Nebraska’s Hollie Swanson is on a homecoming mission.
Since taking on leadership of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s annual fall celebration in February, Swanson and the homecoming committee have worked to create a slate of events that offers something for every Husker.
“This year, we’re making a conscious effort to ensure everyone — students, faculty, staff, alumni and the public — has something to celebrate during homecoming,” Swanson said. “We’re on a mission to give everyone a chance to show their school spirit and pride in all the great things we do as a university.”
The work started with the adoption of an event theme. The team opted for the student-suggested Cornchella, an energetic and fun mix that captures the spirit of California’s iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival alongside a homegrown twist. Next, the team reviewed the homecoming events schedule, developing new ideas and reintroducing forgotten traditions, all to encourage broader participation.
“One of the biggest additions, and what I’m most excited about, is the Battle of the Bands, which is Wednesday evening at the Bourbon Theatre,” Swanson said. “Playing in this venue will be huge for our student bands, and the audience will elevate that experience even further.”
The Battle of the Bands features six local bands that include UNL students. Two will advance to a championship battle, which will play out during the Cornstock Festival on Oct. 4.
The committee also reinvigorated the Husker Spirit office decorating contest — a homecoming week event that was offered often in the past. The event drew 29 offices that decorated doorways on City and East campuses to reflect the Cornchella theme. The winner — which will be announced later this week — receives waffles from Dave Annis, director of University Dining Service.
Other updates include an ice cream social featuring a new “Cornchella” flavor (sweet corn ice cream with a caramel swirl) developed with the Dairy Store; a Husker History exhibition in Love Library; and an online scavenger hunt for students to attend events and earn entries into a drawing for free books for a semester (sponsored by the University Bookstore).
“The committee members and our campus partners have been incredibly supportive,” Swanson said. “When an idea was brought to the table, the team was always receptive and ran with it to make it happen. Together, we’ve found a way to elevate homecoming.”
Leading the homecoming preparation is an extension of Swanson’s current roll as director of administrative operations and strategic events for the Office of Student Life. She oversees many of Student Life’s large events, such as Big Red Welcome and Family Weekend, which drew a record number of more than 2,300 participants during the weekend of Sept. 27-29. She has also served as a member of the homecoming committee for five years.
“I absolutely love getting to serve our campus community, especially our students and playing a part of helping with student belonging and retention,” Swanson said. “I’m a very organized person and I like to create things, seeing them come to fruition. There is nothing better than seeing people enjoy themselves and have a good time because of the work I was a part of.”
