WHEN: Friday, April 16, 2010, 5 p.m.
WHERE: Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, 1505 S Street (east of Nebraska Union)

Lincoln, Neb., April 16, 2010 — The University of Nebraska–Lincoln celebrates the dedication and grand opening today of the new Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center during an event at 5 p.m. that is open to the public.

The ceremony outside the new center, 1505 S St., on UNL’s City Campus features performances by university students, including the Taiko Japanese Drummers, the Dancers of the Global Friends of Japan and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s stroll dance troupe.

“Although everyday is a great day to be a student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, I am particularly proud to be a Husker today,” said Justin Solomon, president of the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska, about the official opening of the new center.

Sara McCue, president of the Mexican American Student Association at UNL, who frequently works and studies at the center, said she wishes to thank the Gaughan family.

“By helping to create this new facility, you are impacting the lives of students across our campus,” McCue said. “You are helping to send a message about the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, one that says our university truly appreciates students from all walks of life.”

Construction of the $8.7 million, 30,000-square-foot center began in 2008 following receipt of the capstone gift from the family of Jackie D. Gaughan of Las Vegas. Funding was also received from the University of Nebraska Foundation Grants Committee and from the UNL student body, which voted in March 2006 to assist with the project through an increase in student fees.

An Omaha native, Jackie Gaughan is known in the hotel and entertainment industry for being one of the first employers in Las Vegas to encourage diverse hiring practices. Gaughan said he values higher education and the belief that individuals should be valued for their hard work, loyalty and strong values, not their color, nationality or religion.

The Gaughan Center adjoins Nebraska Union to the east, and facilitates multicultural programming with student lounges, computer lab, meeting rooms and a large multi-use area, student offices, tutoring rooms and space for faculty, staff and students dedicated to diversity and multicultural programming, such as the staff of the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services.

André Fortune, director of the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, said he feels privileged to come to work and walk into a building that embodies the character of Jackie Gaughan.

“In only a few short weeks, this center has illustrated it is a place where people are seen beyond the color of their skin.”