Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Edwards contributes to Obama inaugural volume
UNL's Richard Edwards has contributed an essay to a volume Congress prepared for presentation to President Barack Obama as part of the Jan. 21 presidential inauguration. In "Homesteading the Prairie," Edwards, director of the Center for Great Plains Studies, drew on his research and writing over the past few years reexamining and reinterpreting the history of Great Plains homesteading.
Edwards' essay is part of a historical portfolio assembled by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies of the U.S. Congress for presentation to guests, including President Obama, at the inaugural luncheon in the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall immediately following the swearing-in. The volume showcases 2013 as the 150th anniversary of important legislation and other significant events in the nation's history. Edwards was invited to contribute a 500-word essay on the Homestead Act, which became effective on Jan. 1, 1863. Read more about this contribution in Today@UNL.
Governor, NU, state colleges to make pact to ensure affordability for Nebraskans
Gov. Dave Heineman announced on Jan. 7 that he has joined the University of Nebraska and Nebraska State College System in a proposed compact that would help ensure continued affordable access to higher education for Nebraska students and families.
Under the agreement, Gov. Heineman's proposed two-year budget includes the funding necessary for the university and state colleges to freeze tuition for Nebraska students for two years. The governor is recommending that the University of Nebraska's state appropriations increase from its current level of $498 million to $541 million in fiscal year 2015, and that the Nebraska State College System's funding increase from $45.5 million to $49.6 million in fiscal year 2015.
If the Legislature agrees to the governor's funding recommendations, the university and state colleges have agreed that they will freeze tuition for Nebraska students attending UNL, UNK, UNO, UNMC, Chadron State, Wayne State and Peru State for 2013-14 and 2014-15. Read more about is proposal in Today@UNL.
School of Music graduate student in National Opera Association finals
UNL School of Music graduate student Kayla Wilkens was one of eight finalists in the National Opera Association's 2013 Vocal Competition in the scholarship division. The finals were conducted Jan. 5, in Portland, Ore. "I was very pleased and honored to be chosen as a national finalist -- only a handful of applicants are chosen to proceed to the final stage of the competition," Wilkens said.
The National Opera Association seeks to promote greater appreciation of opera and music theater, to enhance pedagogy and performing activities and to increase performance opportunities by supporting projects that improve the scope and quality of opera. Read more about this honor in Today@UNL.
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UNL Confucius Institute earns institute award
UNL's Confucius Institute was named Confucius Institute of the Year by the Confucius Institute Headquarters. The award was given to 24 Confucius Institutes during a recent three-day Confucius Institute Conference in Beijing.
The event was the 7th Confucius Institute Conference, with more than 2,200 delegates attending from more than 200 countries and regions over the world. Twenty-four "Confucius Institutes of the Year" were named among near 400 Confucius Institutes in the world. David Lou, director of UNLCI, accepted this award on behalf of the Chancellor Harvey Perlman. Read more about this award in Today@UNL.
NAPT is now Vision Maker Media
Native American Public Telecommunications announces its official new corporate name: Vision Maker Media. After a year of study, the Board of Directors approved the name change this past summer. Located at UNL, Vision Maker Media offers student employment, internships and fellowships. For more information, visit their website.
This new name also includes a new logo: an eagle in silhouette, captured in flight. The eagle is revered in many Native circles as a messenger, protector, and leader. Its feathers are considered sacred, and its reverence extends to modern American symbolism as well as traditional Native American spirituality. Read the full letter in Today@UNL.
UNL.edu now formatted for all devices
The Internet and Interactive Media group of University Communications and Information Services has concluded the first phase in its effort to provide full support to all devices - desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets - by implementing a suite of web technologies collectively known as 'responsive design.' This week, the internal and external homepages were re-launched as 'responsive' designs.
You can see the effects of responsive design in your desktop browser by simply re-sizing your browser window (the page will reformat as the window is narrowed), or by viewing on your tablet or smartphone. Please use the 'feedback' links at the bottom of the page if you would like to let us know of any issues. Thank you.
