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YOUR GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT LIFE

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA FALL 2014 | ISSUE 4.0

A NEW ERA OF #MavSPIRIT IN THIS ISSUE

Jordan Koch Talks Spirit 2Meaning Behind the O 3Introducing Durango 6UNO Athletes on MavSPIRIT 8Tailgating Tips 9TEDXUNO Coming in 2015 11Student Spotlight 12

UNO has officially reinvigorated Maverick Spirit on our campus. More Mavericks than ever are proudly showcasing their spirit, showing the O, and setting record participation numbers. It has never been a greater time to be a Maverick.

DEAR MAVERICKS,

I was asked to give the students of UNO a few tips on how to let their Maverick spirit shine. But before I can do that, I encourage you all to think about your personal definition of spirit and how you show your spirit on campus already.

For me, spirit is something I show every day because I truly love UNO and being a Maverick, and I am not really afraid to show it. Whether it’s cheering and singing the fight song obnoxiously loud at an athletic event or trying to wear UNO apparel every Friday, I show my spirit and try to pass that spirit on to my peers.Here are my top five tips for showing off your #MavSPIRIT:

1. Own at least one piece of UNO apparel and wear it. I’m not saying you have to buy a full UNO wardrobe, but I definitely won’t stop you. Here is my challenge for you: try to have your clothes on Fridays feature UNO’s primary color, black, and the big O. Anyone who sees it should know you are a Maverick. Whether it be on campus or in the community, do not be afraid to show the O.

2. Know the UNO fight song. The song really embraces what it means to be a Maverick. The song starts, “We will fight, fight, fight for our Mavericks.” This may seem crazy, but imagine every student in the student section at an athletic event singing the UNO fight song. How cool, right?

3. Get a picture with Durango, our mascot. Remember when you were seven, and you were so excited to see your favorite Disney or cartoon character in real life? Well, try to have that same spirit and enthusiasm. Be a kid again and take a quick selfie and don’t forget to post it using #MavSPIRIT to your favorite social networking site.

4. Attend as many campus events as possible, including athletic events, student organization events, housing events, Durango Days, or Homecoming events. There are more offered each week than I can even count, and almost all of these events are free to students. Some of the best memories I have from my time at UNO were made at free on-campus events.

JORDAN KOCH, STUDENT REGENT, PICTURED WITH LYNN HOLLEY, FACULTY SENATE CO-CHAIR

5. Now, the most important tip. Be proud to be a Maverick. Appreciate and take part in all the opportunities that UNO has to offer. Everything on campus is here for you, so don’t miss out on some great experiences. Now really is the best time to be a Maverick -- embrace it.

GO MAVS!

DURANGO, THE MAVERICK, HAS BEEN UNO’S FEARLESS MASCOT FOR 43 YEARS.

In 1971, an estimated 2,000 voters turned out for the Student Senate elections on campus. Among the items on the ballot was the selection of a new mascot for our University. The final tally, as reported by The Gateway:

Also referred to as the “O,” the Campus Icon is a symbol that has several layers of meaning. The Campus Icon is designed to suggest momentum and innovation, as well as celebrate our campus mascot. It also symbolically represents the letters U, N, and O.

THE MEANING OF THE CAMPUS ICON

DID YOU KNOW?31%

MAVERICK

28% UNICORN

22% ROAD

RUNNER

19% DEMON

Getting your #MavSPIRIT on at UNO!

Campus highlights... through the lens.

INTRODUCING DURANGOWhat would you do if you had become a unicorn back in 1971?

Are there any other mascots you’ve learned from?

How do you show off your MavSPIRIT?

What’s your favorite jam?

When it’s game day, do you also get the players excited before they play?

What UNO service event do you like best?

I would have been totally bummed. Unicorns are awesome, don’t get me wrong, but being a maverick suits me best.

The Oregon Duck is my top motivator. He has motivated me to invent a unique celebration that I do when our team scores, like when he does push-ups to celebrate Oregon scoring. I have decided to do pull ups for every point our teams score.

I also consider Billy Bluejay another role model for me in the way he interacts with kids and gets down on their level. I’ve learned the hard way that if you just stand up tall in front of them, it makes you look really big and scary, but making yourself smaller, like Billy, allows for those kiddos to find you more approachable.

I show my MavSPIRIT best at sporting events. I love being able to get the crowd rockin’ by leading them in slow claps and stomps and waving my arms to get them to cheer even louder.

You can always feel the energy, and it is contagious. I also show my MavSPIRIT by doing secret handshakes, high fives, and practical jokes with UNO students, faculty, and staff.

My favorite jam is strawberry.

Oh, oops! The other kind of jam! I would say my favorite jam is “Animals” by Martin Garrix, which is a techno song. I like this song because it has a fast beat and great bass, which makes me want to dance. Also, I like it because it talks about being an animal, which I am, so I can totally relate to it.

Definitely!

We do our secret handshakes and chest bumps to get pumped up. I also participate in huddles and write my pep talks on white boards.

My favorite UNO service event is definitely 3 Days of Service. I like it best because I can use my hooves to build things like tables and chairs for the open door mission.

It also gives me a chance to meet new people and make new friends. This event makes me feel like I am making a difference by helping those in need.

INTRODUCING DURANGODo you do anything during the off season?

UNO has tons of resources for students on our campus. Which ones do you utilize most often?

You against Hockey Team Captain Dominic Zombo. Who wins?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I don’t really have an off season. If there aren’t any games going on then you can find me attending classes and community events, so I am constantly busy.

Since I don’t have as many obligations during the summer, I find time to hang out with my cousin Benny in Chicago. We go boating, sit on the beach and catch some rays, and attend some Cubs games. I also visit my mom and dad back on the ranch. They always make me a homecooked meal.

I utilize the writing center most often to get help with my spelling. I am a horrible speller. I once spelled my mom’s name wrong on her birthday present, and she made me sleep in the bull pen that night.

Is that really a question? Of course I would win. I am physically stronger than him, plus I have a longer reach, not to mention I have two pretty decent sized horns on the sides of my head. I will admit that even though I am rough and tough, I do have a soft side that I inherited from my dad’s side of the family (this softness is evident in my cousin Benny, the Chicago Bulls’ mascot.)

This tenderness makes me empathetic for others, so if I had to go up against Dom, I would make it look like I tried really hard to beat him, but in the end, I would let him win. He is one of our beloved hockey captains, after all.

I want to be a professional firefighter when I grow up. I am big, tough, and physically fit. Staying fit is important to me, and it’s also an important part of being a firefighter. Soon, my body will be in the best shape of my life, and I will have abs like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Being a firefighter will give me a sense of pride in the fact that I can help others. Plus, I’m sure being a firefighter won’t hurt when I’m looking for a date.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MAVERICK?

AND BEING A GREAT TEAMMATE. Kimberly Baily, SeniorWomen's Volleyball Public Relations/Advertising, Speech Communications Graphic Design minor

BEING A MAVERICK MEANS working hard to reach your goals, ACTING PASSIONATELY and enthusiastically with anything and everything you do

you're apart of a family

Dominic Zombo, SeniorMen’s Hockey Business Administration

and takes prideA FAMILY THAT STICKS TOGETHER

IN EVERYTHING THEY DO.

BEING A MAVERICK MEANS

NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS WITH AN AUDIENCE AND WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING.

Nick Miller, Senior Men's Soccer Criminal JusticeSociology minor

BEING A MAVERICK MEANS A LOT TO ME. It means doing the right thing on and off the field

you will always have a family to turn to.

I have the blessing of running not only for

my teammates and myself,

MiKayla Peck, SeniorWomen's Cross Country Business AdministrationMarketing and Management

BEING A MAVERICK IS BEING PART OF A

FAMILY OF MANY.

BUT FOR MY UNIVERSITY.

to succeed in all that we do

DESPITE THE ODDS.

Katie Kesti, JuniorWomen's Golf Neuroscience

AS MAVERICKS, WE ARE DETERMINED

when the times get tough

This is what separates theSUCCESSFUL FROM THE UNSUCCESSFUL,

WE CONTINUE TO FIGHT THROUGH IT.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MAVERICK?

GREAT PASSION

PHENOMENAL!

for what they are engaging in.

Ashley Kildow, Senior Women's Cross Country Exercise Science

IT IS A TRUE HONOR TO BE A MAVERICK.Every athlete and student has

The spirit that comes with being a Maverick is

FOUNDATION

Karl Krieser , SeniorMen's Golf BioinformaticsChemistry Minor

Being a Maverick has been the

I am privileged enough to be able to

of my college experience.While furthering my education,

TRAVEL THE COUNTRY PLAYING the game I love with a group of great guys

BECAUSE OF UNO ATHLETICS.

IT MEANS SHOWING GREAT CHARACTER,

in the Omaha community.Mark Moulton , SophomoreMen’s Soccer Finance

Being a Maverick is a privilege.

LEADERdoing what's right,having school pride, and being a

GET YOUR MAVSPIRIT ONTailgating is a fun social event celebrating any sport or athletic team, whether it be UNO women’s volleyball or men’s soccer, and it’s a great way to get your MavSPIRIT on. It can be done in a parking lot, your backyard, or even in your residence hall. If you feel like your tailgating skills aren’t as good as your neighbor’s, here’s a list of great tailgating tips that will make your tailgate awesome.

TIP #1 PUT TOGETHER A GAME PLAN

When planning your tailgating event, check the tailgating rules and regulations for your venue. Most residence halls and arenas have rules regarding the use of grills, when parking lots open, the use of propane heaters, and much more. Knowing these rules ahead of time will make sure you don’t have any penalty flags thrown during your tailgate party.

TIP #2 PREPARE FOR THE DAY

Make a list of the items that you want to bring with you, and check off the items as you pack. If you’re throwing your tailgate party somewhere other than

MAVERICK TAILGATING...SAFELY

your house or residence hall, pack your car the night before with non-perishable food, tables, chairs, trash bags, paper products, toilet paper, and all other supplies. Bring along enough chairs so everyone can be comfortable or suggest that guests bring their own chairs.

Make sure to bring enough food. You may want to have more food than you need just in case you have extra guests or you want to build friendships with other Maverick tailgaters by sharing your food. When buying food for your party remember your guests, make sure that you have the traditional crowd pleasing food items, and don't forget those that are dieting and any vegetarians.

Try to be prepared for anything by bringing along a first-aid kit, sunblock, rain gear, and even some antacid.

TIP #3 GET A HEAD START

If you’re taking your party to the game location, check it out ahead of time to stake out a good parking spot. Try to find parking at the end of a row as these spaces give you more room.

If you’re hosting the party at your place, make sure you have your food, soda, and game gear out and you’re ready for early arriving fans.

MAVERICK TAILGATING...SAFELY

TIP #4 DESIGN YOUR SPACE

A good tip for tailgaters when preparing for the day is to try to combine the comforts of home and support for their team. When setting up your space, remember that you need plenty of room to cook and serve food easily. Decorate your tailgating area with UNO pennants, flags, or pompoms.

TIP #5 BE A KIND TAILGATER

Be a friendly tailgating neighbor by being open and welcoming others to your party.

Always lend a helping hand. Helping out fellow tailgaters can lead to great friendships.

Don’t litter. Bring plenty of trash and recycling bags and always clean up after your party.

Gas or charcoal grilling will be a debate that will continue until the end of time, but no matter what you use, be careful. If you are using a charcoal grill, don’t dump hot ashes on the ground, dispose of them properly. Place ashes in some heavy duty aluminum foil, then douse the ashes with water before placing them in a nonflammable receptacle.

TIP #6 BE A CONSCIOUS COOK

Remember food safety: keep raw meat in a separate cooler, don’t take it out until it’s time to grill, and cook all meat thoroughly.

Don’t leave food sitting out for more than two hours.

Remember to bring zipper storage bags. These bags are great for marinating, storing leftover food, and makes cleaning up easier.

Food should be ready at least an hour and a half before the game in order to give you plenty of time to eat and clean up.

Keep soap, water, and paper towels on hand to keep hands clean during cooking and for after you eat.

DID YOU KNOW?Tailgating traces its roots back to 1869 and what’s believed to be the first intercollegiate football game — between Rutgers University and Princeton University. Fans arrived in carriages, bringing picnics.

UNO will be hosting our very first TEDx event, TEDxUNO, on February 28, 2015 in the Strauss Performing Arts Center and the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center.

TED is a nonprofit dedicated to spreading ideas through short, powerful talks, and TEDx events are designed to spark connections and conversations on a local level.

TEDxUNO is a half-day series of presentations curated by the

TEDxUNO planning committee, which includes representation from students, faculty, and staff. The goal of TEDxUNO is to to foster learning, inspiration, and wonder – and inspire conversations that matter. Learn more at TEDxUNO.com.

TEDxUNO will feature people from the UNO student body, staff, faculty, and the community to speak on the topic of Community. lf you’re interested in speaking at

TEDxUNO, learn more and apply at TEDxUNO.com.

Stay tuned for speaker announcements and ticket information on TEDxUNO.com.

DON’T JUST MOUTH THE UNO FIGHT SONG.

LEARN THE WORDS AND SING ALONG.CLICK HERE

FIGHT SONG

What were some of the biggest lessons you learned while working towards your degree?

The biggest lesson was a “smack in the face” freshman year. I was a 4.0 student in high school, and freshman year I thought I could manage a 17 hour course load while working 54 hours a week. Basically, I thought I was superwoman. I actually failed two online courses, but I met with my advisor, and he helped me get back on track. Another big lesson I learned was the importance of trying new things, even if you’re scared, because you’re not going to meet new people if you stay in your comfort zone.

Tell us about your experience in the Academic & Career Development Center (ACDC)

I was a sophomore, and I wanted a new job with better pay and something that looked better on my resume. I went to a resume review appointment, which I really needed. By the end, there was red all over my resume. It was a huge learning experience, and I loved it. Later, I took my resume to the Fall Career Fair hosted by ACDC, and that’s when I found my internship at Union Pacific.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

How strongly would you recommend other UNO students utilize ACDC?

First, I think students are crazy not to use these services. Everyone in ACDC is extremely helpful, and if you’re looking for a good job after graduation, you should use their services. People pay a lot of money to do mock interviews and resume reviews with professional offices, but here at UNO it is FREE for students and alumni.

What was the process like for getting your internship?

I met one of the directors of recruiting at Union Pacific at the Fall Career Fair. She advised me to apply on Career Connect. Two days after I applied, I got a phone call for an interview. I was running all over Omaha to find a pant suit, because it was my first time interviewing with such a big company. I wanted to make sure I came off as professional.

I interviewed immediately at the Union Pacific Headquarters. After the interview, I sent a thank you note via email. I was called a couple days later for the second interview, which consisted of four

different directors looking for an intern in their department. The interview went really well. I sent a thank you note to each interviewer via email again, and my current boss gave me a call a couple days after that. And just like that, I had landed my first internship.

Did your internship end up landing you a full-time position with Union Pacific?

Yes, I got my offer a couple weeks ago. I got to work and started my day checking emails and found one with the subject, “Union Pacific Full-Time Offer.” I couldn’t open up the email fast enough. I was overwhelmed with joy and couldn’t wait to tell everyone the great news. Obviously, I accepted.

How have you applied what you are learning in the classroom to your work?

I have learned a lot about communication skills. With my current position in recruiting, I need to be able to communicate with different schools and career services teams, while speaking with students at various career fairs. In the corporate environment, it is important to finish things on time, so the time management skills I have learned have helped a lot.

Melissa Robinson Psychology with a concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Union Pacific Intern/Employee

University of Nebraska at Omaha Division of Student Affairs The Welcome Center 402-554-3977

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