KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney is welcoming students back to campus with a pair of community events celebrating the start of a new academic year.
Blue Gold Showcase is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Friday on the UNK campus, and the Loper Lot Party returns from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 26 at Yanney Park. Both events are free and open to the public.
The activities are part of Blue Gold Welcome, UNK’s annual back-to-school celebration that introduces new students to campus and the Kearney community while giving returning Lopers another opportunity to reconnect.
“Blue Gold Welcome is one of UNK’s most meaningful and enduring traditions, bringing the Loper community together to welcome our newest students,” said DJ Hardwick, assistant director of UNK Student and Family Transitions. “It is especially meaningful because this is the last time the entire incoming class will be together until graduation, creating a powerful sense of community and belonging from the very beginning.”
BLUE GOLD SHOWCASE
A longstanding UNK tradition, Blue Gold Showcase brings students, faculty, staff and community members together on the campus greens near Cope Fountain for an evening of food, activities and entertainment.
About 210 businesses, campus organizations and other exhibitors will participate in this year’s event, giving students a chance to learn more about UNK and the Kearney community. Vendors offer games, activities, giveaways and prizes, and many also promote employment opportunities for students.
Chancellor Neal Schnoor will host a community picnic from 5 to 8 p.m. as part of Blue Gold Showcase. The free meal is open to students, employees and community members.
The evening also features an exhibition performance by UNK’s Pride of the Plains Marching Band, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Cope Stadium.
Blue Gold Showcase is among several activities planned for new students as they begin their UNK experience. Blue Gold Welcome also includes traditions such as the Parade of Lopers and Convocation, along with orientation activities designed to help students meet classmates and become familiar with campus.
“Blue Gold Welcome is about more than celebrating the start of a new year,” Hardwick said. “Orientation gives students an important foundation for success by helping them build connections, discover resources and gain the confidence to navigate college from the very beginning. We want every new student to leave the weekend feeling excited about what is ahead and knowing they belong at UNK.”
LOPER LOT PARTY
The celebration continues Aug. 26 when UNK takes the festivities to Yanney Park for the Loper Lot Party.
Scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m., the family-friendly community event features food trucks, outdoor recreation, music and other activities.
Food trucks participating this year are MKS Ice Cream, Funky Monkey Shaved Ice and More, Never Enough Q, Budda’s Meats, Lemony Split, The Soda Shop and DonutNV.
Attendees can play yard games or get on the water for kayaking and paddleboarding with UNK Campus Recreation. A student DJ will provide music, and Loper Programming and Activities Council will host karaoke as part of the event.
Parking is available at Yanney Park, and UNK will provide free shuttle service for students from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The shuttle will pick up students at the northwest corner of the Nebraskan Student Union.
The Loper Lot Party gives students another chance to connect with each other and the broader Kearney community as the new academic year gets underway.
“There is an incredible energy on campus during Blue Gold Welcome,” Hardwick said. “From the Parade of Lopers and Convocation to time with their herds and the Loper Lot Party, students are beginning traditions, meeting new people and creating some of their first memories as Lopers. It is our chance to celebrate the start of their UNK experience and show them just how excited this community is to have them here.”
