Tues, Jan 20 @ 3:30pm: 2026 National Day of Racial Healing Keynote: Jewel Rodgers, Nebraska State Poet
Rodgers will share insights from her journey as the Nebraska State Poet, using spoken-word poetry to illuminate her experiences as an artist, former UNL student, and community builder. Through her talk, she will inspire connection, collaborative action, and the power of creativity to spark change and foster healing. Jewel Rodgers is the 2025–2029 Nebraska State Poet and a 2025 Academy of American Poets Fellowship recipient. A three-time Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award nominee for Best Performance Poet and a three-time TEDx speaker, she has toured nationally for over a decade, performing in schools, festivals, conferences, and public spaces. Her work has appeared in projects such as 100 Years | 100 Women (Park Avenue Armory – NY) and as a finalist in the 2024 Blackberry Peach Poetry Slam. An interdisciplinary performer and spatial practitioner, Jewel merges poetry, storytelling, and placemaking to inspire communities across Nebraska and beyond. Registration is preferred but not required. Register at go.unl.edu/2026jewelrodgersregistration (102 Love Library South)
Thurs, Jan 22 @ 3pm: “Virginia Faulkner: A Life in Two Acts,” Brad Bigelow
As part of UNL English’s Creative Writing series, Colophon: Conversations on Publishing, Brad Bigelow will discuss his new biography Virginia Faulkner: A Life in Two Acts (Bison Books), the story of the eccentric bestselling author (novels and a ghostwritten memoir of a NYC bordello madam) and amateur scholar who cocktailed with Greta Garbo, had an influential and complex approach to the sexuality of Willa Cather, and was editor in chief of University of Nebraska Press for two decades. Bigelow is the editor of the Recovered Books series for Boiler House Press, which is committed to reissuing forgotten but exceptional books; he has had a parallel mission as a writer for the Neglected Books website since 2006. With more than six hundred articles, the site celebrates the work of little-known, “lost” authors. (229 Andrews Hall, Bailey Library)
Thurs, Jan 22 @ 4:15pm: “Strategic Language: Is There Still a Place for This in Politics?” – 2026 Evans Lecture by Dr. Jennifer Saul
In 2001, Tali Mendelberg described a norm that constrained overt expressions of racism in US politics. This norm, which she called “The Norm of Racial Equality”, was the reason that techniques like dogwhistling were developed to appeal to some voters’ racial resentments while going unnoticed by those who might reject more overt expressions of prejudice. Recent developments show that the situation now is quite unlike that which Mendelberg was describing. This talk discusses these changes and explores the issue of whether strategic techniques like dogwhistling are still important in understanding and responding to our current situation. Jennifer Saul is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Waterloo and holds the Waterloo Chair in Social and Political Philosophy of Language. Her work focuses on racist and sexist language, implicit bias, pragmatics, deception, and efforts to diversify academia. She is currently researching the pragmatics of racist, sexist, and deceptive speech—especially in political contexts—and collaborates with the UK Statistics Authority on the misleading use of statisticsuwaterloo.ca. Saul is also widely recognized for her influential publications on implicit bias, philosophy of language, and feminist philosophy. (Chimney Rock Room, Nebraska Union)
Tues, Jan 27 @ 4pm: MCAT Workshop
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an important piece of your application to medical school. We’ll review the content of the exam, discuss considerations for when to take it, and share preparation strategies and resources. (221 Love Library South)
Tues, Jan 27 @ 5pm: CAS Inquire: “Other Futures: Poetic Uncertainty in the Age of the Algorithm”
Dr. Luis Othoniel Rosa (Spanish/Modern Languages and Literatures) will explore how poetic language disrupts the logic of technological determinism and opens pathways to alternative futures beyond ecological, economic, and political catastrophe. Drawing from ancient and contemporary poetic voices, the talk argues that poetry confuses systems of power—algorithmic, colonial, and capitalist—to reimagine and reconfigure the technologies shaping our lives. (202/Ubuntu Room, Gaughan Multicultural Center)
Wed, Jan 28 @ 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 (Regency B, Nebraska Union)
Thurs, Jan 29 @ 4pm: Spring Nvolvement Fair
Students can explore and interact with a multitude of Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) for social, professional and leadership interests. RSO members and officers will be on hand to provide details about their organization and answer questions from prospective new members. All Huskers are encouraged to attend this FREE event get involved in at least two organizations during their college years: one associated with academics and one associated with an interest. Joining an organization is an easy way to meet new people, learn a new hobby or interest, or pursue something for which you are passionate. (Nebraska Union)