On February 15, 1869, the University of Nebraska received its charter. 150 years later, we created a celebratory mark to cap all of the events and activities celebrating this milestone.

More than 500 Huskers listened as U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse participated in a question and answer session with students, faculty and staff in a Charter Week kickoff event on Feb. 11 at the Coliseum.

During Charter Week, the Husker community came together to celebrate! From on-campus festivities to red lights shining all over the globe, it was our biggest birthday yet. Nebraska’s 150th anniversary celebration rolled onto center court at the February 13 Husker men’s basketball game. During halftime, fans were treated to a tribute to the university’s 150 years including a performance by Nebraska Steel, the university’s first student ensemble dedicated to playing steel drum music, and Herbie Husker leaping from a cake.

Husker spirit shined on Februrary 14 as City, East and Innovation Campuses were lit red for Glow Big Red and Huskers everywhere were challenged to light it (light their homes or businesses red), fly it (fly their Nebraska N red flags), wear it (wear their Nebraska gear) and give it in honor of the university's sesquicentennial.

Charter Day wrapped up with Music and Milestones at the Lied Center, a show featuring performances by over 300 artists and appearances by Jeff Zeleny, Husker alumnus and senior White House correspondent for CNN, and actress and Nebraska native Marg Helgenberger. 

Building upon the momentum of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 150-year history, Chancellor Ronnie Green used his Jan. 15 State of the University address to chart a bold course for the institution’s next quarter-century.

Part of the Chancellor's speech highlighted the history of each of its 25 years since the charter in 1869. Below is a sample of the illustrations (done by Brett Affrunti) used during that portion of the speech.

Our 150th year also brought changes to our graduation ceremonies. Due to the size of the graduating class, the spring undergraduate commencement exercise was split into two ceremonies. We also rolled out updated gonfalons, as well as, robes and regalia for graduates, administrators and commencement marshals.

Plenty of other events and activities marked a truly unforgettable year, here's a video summary of all the highlights of our 150th anniversary.