Wed, Oct 1 @ 5:30pm: River Selby to read from memoir Hotshot: A Life on Fire
From 2000 to 2010, River Selby was a wildland firefighter whose given name was Anastasia. This is a memoir of that time in their life—of Ana, the struggles she encountered, and the constraints of what it means to be female-bodied in a male-dominated industry. An illuminating debut from a fierce new voice, HOTSHOT is a timely reckoning with both the personal and environmental dangers of wildland firefighting. By the time they were nineteen, Selby had been homeless, addicted to drugs, and sexually assaulted more than once. In a last-ditch effort to find direction, they applied to be a wildland firefighter. Two years later, they joined an elite class of specially trained wildland firefighters known as hotshots. Over the course of five fire seasons, Selby delves into the world of the people—almost entirely men—who risk their lives to fight and sometimes prevent wildfires. Simultaneously hyper visible and invisible, Selby navigated an odd mix of camaraderie and rampant sexism on the job and, when they challenged it, a violent closing of ranks that excluded them from the work they’d come to love. (Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St)
Fri, Oct 3 @ 12:30pm: IGNITE featuring Bona Bones
Bona Bones is an accomplished animator, holding a B.F.A. in Experimental Animation from the California Institute of the Arts and an M.F.A. in Animation from the University of Edinburgh–Edinburgh College of Art. Their professional credits include television shows and feature films with brands like Cartoon Network, HBO, Hulu, and Amazon. In 2016, they were awarded the prestigious Helen Hill Fellowship at Dartmouth College, which sparked their passion for arts education. They have taught full-time in higher education for over seven years and now serve as a full-time Assistant Professor of Animation at the University of Kansas. Their research and creative practice focus on the intersections of animation and politics, exploring how the medium has been wielded historically as both propaganda and protest art. In their free time, they provide free mentorship opportunities for students. (Center for Emerging Media Arts)
Fri, Oct 3 @ 5:30pm: Teo Shannon discusses A Chronology of Blood: Poems
A stunning debut collection by a gifted poet, “A Chronology of Blood” explores major traumas in the author’s life. Autobiographical in nature, the book is broken into three sections that each deal with a trauma the author has endured, and it explores a range of themes including gun violence, conversion therapy, misuse of drugs, addiction, and domestic violence. But hope balances the anger, harm, and pain. Above all, Shannon is a survivor, learning to incorporate these experiences into a life filled with healing and lived on his own terms. Teo Shannon holds a PhD in English from UNL and is a cofounder and a co-EIC of the literary journal Cotton Xenomorph. His poetry has appeared in numerous journals and anthologies. He lives in Michigan. (Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St)
Mon, Oct 6 @ 10am: Faith, Hope, & Science in the Time of AIDS: The Sinikethemba Centre and McCord Zulu Hospital, Duban, South Africa
This presentation explores how the imperatives of U.S. mission work in an African setting from the late 1800s to the WWII era, and then the development of medical science in South Africa after the 1920s, led to the growth of the McCord Zulu Hospital. At the end of the Apartheid era, U.S. philanthropy re-emerged as a key factor during the HIV/AIDS crisis, and the consequent development of one of the world’s largest HIV treatment centers—the Sinikithemba program. Reflecting on this 110-year history is deeply relevant for current debates about the role of medicine in society, the history of the U.S.’s complex history of medical philanthropy globally, and the responses and agency of people in Southern Africa to epidemics. Burns will analyze a key idiom used by people at McCord throughout this history: “Sinikithemba,” or hope. (Via Zoom: https://unl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nMPuLFA7QoyyCFoScr7BEA)
Tues, Oct 7 @ 4pm: GRE Preparation for Health School Applications
If the GRE is required for admission to your professional health program, join us for a one-hour overview of the exam. We will cover the format of the GRE, outline timelines for studying for and taking the exam, and share helpful resources and advice on preparing to take the GRE. (221 Love Library South)
Tues, Oct 7 @ 5pm: CAS Inquire: Haunted: Uncertainty, Insecurity, and Fear of Crime
Lisa Kort-Butler’s talk explores how public fear and uncertainty—when the evidence based “reality” does not match public perception—shape attitudes toward crime and punishment, leading to support for punitive policies even when crime rates are falling. She argues that such attitudes are less about facts and more about emotional responses to social change, nostalgia, and existential insecurity. (Gaughan Multicultural Center, 202/Ubuntu Room)
Wed, Oct 8 @ 3:30pm: Campus Housing & Community Fair
Find your next home sweet home! The Campus Housing Fair brings apartments, property managers, and resources together so you can explore your best living options—on and off campus—all in one place. Plus, check out local businesses with fun products and opportunities to make campus life even better. Don’t miss this exciting event! (Union Greenspace)
Thurs, Oct 9 @ 12pm: Book Talk: The Rural Lawyer, by Hannah Haksgaard
The Rural Reconciliation Project at the University of Nebraska College of Law - along with the Greater Nebraska Connections student organization - will host Hannah Haksgaard, Professor at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, at the University of Nebraska College of Law. Professor Haksgaard will be discussing her new book, The Rural Lawyer: How To Incentivize Rural Law Practice and Help Small Communities Thrive (Cambridge University Press; 2025). The presentation will address policy responses to the rural lawyer shortage and will include a discussion of what the rural practice of law is like for new attorneys. This is a free public event - Bring your own lunch. The Project will provide dessert. (111 McCollum Hall, East Campus)
Thurs, Oct 9 @ 6pm: Law School Personal Statement Workshop
Join us for our Personal Statement Workshop that will give you guidance on starting your personal statement. Make sure you have a document open as our goal is that you have a working draft of your personal statement when you leave! Register here: https://law.unl.edu/personal-statement-workshop/
Tues, Oct 14 @ 12pm: Prevent Suicide Training
PREVENT SUICIDE is a free 60-minute in-person training for University of Nebraska-Lincoln students, faculty and staff. Anyone can help. Know the risk factors and warning signs. Learn how to intervene. During the in-person session, you will:
• Increase Your Knowledge: learn the warning signs associated with suicide.
• Name the Concerns and Ask: increase your confidence about communicating openly about suicide.
• Provide Support and Resources: expand awareness about resources.
• Connect To Help: learn how to take action when supporting others.
Preregistration is required: https://go.unl.edu/caps_ps
Tues, Oct 14 @ 6:30pm: A Conversation with Dr. Vivek Murthy
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 19th and 21st U.S. Surgeon General, has reshaped dialogue and strategies around mental health, workplace well-being, social connection, and the impact of technology on health, informing policy in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia. He authored “Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World” and has contributed to major news outlets and medical journals. Murthy co-chairs the WHO Commission on Social Connection, a global effort to improve health outcomes through stronger human connection. In this fireside chat with H. Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Dr. Murthy will explore ways to turn the challenges of loneliness and isolation into opportunities for deeper connection. Dr. Murthy’s authoritative yet compassionate voice uniquely bridges public health, personal well-being, and organizational success, offering actionable insights for all. Tickets are required. (Lied Center for the Performing Arts)