New planetarium to be dedicated at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at UNK Bruner Hall of Science

Glennis Nagel
Director, Media Communications, 308.865.8454

NEWS ADVISORY:

Formal dedication ceremonies for the new UNK Planetarium will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, just outside the planetarium in Bruner Hall of Science.

(I need your responses to both #1 and #2 NOTES TO MEDIA for planning purposes, if possible. Thanks. -gn)

#1 NOTE TO MEDIA: Because parking in that area of the campus is so limited during weekdays, it would be helpful to know (by noon on Thursday, Feb. 18, if possible) if you will be able to cover the dedication event. We have asked UNK Police and Parking Services to set aside some reserved parking for media.

Speakers and the order in which they will be speaking:

Welcome – Dr. Robert Rycek, dean, College of Natural & Social Sciences
Greetings – UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen
Comments – Dr. Charlie Bicak, senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs & Student Life.
Comments – Dr. Jose Mena-Werth, planetarium director
Student Perspective – Naomi Hastings of Kearney, physics major
Comments – U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson
Ribbon Cutting – U.S. Sen. Nelson and Hastings

There will be a reception and mini-planetarium shows after the ceremony.

#2 NOTE TO MEDIA: U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson will have a brief (15-20 – minute) media availability after the dedication in the Health Programs Conference Room, which is adjacent to (just east of) the dedication location on the first floor in Bruner Hall of Science. Phil Johansen, Kearney staff assistant to the senator, will be in charge of Sen. Nelson’s media availability. However, it would be helpful for planning purposes if you could let me to know whether you plan to participate in the media availability with the senator.

#3 NOTE TO MEDIA:  I’ll send you some background notes on the new facility Thursday afternoon or Friday morning, so you have the information before you come for the dedication.

Look forward to seeing you all here!!