Chancellor Honored for Commitment to Afterschool Programs
Collective for Youth has celebrated "Lights on Afterschool" on the UNO campus for four years
- contact: Charley Reed - University Communications
- phone: 402.554.2129
- email: unonews@unomaha.edu
OMAHA - In celebration of years of support for Omaha afterschool programming, University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Chancellor John Christensen was honored on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the annual Lights on Afterschool event hosted by the local non-profit Collective for Youth.
The surprise award was given to Christensen in front of more than 1,300 Omaha students at the Sapp Fieldhouse as well as several dozen educators, VIPs and afterschool program leaders.
The event marked the last Lights on Afterschool celebration Christensen will attend as chancellor, following his retirement announcement on Sept. 26.
The special recognition followed a set of awards given to fourt other advocates for afterschool education, including State Senators Heath Mello and Rick Kolowksi; Completely KIDS Executive Director Penny Parker; and Lavone Walker, an educator at Lewis and Clark Middle School.
This is the fourth year that Lights on Afterschool has hosted its annual celebration at UNO. The program, which is Nebraska's first, is part of nationwide initiative launched in 2000. The celebration was one of more than 8,000 held across the country.
In addition to recognizing local supporters of education, students in attendance had the chance to see demonstrations from local providers, including UNO departments like geology, biomechanics and biology, as well as book suppliers, the Omaha Police Department and others. In all, more than 30 unique providers were in attendance.
More information about Lights on Afterschool and Collective for Youth can be found at the Collective for Youth website.
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.
Become a fan of UNO on Facebook and follow UNO's Twitter updates. You can also keep up to date on important UNO News by following the UNO News Center Twitter account.
- News Sections:
- UNO News Center
- Maverick Daily
- The Bullseye
- Campus Events
Contact Us
If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu.
Our Campus. Otherwise Known as Omaha.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. Learn more about Equity, Access and Diversity.