial Park, E. Fourth St. and N. Bryan Ave., 6-9 p.m.

Lexington, May 9: School visits -- 10:10-10:40 a.m., Pershing Elementary; 10:55-11:25 a.m., Sandoz Elementary; 11:40 a.m.-12:10 p.m., Morton Elementary; 1:30-2 p.m., Bryan Elementary; 2:45-3:15 p.m., Lexington Middle School. Family Fiesta at Memorial Park, Monroe and E. 11th streets, 6-9 p.m.

Writer: Barbara Sims, Assistant Director of Marketing, Office of Admissions, 402-472-4803