The University of Nebraska–Lincoln will celebrate its history and look ahead to its future during the 2026 Charter Day Celebration on Feb. 13.
The event begins at 2 p.m. at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, 2021 Transformation Drive, with a reception to follow at 3 p.m. A livestream will be available. Free event parking will be provided in the paved lot north of Transformation Drive. On-street parking at meters will continue to be enforced by the City of Lincoln until 6 p.m.
Charter Day commemorates the University of Nebraska’s founding in 1869 and serves as a moment to reflect on the institution’s mission of teaching, research, creative activity, extension and service to the state. This year’s celebration carries added significance as Katherine S. Ankerson begins her tenure as interim chancellor.
“Charter Day is a celebration of our past and a renewal of our commitment to the people of Nebraska,” Ankerson said in an invitation to the university community.
The program will focus on shared purpose and optimism for UNL’s future. Deans and other university leaders will share the “why” behind their work and how their colleges and units are advancing the university’s mission to empower future generations to lead with courage and purpose.
Ankerson said UNL’s strength lies not only in its land-grant mission and statewide reach, but also in the people who carry that mission forward every day.
“Our strength comes from our roots in our state, but it also comes from you,” she said. “It’s our people. It’s our place. It’s our time.”
The celebration is designed to bring together faculty and staff from across the university, reinforcing that UNL’s work grows stronger through collaboration with one another and with communities and industries across Nebraska.
