December 12, 2024
Dear Colleagues,
I am emailing to communicate that I have made the decision to postpone my investiture as the 21st Chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from Saturday, December 21, to a date to be determined in the spring. The investiture had been previously scheduled to take place in conjunction with Undergraduate Commencement ceremony.
Our Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies will take place as regularly scheduled December 20 and 21, respectively, at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
As you may know, Howard Hawks, a man who has meant so much to our university and the state of Nebraska as a leader, businessman, philanthropist and former Regent, passed away on December 6. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Baxter Arena in Omaha.
I join with many of you in mourning Howard's death. He was a pillar of the community and state of Nebraska, and his passing leaves a void for all who loved and respected him. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. By postponing the investiture to the spring, it will allow members of our university and statewide community to pay respect to Howard's legacy.
I look forward to celebrating the investiture with you at an appropriate time next spring.
Rodney D. Bennett
Chancellor