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UNO to Celebrate 900+ Grads on Dec. 20

Omaha Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and musician Zach Miller will deliver the keynote address.

  • published: 2024/12/13
  • contact: Sam Peshek - UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) students participate in Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremonies at Baxter Arena.

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) students participate in Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremonies at Baxter Arena. Photo: UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

The stage is set for December Commencement at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), with more than 900 Mavericks prepared to receive their degrees across two ceremonies at 9 A.M. and 2 P.M., Friday, Dec. 20 at Baxter Arena.


📈 By the numbers:

  • 1,100+ total degrees will be conferred for December 2024.
  • 933 students plan on participating in the Dec. 20 ceremonies.
  • 82% of graduates are from Nebraska.
  • 305 undergraduates receiving degrees are first-generation students.
  • 23 countries and 32 U.S. states will be represented.
  • More than 400 degrees and certificates were conferred in August 2024; some Summer 2024 graduates will participate in Dec. 20 ceremonies.

🎙️ Keynote speaker: 2024 Omaha Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, NFL athlete, and musician Zach Miller will deliver the keynote addresses at both 9 A.M. and 2 P.M. ceremonies.


🌟 Awards and Recognitions:

  • Order of the Tower Award: John K. Wilson, a graduate of UNO with a degree in business administration, has led the Robert B. Daugherty Foundation as executive director since 2013. His career spans over 40 years in leadership, philanthropy, and service, including as a U.S. Air Force veteran.

  • Alumni Achievement Award: Jennifer Hamann, a graduate of UNO with an MBA, serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Union Pacific. Her career with Union Pacific spans over 30 years, reflecting her leadership in finance, marketing, and operations.

  • Chancellor’s Medal: Gina Ligon, Ph.D., Jack and Stephanie Koraleski Chair for Collaboration Science at UNO, is the founder and director of NCITE, the Department of Homeland Security’s Center of Excellence for counterterrorism research. A prolific scholar and award-winning educator, she champions collaborations that enhance UNO’s research and student impact.

  • Honorary Degree: Joan Squires, president of Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa), has transformed the arts landscape in Nebraska over two decades. With O-pa reaching over 550,000 people annually, Joan’s leadership embodies a commitment to community engagement.

  • Alumni Achievement Award: Reg Chapman, a UNO graduate with a degree in broadcast journalism, is an award-winning journalist and Gulf War veteran. His distinguished career includes covering major national stories and earning accolades such as the Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting.


👉 Run of show: Graduates will receive diplomas across two ceremonies at 9 A.M. and 2 P.M., with UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, presiding over both ceremonies.

  • 9 A.M.: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering (UNL), College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

  • 2 P.M.: College of Business Administration, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, College of Information Science & Technology, College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media.


🎉 Join the celebration: Guests planning to attend UNO commencement ceremonies are encouraged to explore the UNO Commencement website.


📺 Watch online: Can’t make it to Baxter to watch ceremonies in person? Catch the ceremonies online on the UNO Commencement 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.

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