Discover UNO’s story with a new interactive digital timeline that highlights moments from our university’s past on every day of the year. From major milestones and memories to unexpected facts about alumni and student life, each entry offers a quick glimpse into Maverick history. Some days include historic photos and links to learn more, making it easy (and addictive) to explore UNO’s rich and surprising history.
JANUARY 11, 1937 / Ground broke for construction of the first building on the Dodge Street campus. Completed in 1938, the Administration Building (now Arts and Sciences Hall) served as the central hub for the university, including the library and cafeteria.
AUGUST 5, 1971 / Demons, Roadrunners, Unicorns, or Mavericks? The student body voted to choose a new mascot for the university. Mavericks narrowly won over Unicorns 566–515. The change was announced at the Homecoming football game with the introduction of a new mascot — Victor E. Maverick.
OCT. 1, 1962 / A four-lane bowling alley opens in the Omaha University Student Center.
SEPT. 30, 1975 / UNO’s Student Programming Organization brings Bruce Springsteen to Omaha for his first concert in Nebraska. The event was originally scheduled to be held on Sept. 19 at the Milo Bail Student Center but due to demand, was moved to the Civic Auditorium Music Hall.
APRIL 26, 1986 / Connie Claussen helped launch the Diet Pepsi UNO Women’s Walk to raise funds for Omaha Women’s Athletics. Today, the Chesterman Coca-Cola Maverick Run continues to directly support Omaha Women’s Athletics.
SEPTEMBER 24, 1999 / University Village student housing opens marking a significant addition to campus life and the evolution beyond a commuter campus.
MAY 1, 1999 / UNO announced that it would field a men’s Division I hockey team for the 1997-98 season. Ticket reservations for the first season were sold out by May 16.
