Lily Tomlin once opined that "the road to success is always under construction." I've heard a number of variations and derivations of the quote over the years, used to serve various causes or efforts throughout the world.
But the core message remains the same: progress is defined by a constant rhythm and perpetual evolution.
Over the course of the past 20 years, the University of Nebraska at Omaha has undergone a significant amount of change. Various leaders have nudged the university to become more than the sum of its parts, working to give the oft-derided "commuter college" a much needed overhaul -- resulting in a metropolitan university that is attractive, cutting-edge, and hurling forward with a tremendous amount of momentum.
My wife Bridget and I are alumni of the university, and have continued our involvement with the university since graduating in 1996. Not only have we NEVER missed a UNO Hockey home game (since the nascent program began in 1997), we've also been involved with various outreach efforts like the UNO Young Alumni Academy.
It is our participation with the UNO Alumni Association that led us to an Oct. 21 open house at the university's newest facility -- Maverick Landing.
The new welcome and visitor center is part of Scott Campus and is located in the heart of Aksarben Village. The area -- once home to horse racing in Omaha -- houses various facilities, including UNO's College of Business Administration, The Peter Kiewit Institute, student dormitories, conference/meeting space, and Baxter Arena (a multi-use arena that houses the UNO Hockey program).
The area also features a number of businesses including Aksarben Cinema and Dudley's Pizza & Tavern (I am proud to say that both are among my business clientele).
Maverick Landing features open spaces for students to congregate, meet, study, and learn. There is a coffee bar and snack counter within the facility.
While I was chatting with my friend Lee Denker -- President and CEO of the UNO Alumni Association -- I learned that the folks who designed Maverick Landing were inspired by Apple Stores when it came to the overall asthetic and vibe for the project.
That spark is clearly seen in the facility.
The facility is brightly lit and has casual spaces that encourage engagement. There are also plenty of electrical outlets on hand for power-hungry devices.
According to the university's website, the space will also be used by UNO's Academic and Career Development Center (ACDC) -- for advising and workshops.
Our visit featured some terrific snacks (Scott Dining provides food services for the facility). We were also able to check out the dorm rooms in the facility -- apartment-style living with a shared kitchen and bathrooms in the 4-room unit.
I would like to thank Lee Denker and Elizabeth Kraemer for giving alumni the opportunity to see this venue (and for letting us bring our nieces along).
Maverick Landing is located near the intersection at 67th and Pine St. -- a hub of activity in Aksarben Village.
The new facility is a welcoming and inviting front door for the University of Nebraska at Omaha...
Well done!
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