To welcome students to campus and celebrate the upcoming academic year, the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services (OASIS) partnered with the UNITE student group to host a kickoff event on Sunday, Aug. 28.

The highlight of the event was the inspiring performance and education shared by the Many Moccasins Dance Troupe, a performance group from Winnebago, Neb. The multigenerational group told their native history through drums, flute, dancing and narration to an audience of approximately 160 students, faculty, staff and community members.

“We were very pleased with the turn out from the University of Nebraska community.  Students and staff members were present and that meant a lot to the OASIS staff, who worked the event,” said Interim Director of OASIS Charlie Foster.

“Our goal is to let people know that OASIS has a lot to share with the larger University community.  We have academic support for students, opportunities for student engagement and diversity programming.  It is our goal for every student to come and visit the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center.”

The hot day paired perfectly with ice cream from the UNL Dairy Store which was sponsored by University of Nebraska Inter-Tribal Exchange (UNITE). With the help of OASIS staff, the student organization served more than 300 scoops of ice cream and toppings galore to a hungry audience.

Each spring UNITE hosts their own pow-wow with dancers on campus. President Sky Morgan said the group will soon begin fundraising for their spring event and that they are currently brainstorming a celebration for Native American Heritage Month in November. UNITE has been a recognized student organization at UNL since 1974.