Wesleyan Weekend 2023

Mark your calendars and plan to join us from September 28 – October 1, 2023, for Wesleyan Weekend, a new twist on our annual Homecoming and Parents’ Weekends. Filled with traditions new and old, Wesleyan Weekend has something to offer everyone. NWU students, parents, alumni, family and friends are all welcome and encouraged to attend. We look forward to seeing you this fall!

For questions about Wesleyan Weekend, contact NWU Alumni Relations at alumni [at] nebrwesleyan.edu or (402) 465-2568.

Schedule of Events (subject to change)

We are in the process of scheduling activities for Wesleyan Weekend, so the information below is subject to change. Please check back often for the latest updates on this year’s planned events. The ability to register for events will be made available at a future date.

Thursday, September 28

6 p.m.
Legends and Legacies alumni award dinner
Main Ballroom, Country Club of Lincoln
3200 S. 24th Street, Lincoln

Join us for an evening of celebration as the Nebraska Wesleyan Alumni Association honors the achievements of distinguished alumni.

Alumni Loyalty Award
Christena Bush Baker (’76)

Young Alumni Humanitarian Award
Brenda Maldonado (’16)

Young Alumni Achievement Award
Chase McGrath (’09)

Alumni Medal of Honor
Kim (Roehrs) Moore (’90)

Alumni Achievement Award
Ron Stock (’78)

John Rosentrater Act of Valor Award
Ronold R. Tesch, M.D. (’62)

Friday, September 29

Noon
The Myth of Work-life Balance: Why “Self-care” Isn’t Working
Room 321, Smith-Curtis Administration Building

Profs. Megan Pendley, DSW, Toni Jensen, DSW, and Rebecca Czaja-Stevens, LICSW, explore how stereotypical strategies for self-care may not help achieve the goal of work-life balance. This interactive workshop will help you assess your personal wellness and give you tools to address your self-care needs.

2 p.m.
Of Prairie Wolves: A Post-centennial View of NWU
Learning Commons, Cochrane-Woods Library

Hear from Professor Emeritus Jim Schaffer, author of the new university history, Of Prairie Wolves. A book signing will follow. This presentation is made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges and the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

4 p.m.
Global Village
Abel Commons

NWU International Students host this family-friendly celebration of cultural diversity in the Nebraska Wesleyan community. Explore cultures from around the world with visits to the cultural presentations at tables. Enjoy cultural performances by local ethnic groups. Stay the entire time or drop in and out during the event.

5 p.m.
Class of 1963 reunion dinner
Heritage Room, Country Club of Lincoln
3200 S. 24th Street, Lincoln

Reminisce with classmates from 1963 during this special event. Continue the celebration at the all-class reunion in the main ballroom at 6:30 p.m.

5 p.m.
Class of 1973 reunion dinner and medallion ceremony
Balcony Room, Country Club of Lincoln
3200 S. 24th Street, Lincoln

We honor the class of 1973 with commemorative 50th year medallions. Continue the celebration at the all-class reunion in the main ballroom at 6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.
All-Class reunion
Main Ballroom, Country Club of Lincoln
3200 S. 24th Street, Lincoln

Reconnect with classmates and old friends at this special all-class reunion. Milestone classes will be recognized and have their photo taken. Drinks and heavy appetizers will be served.

8 p.m.
“Howl Like Hell” pep rally
Abel Stadium

Come watch this fun tradition as students participate in a cheer/dance/spirit competition to kick off their weekend celebration. The 2023 Platinum Prairie Wolf honorees will be announced.

Saturday, September 30

8:30 a.m.
Athletic Hall of Fame induction and breakfast
Snyder Arena, Weary Center

Honor the achievements of these outstanding inductees during the annual awards breakfast. 

Bret Blake (’05), track & field, football
Claire Kersenbrock (’03), track & field
Lisa (Wellman) Ringus (’00), volleyball
Ira Zeff, Spirit of the Plainsman Award

9 a.m.
Fraternity and Sorority open houses

9:30 a.m.
Campus tour
Lobby, Story Student Center

Take a walk down memory lane as you tour NWU’s historic campus. Led by current NWU students and staff, tour stops include visits to places new and old, including the recently-constructed Acklie Hall of Science. Golf cart transportation will be available.

9:30 a.m.
Phi Mu alumnae brunch
Sunflower Room, Story Student Center

Join fellow Phi Mu alumnae for conversation and a light brunch. Please RSVP by September 14 to Shalla Young at (402) 483-2121.

10:30 a.m.
Outdoor yoga
North Lawn, Cochrane-Woods Library

Join members of the NWU yoga club for an all-ages yoga class led by certified yoga teacher and mindfulness instructor, Prof. Karla Jensen. Mats will be available, or you may bring your own.

11 a.m.
Family picnic and carnival
Taylor Commons

Be a part of the pregame fun! This family-friendly event features free food, inflatables, music and games. Make some noise with our cheer and dance teams as the football team walks through Taylor Commons on their way to Abel Stadium.

1 p.m.
Football vs. Luther College
Abel Stadium
Students: $3; Adults: $6 (Pay at the door)

Come cheer on the Prairie Wolves as they take on the Norse. The halftime show includes a performance by NWU’s dance team, recognition of the Hall of Fame inductees and introduction of the 2023 Platinum Prairie Wolf honorees.

1:30 p.m.
Bingo on the green
Taylor Commons

Join us after the picnic and carnival for bingo on the green from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Complete with snacks and prizes! Open to all NWU students, families, friends and alumni.

4:30 p.m.
Music showcase concert featuring students and alumni
O’Donnell Auditorium, Rogers Center for Fine Arts

Enjoy a concert showcasing NWU's dynamic vocal and instrumental ensembles. Alumni are invited to perform a piece with our choir or band. If you’d like to participate, please contact Prof. Tom Trenney, director of choirs, at ttrenney [at] nebrwesleyan.edu, or Prof. Joshua Roach, director of bands, at jroach [at] nebrwesleyan.edu, for more information.

5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Soccer vs. Loras College
Abel Stadium

Catch a soccer double header and cheer on the Prairie Wolves as they take on the Duhawks. The women’s game begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 8 p.m.

Students: $3; adults: $6 (Pay at the gate.)

6 p.m.
Theatre pre-show reception
Miller Theatre, Elder Theatre Center

Join us for complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres and learn more about the Elder Theatre renovation.

Sunday, October 1

8:30/10:45 a.m.
Communion worship services
First United Methodist Church
2723 N 50th Street

Recurring Events

Reframing the Nebraska Wesleyan Saga: Who Were We Then?
Vaughan Archives Center, 2nd floor, Cochrane-Woods Library

Thursday, September 28, 7:45 a.m.–midnight
Friday, September 29, 7:45 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, September 30, noon–6 p.m.
Sunday, October 1, noon–midnight

This exhibit from the university archives explores NWU’s mission and identity during the first few decades of its history. View the exhibit any time the library is open September 1, 2023–December 31, 2024. This exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges and the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

NWU Art presents:
Wheel of Life/Tondos
Elder Gallery, Rogers Center for Fine Arts

September 28 – 29, 1–7 p.m.
September 30 - October 1, 1–4 p.m.

Always turning, Andrew Falkowski’s “Wheel of Life” tondo paintings have a restless visual, tactile quality that plays with modernist abstraction and ancient Greek kylix cups. His “Skin Deep” series slides between punk-rock disenfranchisement and trompe l’oeil fastidiousness. And his installation of handmade plaster chain link sculptures guide the viewer to explore.

NWU Theatre presents:
Pippin
McDonald Theatre, Elder Theatre Center

Purchase tickets at www.nebrwesleyan.edu/theatre-tickets, (402) 465-2384 or the box office Monday–Friday, 3-5 p.m.

Thursday September 28 – Friday September 29, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 30, 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 1, 2 p.m.

Note: some sexually suggestive content

Join us in this Tony Award-winning musical as Prince Pippin searches for an “Extraordinary” life of passion, significance and purpose. But inside this charismatic and sensual circus troupe, reality takes many shapes. And greatness shows up in unexpected places.