Wesleyan Weekend 2024
Filled with traditions and events, Wesleyan Weekend has something for everyone. All ߲ݴý alumni, students, current parents, parents of alumni, family, and friends are welcome to attend.
For questions about the upcoming Wesleyan Weekend, contact ߲ݴý Alumni Relations at alumni [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (alumni[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu) or (402) 465-2123.
We look forward to seeing you this fall!
Reunion Team Volunteers
Join others serving on your milestone class reunion team to help make the weekend a great success. Contact us at alumni [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (alumni[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu) or (402) 465-2123 to sign up. As a reunion team volunteer, you will:
- Encourage classmates and friends to attend your reunion and other Wesleyan Weekend activities (via social media, emails, phone calls, mailed notes, etc.) We can provide alumni contact information to help you connect!
- Find lost classmates through personal networks or online searches.
- Identify and plan special activities specifically for your class.
- Share Wesleyan Weekend content through your social media channels. To get up-to-date ߲ݴý info, please join and follow us on:
- Facebook = ߲ݴý Alumni
- LinkedIn = ߲ݴý University Alumni
- Instagram = @nwuconnects
- Website - nebrwesleyan.edu/alumni
Connect with ߲ݴý
Stay informed as we plan Wesleyan Weekend as well as other events throughout the year. We also want to celebrate your accomplishments with you and others!
- Send us your updated contact and employment information on the Information Update page.
- Let us know about your recent life events or accomplishments to include in the “Class Notes” section of Archways Magazine at classnotes [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (classnotes[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu).
Hospitality Room = Everyone
Alabaster Lounge, top floor, Old Main
As you arrive on campus, stop by our Hospitality Room in Alabaster Lounge (elevator available). Pick up your ߲ݴý Wesleyan Weekend t-shirt, use this room as a meeting place for friends, rest up between events, get event updates and find answers to any questions during the weekend. Alumni Relations can also answer your questions. Just call or text Shelley McHugh’s cell at (402) 890-1333.
Friday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, October 5, 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Courtesy golf carts will be available during the day on Saturday to assist you on campus.
Self-guided campus tour = Everyone
Take a walk down memory lane as you tour ߲ݴý’s historic campus. You can pick up a printed guide describing favorite stops at the Hospitality Room or print a copy from our website.
Dining = Everyone
Many Wesleyan Weekend events include food. You may also enjoy a convenient meal on campus.
Archway Café Hours
Lower level, Story Student Center
7:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Thursday
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Friday
3 – 8:30 p.m. Saturday
3 – 11:30 p.m. Sunday
Prairie Point Dining Center Hours
Upper level, Story Student Center
7:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday thru Friday
7:15 a.m. – 1 p.m., 5:30 – 7 p.m. Saturday - Sunday
Common Ground Café
Second floor, Acklie Hall of Science
7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Thursday
7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Friday
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Show your spirit! = Everyone
Wear your ߲ݴý colors with pride on campus. ߲ݴý Wesleyan Weekend t-shirts are available to purchase when you register online or by mail (quantities are limited.) You can also purchase ߲ݴý gear at our bookstore and get a 10 % discount by using this .
Prairie Wolves Bookstore Hours
Upper level, Story Student Center
Thursday, October 3, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, October 4, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, October 5, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lodging Options
All ߲ݴý Wesleyan Weekend guests may receive special hotel rates at the below establishments. To make a reservation please use the following phrasing—“I would like to make a reservation for ߲ݴý Wesleyan Weekend at the ߲ݴý negotiated rate.” Please book by the dates noted below.
Country Inn & Suites North
5353 No. 27th Street
(402) 403-1601
Reserve by September 5
Rates are as follows: Thursday (October 3) $94; Friday & Saturday (October 4-5) $134 – Same rate applies for King and Queen (2 beds)
Fairfield Inn and Suites
4221 Industrial Avenue
(402) 476-6000
Reserve by September 9
Rate is $174 for all nights with Queen (2 beds)
Tru by Hilton Lincoln East
305 No. 50th Street
(531) 248-3500
Reserve by September 19
Rates are as follows: King Rooms: Thursday (October 3) $129; Friday and Saturday (October 4-5) $169; October 5 $169
Queen (2 beds) Rooms: Thursday (October 3) $129; Friday and Saturday (October 4-5) $179
Plan your weekend!
Thursday, October 3
6 p.m.
Legends and Legacies Alumni Award Dinner = Everyone
Main Ballroom, Country Club of Lincoln
3200 S. 24th Street, Lincoln
Join us for an evening of celebration as the ߲ݴý Alumni Association honors the achievements of distinguished alumni.
Alumni Achievement Award
Jennifer Cognard-Black ‘91
Young Alumni Loyalty Award
Ashton Honnor ‘13
Alumni Loyalty Award
Jo (Afrank) ’82 and Kirk ’83 Kinberg
Alumni Medal of Honor
Philip Mullin ‘65
Young Alumni Humanitarian Award
Nate Pattee ’09 (in absentia)
Young Alumni Achievement Award
Alicia (Dallman) Shoemaker ‘09
7:30 p.m.
Screen on the Green = Everyone
Taylor Commons, East of Cochrane-Woods Library
Bring your blanket and join us under the tent for the family-friendly outdoor movie, “Despicable Me 4.” We’ll bring snacks!
Friday, October 4
11:30 a.m.
50th Class Reunion Luncheon and Medallion Ceremony = Class of 1974 alumni and guests
Prairie Wolf A & B, lower level Story Student Center
Join us as we honor the class of 1974 with commemorative 50th year medallions. Social time will begin at 11:30 and medallions presented at 11:45 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon following the medallion ceremony.
1 p.m.
Finding Lifelong Joy in Music Education Presentation = Everyone
Emerson Recital Hall, lower level, Rogers Center for Fine Arts
Hear ߲ݴý Outstanding Music Alumna award recipient Bethany (Eckloff) Rouse ’11 share her story as Owner and Administrative Director of Marble Music Studios.
1:30 p.m.
Guided History Exhibit, “Reframing the ߲ݴý Saga: Who Are We Now?” = Everyone
Learning Commons, 1st Floor, Cochrane-Woods Library
University Archivist Martha Tanner will be your guide through this historical exhibit. The exhibit uses materials from the university archives to explore ߲ݴý’s history and identity over the last 30 years. This exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges and the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
2 p.m.
Walking Art Tour = Everyone
Meet at Learning Commons, first floor, Cochrane-Woods Library
Take in works from the university’s art collections. Tour stops include Acklie Hall of Science, Lucas Hall, Elder Gallery and LUX Center for the Arts.
Golf carts available for on campus stops.
5 p.m.
Artist Reception = Everyone
Elder Gallery, Rogers Center for Fine Arts
Hear from interdisciplinary artist Bri Murphy about their current installation, “Dear Helia,” at ߲ݴý. Refreshments provided.
6:30 p.m.
All-Class Reunion = Alumni and guests; Faculty/Staff
Main Ballroom, Country Club of Lincoln
3200 S. 24th Street, Lincoln
Reconnect with classmates and old friends at this special all-class reunion! Milestone classes will be recognized and have their photo taken. Drinks and heavy appetizers will be provided.
8 p.m.
“Howl Like Hell” Pep Rally = Everyone
Abel Stadium
Come watch this fun tradition as students participate in a cheer/dance/spirit competition to kick off their weekend celebration. We will announce the 2024 Platinum Prairie Wolf honorees.
Saturday, October 5
8:30 a.m.
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction and Breakfast = Everyone
Snyder Arena, Weary Center
Hear the stories and honor the achievements of these outstanding alumni athletes as we celebrate the 2024 inductees during this annual awards breakfast, presented by the ‘W’ Club.
Sara (Kunneman) Carlson ’02 – Women’s Soccer
Pat (Dotson) Pettit – Spirit of the Plainsman
Kim (Grosshans) Shaw ’94 – Track and Field
Mark Specht ’96 – Men’s Basketball
Cindy Turman ’00 – Women’s Basketball/Softball
1999 Men’s Soccer Team (John Carlson, coach)
9 a.m.
Fraternity and Sorority Open Houses = Greek Alumni
Greek alumni will enjoy a look inside today’s ߲ݴý sororities and fraternities. Contact individual houses for more information.
9:30 a.m.
Phi Mu Alumnae Brunch = Phi Mu alumnae
Sunflower Room, Story Student Center
Join fellow Phi Mu alumnae for conversation and a light brunch. RSVP by September 19 to Shalla Young at (402) 483-2121.
10 a.m.
Wolf2Wolf Gathering = Wolf2Wolf mentors/mentees
Olin Lecture Hall Lobby
Mentors and mentees of the football Wolf2Wolf program will meet in the lobby of Olin B before team meetings. We’ll serve light refreshments.
11 a.m.
Picnic and Carnival = Everyone
Taylor Commons, East of Cochrane-Woods Library
Join us for this family-friendly picnic and carnival featuring free food, inflatables, music, games and an ice cream truck!
11 a.m.
Outdoor Yoga = Everyone
North Lawn, Cochrane-Woods Library
Join members of the ߲ݴý yoga club for an all-ages yoga class led by certified yoga teacher and mindfulness instructor, Dr. Karla Jensen. Mats will be available or you may bring your own.
1 p.m.
Football vs. Buena Vista University = Everyone
Abel Stadium
Students: $3; Adults: $6 (Pay at the door)
Come cheer on the Prairie Wolves as they take on the Beavers. The halftime show includes a performance by ߲ݴý’s dance team, recognition of the Hall of Fame inductees, and introduction of the 2024 Platinum Prairie Wolf honorees.
1 p.m.
Music History and Theory Trivia Challenge = Music alumni
Gildersleeve Lounge (former Red Carpet Lounge), lower level, Rogers Center for Fine Arts
Enjoy recalling information you learned about music history and theory while a student, reconnecting with fellow music alums and talking with favorite professors who walked you through it all. Prizes and snacks provided. This trivia event is hosted by emeriti professors Jean Henderson and Larry Jones and alumna Julie Allen ’84. Contact Julie at jaallen07 [at] hotmail.com (jaallen07[at]hotmail[dot]com) to reserve a spot!
1:30 p.m.
Bingo on the Green = Everyone
Taylor Commons (East of Cochrane-Woods Library)
Once the picnic and carnival stop, the bingo begins with the chance to win fun prizes.
4:30 p.m.
Music Showcase Concert featuring Students and Alumni = Everyone
O’Donnell Auditorium, Rogers Center for Fine Arts
Enjoy an afternoon full of vocal and instrumental music at the music showcase. Music alumni are invited to perform (2:30 pm band/4 pm choir rehearsals). If you’d like to participate, please contact Tom Trenney, Assistant Professor of Music, Choral Music and Conducting at tomtrenney [at] gmail.com (tomtrenney[at]gmail[dot]com) and/or Joshua Roach, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Activities at jroach [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (jroach[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu). The 2024 Outstanding Music Alumna award recipient Bethany (Eckloff) Rouse ’11 will be recognized during the performance.
Going to Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical following the concert? Grab a convenient dinner at Prairie Point Dining Center between performances.
Sunday, October 6
8:30/10:45 a.m.
Communion worship services = Everyone
First United Methodist Church
2723 N 50th Street
Recurring Events
Art Exhibition “Dear Helia” = Everyone
Elder Gallery, Rogers Center for Fine Arts
Friday, October 4: 5-7 p.m. Reception with artist
Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6: 1-4 p.m.
Interdisciplinary artist Bri Murphy presents new work which explores themes of gender, childhood, and legacy in the context of an American political landscape. At the heart of this work is a reckoning; with the realities of existing in the U.S. today, with the ways in which we grapple with our own evolving identities, with the complexities of relating to the generations that raise us.
History Exhibit, “Reframing the ߲ݴý Saga: Who Are We Now?” = Everyone
Learning Commons, 1st Floor Cochrane-Woods Library
Visit the library anytime during its open hours to view a new exhibit from the university archives exploring ߲ݴý’s history and identity over the last 30 years. This exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges and the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Thursday, October 3: 7:45 a.m. - midnight
Friday, October 4: 7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, October 5: Noon - 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 6: Noon - midnight
Theatre Production Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical = Everyone
Annie L McDonald Theatre, Elder Theatre Center
Matilda is one of storyteller Roald Dahl’s most beloved characters: an extraordinary girl with impressive wit, intelligence and telekinetic abilities. School becomes an escape from her unloving parents as Matilda quickly wins over her sweet teacher, Miss Honey. Together, they dare to take a stand to change their destinies. But are they any match for the brutal headmistress, Miss Trunchbull?
Purchase tickets online at nebrwesleyan.edu/theatre-tickets, call (402) 465-2384 or visit the box office between 3-5 pm, Monday – Friday
Showtimes:
Thursday, Friday and Saturday (October 3-5), 7:30 p.m.
Sunday (October 6), 2 p.m.