Chancellor Li: Supporting Our Military Community

Mavericks,

As an urban university we pride ourselves in the many ways we serve our community.

What makes this place special is it attracts people who view service as more than an action or a good deed. UNO is special because of the more than 1,800 military veterans, veteran spouses and dependents, current military members, and ROTC cadets who call UNO home. They understand service to family, community, and country as a duty and a calling that comes from inside of you. Their passion for service is infectious, and UNO is stronger because of their presence.

Today, many of us are navigating the emotions that surround the end of the war in Afghanistan, the upcoming 20-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and the homecoming of fallen Marine Cpl. Daegan Page – the 23-year-old Omaha native who was killed in the Aug. 26 attack on Kabul’s airport. As we reflect on these events, please keep our military-connected community in your thoughts. As strong as I know they are, this is a difficult time for them as well.

In times like these, we can all feel lost, confused, or helpless. I encourage the entire Maverick family in search of an outlet to find their own way to serve, whether that comes in the form of volunteering in the community, exploring service-learning opportunities at UNO, checking in on a veteran friend or family member, or taking care of yourself. For anyone struggling, there are resources available to support your emotional wellbeing.

Thank you all for finding ways both big and small to serve each other and our community.

Sincerely,

Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA

UNO Chancellor