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Mavericks Celebrate the Start of the 2024-2025 School Year

UNO kicked off the new school year with excitement and community spirit as students celebrated at MavFEST and Convocation as part of Durango Days, UNO's official welcome week.

  • published: 2024/08/30
  • contact: Bella Lockwood (Watson) - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu

Highlights

  • Over 1,000 students attended UNO’s annual MavFEST and Convocation where they received free swag, food, and drinks.

  • Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D, CFA, welcomed new and returning students, emphasizing the diverse backgrounds represented at UNO, which includes 15,328 students from 66 countries, with over 41% of undergraduates being first-generation college students.


While the first week of classes is coming to an end at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), the next chapter is only beginning for the Mavericks.

The weather may have been hot, but UNO’s students were on fire! New and returning students got down with DJ KLC and Alyssa from Power 106.9, kicked back with student organizations and local businesses, and chilled out with an ice-cold Coca-Cola provided by UNO’s Office of Spirit, Tradition, and Signature Events.

Following the party in the Pep Bowl, Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, enthusiastically greeted Mavericks old and new at the 2024-2025 Convocation at Caniglia Field.

“As a first-gen and former international student, I know personally how exciting moving to a new place can truly be. I am so glad you have chosen UNO to be the destination for you,” said Li. “Our Mavericks come from many different backgrounds. UNO has 15,328 students that represent 66 countries represented, with 41.3 percent of our undergraduate population being first-gen.”

As the new school year begins, Mavericks are not just stepping into another semester, but embracing a new chapter filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference.

Mavericks can stay engaged with campus events throughout the year by exploring UNO’s Events Calendar and checking their email for the student Bullseye newsletter and the Maverick Daily for employees.

Students wanting to get involved on campus can check out the student organizations portal on Presence.

MavFEST and Convocation

More than 1,000 students came together to launch Durango Days with MavFEST and Convocation. Power 106.9 kept the energy high before Chancellor Li welcomed the crowd. The event featured free food, drinks, and entertainment, all capped off by a spectacular fireworks show!

Power 106.9 with DJ KLC and Alyssa

Local radio station Power 106.9 kept Mavericks energized for the week with music, dancing, and exciting giveaways! The DJ duo filled the Pep Bowl with lively beats and plenty of prizes.

A Giant Candy Salad with the Office of Spirit, Tradition, and Signature Events.

Students got a sugar-fueled boost of energy from the 2,000-pound bowl of candy salad in the Pep Bowl.

Hump Day with Maverick Productions

What’s more calming than spending time with a camel? Thanks to Maverick Productions, students had the chance to unwind and hang out with a friendly camel from Scatter Joy Acres.

Student Involvement Fair

The annual Student Involvement Fair connected students with campus life, offering information and resources on student organizations, clubs, and volunteer opportunities.