The University of Nebraska–Lincoln celebrated the grand opening of the new Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center during an event on April 16. The center is dedicated to diversity and multicultural programming at UNL.

The dedication ceremony outside the new center, 1505 S St., on UNL’s City Campus, featured 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. The following photos were taken during the event.

The Jackie Gaughan name spans across the front of the new center. The funding for the center was a capstone gift from his grandson, UNL alumnus John Gaughan. Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communications

Jackie Gaughan, right, shares a smile with his daughter-in-law, Paula Gaughan, after seeing his portrait hanging in the lobby of the new Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center. April 16, 2010. Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communications

Director Andre Fortune leads the Gaughan family through a tour of the center before the dedication ceremony. Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communications

Director Andre Fortune leads the Gaughan family up the winding staircase during a tour of the center before the dedication ceremony. Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communications

The Kokyo Taiko Japanese Drummers performed to open the dedication ceremonies Friday afternoon.  Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communications

The Dancers of Global Friends of Japan were backed up by their reflections in the curving glass wall of the center as they performed during the dedication. Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communications

The audience applauds during a speech Friday afternoon. Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communications

The event ended with a final touch of red and music by the UNL Marching Band. Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communications

The lobby overflowed with guests, Gaughan family members and visitors following the ceremony.  Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communications

Director Andre Fortune delivers his remarks to the crowd of more than 400. Photo by Greg Nathan / University Communications

The Dancers of Global Friends of Japan performing during the dedication. Photo by Greg Nathan / University Communications

Strollers of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity perform for the crowd. Photo by Greg Nathan / University Communications

Jackie Gaughan with his son, Michael Gaughan Sr., left, and UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman, surrounded by family and student dignitaries for the ribbon cutting to dedicate the center named for Jackie Gaughan. Photo by Greg Nathan / University Communications

Jackie Gaughan, and his son, Michael Gaughan Sr., are applauded by UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman and the crowd assembled for Friday's ceremony. Photo by Greg Nathan / University Communications

Jackie Gaughan family members, left, listen to the UNL Marching Band. Photo by Greg Nathan / University Communications