UNO Gerontology Students Host Intergenerational Senior Prom with Omaha Community Partners

➡️ What’s new: The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Department of Gerontology brought generations together this spring through a vibrant, student-led Senior Prom, showcasing the power of service learning and community partnership.

Hosted on UNO’s campus at the Thompson Alumni Center, the 2026 Senior Prom was made possible through collaboration with The Salvation Army, Trailblazers Afterschool Academy, and Lewis and Clark Middle School. The free event welcomed older adults connected to partner organizations, along with middle school and UNO students who worked side-by-side to design and deliver the experience.

💡 Why it matters: The event highlights UNO’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement, giving students hands-on opportunities to build relationships across generations while addressing social connection and well-being for older adults.

📊 By the numbers:

• Dozens of attendees from across Omaha’s community organizations
• Three generations represented: middle school, college students, and older adults
• Multiple interactive activities spanning decades of music and culture

📰 Driving the news: Planning for the Senior Prom began months in advance, with Lewis and Clark Middle School students visiting UNO’s campus to collaborate with gerontology students and Service Learning Academy staff. Together, they brainstormed and voted on a spring-themed concept, selected decorations, and developed engaging activities.

🔍 Zoom in: The result: a lively celebration complete with music, dancing, and shared experiences.

A DJ set the tone with hits from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, while activities like music bingo and karaoke invited guests to engage with songs spanning generations. The dance floor quickly filled as participants showed off their moves during classic group dances and upbeat party songs.

Spring-inspired décor—featuring butterflies, flowers, and a balloon arch photo area—created a festive backdrop. Refreshments and snacks were available throughout the evening.

Middle school students welcomed guests at the door, helping create a welcoming environment from the moment attendees arrived. Throughout the event, students and older adults connected through conversation, laughter, and shared activities.

Prizes were awarded to winners of musical bingo, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

📚 Expanding learning beyond the classroom: Students enrolled in GERO 4690: Working with Minority Elderly also attended the Senior Prom, applying course concepts in a real-world setting. The class focuses on culturally responsive care and engagement with diverse aging populations—an approach reflected in the event’s inclusive, community-centered design.

🌍 The big picture: The Senior Prom reflects UNO’s strategic focus on community engagement and student success, offering meaningful, real-world learning opportunities while strengthening ties across Omaha.

👏 Acknowledgements: The success of the event was made possible through the leadership and collaboration of faculty, staff, and students. Special thanks to Dr. Lyn Holley, professor in the Department of Gerontology; Lindsay Sanders, manager of the Service Learning Academy; Rosey Higgs, associate director of the Office of Engagement and Service Learning; and Wyatt Smith, graduate assistant in the Service Learning Academy, for their contributions in planning and executing the event.

⚡What's next: UNO continues to expand service learning and community-based experiences, creating more opportunities for students to engage, lead, and make an impact beyond the classroom.

UNO’s Senior Prom wasn’t just a celebration—it was a living example of how intergenerational partnerships can foster connection, learning, and joy for the entire community.