Thunderous “Go Big Red!” chants and Husker fight songs filled the air March 29 as more than 1,280 prospective students took part in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Admitted Student Day.
The annual event, organized by the Office of Admissions, offers high school seniors already admitted to the university along with family members and friends to explore campus, meet one-to-one with members of the academic community, and celebrate with future classmates.
“Our Admitted Student Day is the ultimate on-campus experience for high school seniors who want to know what it means to be a Husker,” said Kayla Tupper, associate director of Admissions. “This is a day our entire campus community comes together to roll out the red carpet and show these future Huskers that Nebraska is the place for them.”
Students and guests toured residence halls, dined in campus dining halls, and connected with academic programs, student organizations and support services.
In total, the 1,280-plus admitted students were accompanied by more than 2,150 family members and guests. Nearly 70% of students attending hailed from communities across the Cornhusker State.
The day opened in Nebraska’s iconic Coliseum with a pep rally (pictured above) that featured opportunities to interact with Herbie Husker and Lil' Red, a rousing performance by a Cornhusker Marching Band pep band and Nebraska Spirit Squad, and inspiring words from Christine Trinh, a 2023 alumna who now works as an investment and corporate analyst for BMO Bank in Chicago.
Trinh welcomed the participants to campus and discussed the life-defining journey that awaits them at Nebraska U.
“You’re making an incredible choice,” Trinh said to those in attendance. “Nebraska will challenge you, support you, and prepare you for whatever comes next. I can’t wait to see what you all accomplish.
"Welcome to the Nebraska family and Go Big Red!”
Realta Lennon, a prospective student who was born in Ireland and now lives in Arnold, Nebraska, said the rally was a perfect way to open the day.
“The atmosphere here is amazing and I’m loving everything about it,” said Lennon, who plans to pursue a career in health care. “Today is going to be a great day as I get to meet with faculty and staff, connect with other students and learn everything about what it means to be a Husker.”
As participants streamed out of the Coliseum to experience academic programs and other activities across campus, Ellie Stein of Ashland, Nebraska, said she was excited for an additional opportunity to explore.
“I’ve visited campus a few different times and each time I learn something new that gets me more excited to be a student here,” said Stein, who plans to pursue a career in speech pathology. “I’m really excited for the hands-on experiences that students are offered. Today, my plan is to meet more of the staff and others in the freshman class who will be here in the fall.
“This is a great opportunity to make more connections that will help me grow in my journey toward a future career.”
(Clockwise from left) A student examines a printed 3D model car during a lab tour in Kiewit Hall. A staff member answers questions from students and parents during a tour of Abel Hall. Amanda and Emmitt Perryman laugh as Kirk Kuenzi, a local artist, draws a caricature of them during a tailgate celebration for admitted students at the Wick Alumni Center on March 28.
Admitted Student Day was a second chance for Chicagoan Ryan Loehr to visit Nebraska U — his first being decked out in University of Illinois gear for a fall 2024 football game with the Huskers.
“Everyone says how nice Nebraska fans are and we definitely got to experience that,” said Loehr, who plans to study civil engineering. “Everyone thanked us for coming and said they hoped we had a good time. I thought that was really awesome.”
That experience, coupled with influence from his father (who has interacted with Nebraska U through his science education nonprofit) and an opportunity to pursue a Big Ten degree drew Loehr to see what it means to be a Husker.
“The civil engineering program here is amazing and I can’t wait to meet with them and learn about the opportunities they offer,” Loehr said. “But, Nebraska being a Big Ten school is why I am here. Schools in the Big Ten are big time universities. They are vibrant, full of life, offering opportunities and connections that last a lifetime.
“From everything I’ve seen, Nebraska definitely has all of those things. I am so excited to be a part of it.”
