Wesleyan Weekend 2024

 Filled with traditions and events, Wesleyan Weekend has something for everyone. All NWU alumni, students, current parents, parents of alumni, family, and friends are welcome to attend. 

For questions about the upcoming Wesleyan Weekend, contact NWU Alumni Relations at alumni [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (alumni[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu) or (402) 465-2123. 

We look forward to seeing you this fall!

Reunion Team Volunteers

Join others serving on your milestone class reunion team to help make the weekend a great success. Contact us at alumni [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (alumni[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu) or (402) 465-2123 to sign up. As a reunion team volunteer, you will: 

• Encourage classmates and friends to attend your reunion and other Wesleyan Weekend activities (via social media, emails, phone calls, mailed notes, etc.) We can provide alumni contact information to help you connect!
• Find lost classmates through personal networks or online searches.
• Identify and plan special activities specifically for your class.
• Share Wesleyan Weekend content through your social media channels. To get up-to-date NWU info, please join and follow us on:
  • Facebook = Nebraska Wesleyan Alumni 
  • LinkedIn = Nebraska Wesleyan University Alumni 
  • Instagram = @nwuconnects
  • Website - nebrwesleyan.edu/alumni

Connect with NWU

Stay informed as we plan Wesleyan Weekend as well as other events throughout the year. We also want to celebrate your accomplishments with you and others! 

• Send us your updated contact and employment information on the Information Update page.
• Let us know about your recent life events or accomplishments to include in the “Class Notes” section of Archways Magazine at classnotes [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (classnotes[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu).

Hospitality Room = Everyone

Alabaster Lounge, second floor, Old Main

As you arrive on campus, stop by our Hospitality Room in Alabaster Lounge (elevator available). Pick up your NWU Wesleyan Weekend t-shirt, use this room as a meeting place for friends, rest up between events, get event updates and find answers to any questions during the weekend. Alumni Relations can also answer your questions. Just call or text Shelley McHugh’s cell at (402) 890-1333.

Friday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, October 5, 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Courtesy golf carts will be available during the day on Saturday to assist you on campus.

Self-guided campus tour = Everyone 

Take a walk down memory lane as you tour NWU’s historic campus. You can pick up a printed guide describing favorite stops at the Hospitality Room or print a copy from our website. 

Dining = Everyone 

Many Wesleyan Weekend events include food. You may also enjoy a convenient meal on campus. 

Archway Café Hours

Lower level, Story Student Center

7:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Thursday
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Friday
3 – 8:30 p.m. Saturday
3 – 11:30 p.m. Sunday

Prairie Point Dining Center Hours

Upper level, Story Student Center

7:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday thru Friday 
7:15 a.m. – 1 p.m., 5:30 – 7 p.m. Saturday - Sunday

Common Ground Café

Second floor, Acklie Hall of Science

7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Thursday 
7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Friday 
Closed Saturday and Sunday

Show your spirit! = Everyone

Wear your NWU colors with pride on campus. NWU Wesleyan Weekend t-shirts are available to purchase when you register online or by mail (quantities are limited.) You can also purchase NWU gear at our bookstore and get a 10 % discount by using this coupon.

Prairie Wolves Bookstore Hours

Upper level, Story Student Center 

Thursday, October 3, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
Friday, October 4, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
Saturday, October 5, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Lodging Options

All NWU Wesleyan Weekend guests may receive special hotel rates at the below establishments. To make a reservation please use the following phrasing—“I would like to make a reservation for NWU Wesleyan Weekend at the Nebraska Wesleyan negotiated rate.” Please book by the dates noted below.

Country Inn & Suites North 
5353 No. 27th Street 
(402) 403-1601 
Reserve by September 5
Rates are as follows: Thursday (October 3) $94; Friday & Saturday (October 4-5) $134 – Same rate applies for King and Queen (2 beds) 

Fairfield Inn and Suites 
4221 Industrial Avenue 
(402) 476-6000 
Reserve by September 9 
Rate is $174 for all nights with Queen (2 beds) 

Tru by Hilton Lincoln East 
305 No. 50th Street 
(531) 248-3500 
Reserve by September 19 
Rates are as follows: King Rooms: Thursday (October 3) $129; Friday and Saturday (October 4-5) $169; October 5 $169 
Queen (2 beds) Rooms: Thursday (October 3) $129; Friday and Saturday (October 4-5) $179

Plan your weekend!

Thursday, October 3

6 p.m. 
Legends and Legacies Alumni Award Dinner = Everyone 
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 Achievement Award 
Jennifer Cognard-Black ‘91 

Young Alumni Loyalty Award 
Ashton Honnor ‘13 

Alumni Loyalty Award 
Jo (Afrank) ’82 and Kirk ’83 Kinberg 

Alumni Medal of Honor 
Philip Mullin ‘65 

Young Alumni Humanitarian Award 
Nate Pattee ’09 (in absentia) 

Young Alumni Achievement Award 
Alicia (Dallman) Shoemaker ‘09

7:30 p.m. 
Screen on the Green - CANCELLED
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Screen on the Green event is cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Friday, October 4 

11:30 a.m. 
50th Class Reunion Luncheon and Medallion Ceremony = Class of 1974 alumni and guests
Prairie Wolf A & B, lower level Story Student Center 

Join us as we honor the class of 1974 with commemorative 50th year medallions. Social time will begin at 11:30 and medallions presented at 11:45 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon following the medallion ceremony.

1 p.m. 
Finding Lifelong Joy in Music Education Presentation = Everyone 
Emerson Recital Hall, lower level, Rogers Center for Fine Arts 

Hear NWU Outstanding Music Alumna award recipient Bethany (Eckloff) Rouse ’11 share her story as Owner and Administrative Director of Marble Music Studios.

1:30 p.m. 
Guided History Exhibit, “Reframing the Nebraska Wesleyan Saga: Who Are We Now?” = Everyone 
Learning Commons, 1st Floor, Cochrane-Woods Library 

University Archivist Martha Tanner will be your guide through this historical exhibit. The exhibit uses materials from the university archives to explore NWU’s history and identity over the last 30 years. This exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges and the Lilly Endowment, Inc. 

2 p.m. 
Walking Art Tour = Everyone 
Meet at Learning Commons, first floor, Cochrane-Woods Library 

Take in works from the university’s art collections. Tour stops include Acklie Hall of Science, Lucas Hall, Elder Gallery and LUX Center for the Arts. 

Golf carts available for on campus stops.

5 p.m. 
Artist Reception = Everyone 
Elder Gallery, Rogers Center for Fine Arts 

Hear from interdisciplinary artist Bri Murphy about their current installation, “Dear Helia,” at NWU. Refreshments provided.

6:30 p.m. 
All-Class Reunion = Alumni and guests; Faculty/Staff 
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 provided. 

8 p.m. 
“Howl Like Hell” Pep Rally = Everyone 
Abel Stadium 

Come watch this fun tradition as students participate in a cheer/dance/spirit competition to kick off their weekend celebration. We will announce the 2024 Platinum Prairie Wolf honorees. 

Saturday, October 5 

8:30 a.m. 
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction and Breakfast = Everyone 
Snyder Arena, Weary Center 

Hear the stories and honor the achievements of these outstanding alumni athletes as we celebrate the 2024 inductees during this annual awards breakfast, presented by the ‘W’ Club. 

Sara (Kunneman) Carlson ’02 – Women’s Soccer 
Pat (Dotson) Pettit – Spirit of the Plainsman 
Kim (Grosshans) Shaw ’94 – Track and Field 
Mark Specht ’96 – Men’s Basketball 
Cindy Turman ’00 – Women’s Basketball/Softball 
1999 Men’s Soccer Team (John Carlson, coach)

9 a.m. 
Fraternity and Sorority Open Houses = Greek Alumni 

Greek alumni will enjoy a look inside today’s NWU sororities and fraternities. Contact individual houses for more information. 

9:30 a.m. 
Phi Mu Alumnae Brunch = Phi Mu alumnae 
Sunflower Room, Story Student Center

Join fellow Phi Mu alumnae for conversation and a light brunch. RSVP by September 19 to Shalla Young at (402) 483-2121. 

10 a.m. 
Wolf2Wolf Gathering = Wolf2Wolf mentors/mentees 
Olin Lecture Hall Lobby

Mentors and mentees of the football Wolf2Wolf program will meet in the lobby of Olin B before team meetings. We’ll serve light refreshments.

11 a.m. 
Picnic and Carnival = Everyone 
Taylor Commons, East of Cochrane-Woods Library

Join us for this family-friendly picnic and carnival featuring free food, inflatables, music, games and an ice cream truck! 

11 a.m. 
Outdoor Yoga = Everyone 
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, Dr. Karla Jensen. Mats will be available or you may bring your own. 

1 p.m. 
Football vs. Buena Vista University = Everyone 
Abel Stadium 

Students: $3; Adults: $6 (Pay at the door) 

Come cheer on the Prairie Wolves as they take on the Beavers. The halftime show includes a performance by NWU’s dance team, recognition of the Hall of Fame inductees, and introduction of the 2024 Platinum Prairie Wolf honorees. 

1 p.m. 
Music History and Theory Trivia Challenge = Music alumni
Gildersleeve Lounge (former Red Carpet Lounge), lower level, Rogers Center for Fine Arts 

Enjoy recalling information you learned about music history and theory while a student, reconnecting with fellow music alums and talking with favorite professors who walked you through it all. Prizes and snacks provided. This trivia event is hosted by emeriti professors Jean Henderson and Larry Jones and alumna Julie Allen ’84. Contact Julie at jaallen07 [at] hotmail.com (jaallen07[at]hotmail[dot]com) to reserve a spot!

1:30 p.m. 
Bingo on the Green = Everyone 
Taylor Commons (East of Cochrane-Woods Library) 

Once the picnic and carnival stop, the bingo begins with the chance to win fun prizes.

4:30 p.m. 
Music Showcase Concert featuring Students and Alumni = Everyone 
O’Donnell Auditorium, Rogers Center for Fine Arts 

Enjoy an afternoon full of vocal and instrumental music at the music showcase. Music alumni are invited to perform (2:30 pm band/4 pm choir rehearsals). If you’d like to participate, please contact Tom Trenney, Assistant Professor of Music, Choral Music and Conducting at tomtrenney [at] gmail.com (tomtrenney[at]gmail[dot]com) and/or Joshua Roach, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Activities at jroach [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (jroach[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu). The 2024 Outstanding Music Alumna award recipient Bethany (Eckloff) Rouse ’11 will be recognized during the performance. 

Going to Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical following the concert? Grab a convenient dinner at Prairie Point Dining Center between performances.

Sunday, October 6 

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

Recurring Events 

Art Exhibition “Dear Helia” = Everyone 
Elder Gallery, Rogers Center for Fine Arts 

Friday, October 4: 5-7 p.m. Reception with artist
Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6: 1-4 p.m.

Interdisciplinary artist Bri Murphy presents new work which explores themes of gender, childhood, and legacy in the context of an American political landscape. At the heart of this work is a reckoning; with the realities of existing in the U.S. today, with the ways in which we grapple with our own evolving identities, with the complexities of relating to the generations that raise us. 

History Exhibit, “Reframing the Nebraska Wesleyan Saga: Who Are We Now?” = Everyone 
Learning Commons, 1st Floor Cochrane-Woods Library 

Visit the library anytime during its open hours to view a new exhibit from the university archives exploring NWU’s history and identity over the last 30 years. This exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges and the Lilly Endowment, Inc. 

Thursday, October 3: 7:45 a.m. - midnight 
Friday, October 4: 7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
Saturday, October 5: Noon - 6 p.m. 
Sunday, October 6: Noon - midnight 

Theatre Production Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical = Everyone 
Annie L McDonald Theatre, Elder Theatre Center 

Matilda is one of storyteller Roald Dahl’s most beloved characters: an extraordinary girl with impressive wit, intelligence and telekinetic abilities. School becomes an escape from her unloving parents as Matilda quickly wins over her sweet teacher, Miss Honey. Together, they dare to take a stand to change their destinies. But are they any match for the brutal headmistress, Miss Trunchbull?

Purchase tickets online at nebrwesleyan.edu/theatre-tickets, call (402) 465-2384 or visit the box office between 3-5 pm, Monday – Friday 

Showtimes:

Thursday, Friday and Saturday (October 3-5), 7:30 p.m. 
Sunday (October 6), 2 p.m.