SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE
The College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media (CFAM) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha has produced and performed an exciting array of accomplishments and events over the past 20 years - more than any other college on campus. Our rich and diverse history of fostering, cultivating, and producing some of the best talent in Omaha helps us continue to be the creative heart of UNO. Whether you’re in music, art, theatre, journalism, communication studies, or emerging media, it’s the creativity that the students, faculty, and staff bring to campus every day that unifies us and sets our college apart from others.
CFAM includes the School of the Arts, the School of Communication, the School of Music, as well as KVNO radio and UNO TV. Each of these areas is built on a rich tradition, with a diverse array of courses led by a nationally-known faculty of artists, performers, writers, and scholars. During the course of the 2024-2025 academic year, we have many special events planned and I invite you to attend one or all of them in addition to all of the other theatre, musical performances, gallery exhibitions, readings, and other creative events throughout the year.
I look forward to seeing you on campus!
Sincerely,
Michael L. Hilt, Ph.D. Dean, College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media Professor of Communication
The
School of the Arts, Art & Art History, Creative Writing, Theatre
Art and Art History, Theatre, and Writer’s Workshop combined in 2015 to form the School of the Arts at which point UNO became the only university within a 400-mile radius to blend these into a single entity. The creative heart of campus, the School of the Arts’ signature events including gallery exhibitions, the Theatre season, and the Writer’s Workshop Reading series provide cultural experiences and entertainment to countless students and community members. Students in the School of the Arts can choose from concentrations within the six-degree programs offered. Students can also participate in student clubs and organizations or intern at partner institutions, gaining hands-on skills that complement their academic learning.
MFA in Writing Program Sees Record Enrollment
The only MFA in Writing degree offered in Nebraska, this low residency program offers students to concentrate in Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Playwriting, Screenwriting, or Young Adult. At residency, students attend lectures, workshops, and readings and are paired with a faculty mentor with whom they design an individualized study plan for the home-based semester. Established in 2005 enrollment has more than doubled since 2019, and the MFA in Writing now supports two Graduate Assistants who teach undergraduate courses in the Writer’s Workshop. MFA students have published and produced their original work widely and completed internships with literary magazines, presses, and theater companies among other places.
UNOTheatre SMTA Summer Musical Theatre Academy
In 2022 UNOTheatre formed the Summer Musical Theatre Academy, a five-week tuition free intensive training for high school students in performance and technical theatre by industry professionals and Theatre faculty members. In the three years since its inception the academy has culminated in performances at UNO’s Black Box Theatre and the Gene Leahy Mall Pavilion. At the conclusion of the final performance in 2024, over 11,000 had attended the SMTA performances. UNOTheatre students fill many assistant positions during the academy deepening their experience in their own craft as well as passing their knowledge on to others.
Collaboration: From “Witness” Exhibition to the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center
Witness: The Art of Samuel Bak (2019) was the product of a collaboration between the Sam and Frances Fried Holocaust and Genocide Academy and the School of the Arts among other individuals and entities. During the exhibition run more than 4500 visited it including many local middle school and high school students. The renowned artist and Holocaust survivor, in response to the spectacular reception of his art donated over 500 works to UNO, leading to the creation of the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center. As a School of the Arts partner, its students have served as interns and in other positions at the museum.
Art History and Theatre Study
Abroad Opportunities
School of the Arts offers Art History and Theatre study abroad courses to provide students with a global experience. A staple for art history and students from other disciplines, the London British Art Survey course was established in 2012. Rome has been another popular destination for art history study abroad courses. In the J-term 2025 Art History students will journey to Rome to study art from the Caesars to the popes. Theatre also offers a London study abroad course and has taken students to Lithuania for training and exploring. Particularly noteworthy Theatre students performed a piece written by UNO students at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.
STUDENTS AWARDS
Record number of awards were given to School of the Arts Students at the 2024 Student Research and Creative Activity Fair
Art & Art History: Ethan Robles
Writer’s Workshop: Luke Koesters
Theatre: Amanda Overfield
Art & Art History: Kennedy Wallman, Kiara Hernandez Padron, Savanna Schiltz
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research or Creative Activity
Sara Zaleski
AWARD-WINNING FACULTY
UNO’s ADROCA Winner (2023)
Mark Gilbert
CFAM’s Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award (2022)
Steven Williams
THE MFA IN WRITING PROGRAM
The 2023-24 academic year, had students earn various awards from the Academy of American Poets Prize, Competitive Graduate Fellowship, Phi Delta Gamma Award, Regents Tuition Waiver, and $15,000 Presidential Graduate Fellowship.
Nine MFA in Writing students have won $5,000 GRACA awards to sponsor individual research and creative projects, both domestically and overseas.
KEEPING CURRICULUM CURRENT
The School of the Arts added new in demand concentrations that will prepare our students for the workplace.
Theatre – Musical Theatre
Writer’s Workshop – Screenwriting
Studio Art – Illustration
Art History – Arts Management
THE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIP
In 2024 the School of the Arts was honored with the establishment of the Michael B. Jones, MD, Chair in the School of the Arts. School of the Arts Director, Dr. Amy Morris, was named its inaugural recipient. A lifelong art collector and friend of artist Bill Hammon who created public artworks throughout Omaha, Dr. Jones established the Chair believing that art is a way of defining our humanity.
13TH FLOOR STUDENT PUBLICATION
Founded by students as an online literary magazine in 2013, the 13th Floor shifted to print form a few years later. At that time the Writer’s Workshop began to offer a Literary Magazine course, which provides hands-on experience to students wishing to serve as magazine staff. Students manage all aspects of the creation and publication of this student journal. Editors select submissions in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Representative of student opportunities to collaborate in the School of the Arts, artworks made by Studio Art students illustrate the journal.
THEATRE’S STUDENT SUCCESS
Theatre graduates and current students are working at: Denver Arvada Center, Cabaret ZaZou, Celebrity Cruise Lines, Cirque de Soleil, Des Moines Metro Opera, Great Plains Theatre Conference, Great River Shakespeare Festival, Guthrie Theatre, Heartland Scenic Studio, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Lincoln Center Scholar’s Program, Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, Omaha Performing Arts, Open Jar Studios, Ozarks Actors Theatre, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, The Smithsonian Institute, Teatro ZinZanni, Tennessee Williams Theatre Festival, Theatrical Media Services, Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre.
HELP KEEP
THE
ARTS ALIVE IN THE FUTURE
You can help support the arts in CFAM through the University of Nebraska Foundation
SEE ALL CFAM 20TH EVENTS HERE
High School Media Conference
Attract Nebraska’s Best
For more than sixty years, UNO has provided opportunities for high school students across the metropolitan area to learn and be recognized for excellence in journalism. Graphic design, print, and broadcast journalism are all represented in the annual High School Media Conference, which brings together talented young people and area professionals for a day of collaboration and commendation. Hundreds of students are recognized each year in diverse areas ranging from Best Short-Form Audio to Best Cartoon for an impressive display of talent and dedication to their craft. The 2024 conference had 490 entries from 24 area schools and 103 awards were given.
The School of Communication is The School of Success
The faculty and students in the School of Communication continue to be recognized as a school engaging in active research and engaged scholarship The most recent examples are the accomplishments from the 2023-2024 academic year
11 scholarly research articles published
4 books published
38 scholarly or teaching presentations
5 Top Papers/Panel/Poster at Conferences
9 Graduate Student conference presentations
23 scholarships awarded = $50,000
7 grants exceeding $191,556
MavRadio. 40 Years of Broadcasting
MavRadio began as WNO in 1984 and only broadcasted live in the Milo Bail Student Center and the HYPR building. In 1988, WNO started broadcasting on Cox Cable. WNO added a K to their call letters and becoming KWNO in 1988. Soon thereafter, Dave Kline, the chief engineer of KYNE-TV 26 and KVNO, discovered there was a radio station in Minnesota already using KWNO. After checking with the FCC on available call letters, the station decided to change its call letters to KBLZ. That lasted until 1997 when it became KBUL and then, in 2008, the station became what it is called today-MavRadio.
On February 28, 2013, MavRadio moved to the CPACS building where it resides near KVNO and UNO-TV. The station can be heard on KVNO 90.7 HD2 and streamed on MavRadio.FM
CELEBRATING THE INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE SPIRIT OF UNO
MavForensics: New Students Each Year. Same Winning Tradition
Students nationwide choose our award-winning MavForensics. In 2019, the team celebrated its tenth consecutive finish as one of the Top Ten teams in the country at the American Forensics Association’s National Tournament. Students on the team have earned eight national championships.
For the last 20 years, Nebraska has sent representatives from UNO. Seven students from this university have also been named to the prestigious All-American team, which recognizes their competitive and academic success, as well as their community involvement. Most recently, the team travelled to Ireland to compete in the International Speech and Debate Tournament.
- 8 Individual National Champions
- Nebraska Team State Champions 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
- 7 All-Americans
- Ended 2024 season with student ranked 4th in the world for poetry
UNO TV Upgrades Capabilities to Keep Pace with Technology
In 2018, UNO TV modernized its equipment and became the most up-todate studio on campus. A second studio was added in 2020 and a second control room in 2023. These upgrades thoroughly revitalized the TV studio. The new equipment includes three new Black Magic 4K studio cameras and HD lenses, two smaller “rafter cam” cameras, a Black Magic video switcher, Ross Video System Expression graphics system, and Ross Inception newsroom management and scripting system.
The conversion to a new studio was funded entirely by $130,000 in grants from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association; The Knowledge Network, a coalition of five Omaha-area schools which airs programming locally; and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
KEEPING CURRICULUM CURRENT
The School of Communication strengthened its Broadcasting degree by merging Journalism and Creative Media Concentrations to form Emerging Media. Another addition was Social Media Communication. Students can now earn a degree while majoring in either Communication Studies or Emerging Media to better serve the constant evolution of today’s fast-moving field.
AWARD WINNING STUDENTS
Students placed 14th overall with 1 semifinalist and 6 quarter-finalists out of 58 colleges and universities at the American Forensics Association’s National Speech Tournament
Students placed 14th overall in open division, 4th overall in teams with speech only events with 1 finalist and 6 semifinalists (out of 41 schools) at the International Speech & Debate Tournament in Dublin, Ireland
Placed 10th overall with 1 finalist, 1 semifinalist, 5 quarter-finalists (out of 31 schools and over 600 entries) t the National Asynchronous Speech Championship
7 PRSA Paper Anvil Awards
2 International PRSSA awards: PRSSA Star Chapter designation
District Conference bid award representing the Midwest
AWARD WINNING PROGRAMS
4 Nebraska Broadcasters Association
Pinnacle Awards
16 Awards from the Midwest Broadcast and Journalism Association Conference including 9 Eric Sevareid Awards in the student video category and 7 Eric Sevareid Awards in the student radio/audio category
Broadcast Education Association Media
Arts Festival ranked UNO’s Journalism and Mass Communication audio program the 10th best in the country out of 99 other universities and colleges.
SUPPORT THE SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
You can help support CFAM through the University of Nebraska Foundation
SEE ALL CFAM 20TH EVENTS HERE
Strauss Performing Arts Renovation
In 2021, construction and renovation of the Willis A. and Janet S. Strauss Performing Arts Center, the hub of musical creativity at UNO, was completed. Phase one of the renovation and addition was completed in 2019, which added a 100-seat recital hall, a recording studio, piano studios and piano practice rooms, a percussion studio, and acoustical improvements to the concert hall. Phase two of the renovation project included the addition of two classrooms, renovation of one rehearsal space, acoustical improvements to the practice rooms, expansion of the computer lab, and a grand entrance on the west side of the building.
Formation of the School of Music
In 2015, the Department of Music became a School of Music. Since then, enrollment has increased, and degree offerings have expanded to include a Bachelor of Arts degree (2015) and an online Master of Music in Music Education degree (2024). Half of School of Music undergraduates now enroll in one of the BA Concentrations in either Music Studies, Jazz, Music Technology, or the newly created Music Industry (formerly Entrepreneurial Studies). Also new to serve students who play rock and pop instruments is a brandnew Commercial Music Ensemble, beginning Fall 2024.
Music Technology Grows
After establishing the Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology concentration in 2015, Music Technology has grown from 37 students to 67 students, almost doubling in size. Students in this program enjoy a state-of-the-art recording studio to cultivate their skills and to gain experience preparing them to join the workforce. In 2023, the School of Music added a new faculty member in this area. Also created in 2023 were a pipe grid system to gain skills in lighting and a mixing space to fit the needs of Music Technology students.
Music Outreach Growth
The School of Music welcomes community members and K-12 students to participate in numerous events throughout the year. These events have evolved over the last twenty years to include these offerings for 2024-2025:
- Heartland Flute Choir (all year)
- Woodwind Festival (Sept)
- All-State Choral Help Session (Sept)
- Music Major for a Day (Oct)
- Brass Day (Nov)
- Maverick PianoFest (Nov)
- BOCH Festival (Jan)
- Great Plains Jazz Festival (Feb)
- Middle School Honor Choir (Apr)
- Non-String Player Workshop (May)
- Jazz Camp (Jun)
- Bands Conducting Workshop (Jun)
- Summer Keyboard Institute (Jun)
UNO & OAYO Join
For New Partnership
The School of Music welcomed the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras (OAYO), which serves students in grades 3-12, under their umbrella in Summer 2024. Dr. Matthew Brooks, Mrs. Debbie Martinez, Mrs. Patricia Ritchie, and Ms. Sophia Potter will lead OAYO ensembles in 2024-2025.
Also housed in the School of Music is the Metropolitan Area Youth Jazz Orchestra (MAYJO) for musicians in grades 9-12.
In Summer 2024, members of MAYJO, led by Dr. Pete Madsen, traveled to Lithuania and Poland to perform as part of the USA-Lithuania Young Lions Jazz Orchestra at several jazz festivals in Lithuania and Poland.
Conferences & Community Performances
Over the last twenty years, School of Music ensembles have been selected to perform at numerous conferences and venues. Highlights include:
- Jazz Education Network Conference (JEN), New Orleans, 2020
- Nebraska Music Educators Association (NMEA), 2016, 2023
- Carnegie Hall, 2023
- National Opera Association Conference, 2024
- National Flute Association, 2022
In the community, School of Music students perform frequently as part of the Bagels and Sometimes Bach Series at Gallery 1516 and at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) as part of the Sound Health program, instituted by Dr. Mary Perkinson.
SoM Success Profile: Alumni Kate Konrad
Earned Bachelor of Music in Music Education in 2010, Master of Music in 2016, Kate is an Instructional Coach, Papillion La Vista Community Schools Director of Elementary/General Music Affairs, Member of Nebraska Music Education Association.
My experience in the UNO School of Music equipped me to be effective in my music classroom by providing robust learning and performance opportunities studying with experts in the field, including masterclasses and international performance tours. Through my coursework and practicum and student teaching experiences, I cultivated valuable relationships with pre-service and veteran music educators who continue to motivate me to grow, even fifteen years later. Beyond graduation, I continued my partnership with the School of Music and was able to welcome multiple practicum students and student teachers into my own classroom and witness how the School of Music equipped them to continue the culture of strong music education.
HELP KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING
You can help support CFAM through the University of Nebraska Foundation
SEE ALL CFAM 20TH EVENTS HERE
HERE’S WHAT ELSE HAPPENED IN 2005
Top-grossing Broadway shows were “Mamma Mia!” and “The Lion King”
Hurricane Katrina made landfall and caused catastrophic damage from Florida to Texas
Starbucks opened its 10,000th coffeehouse
Dan Rather retired from the “CBS Evening News,” and Ted Koppel retired from ABC’s “Nightline”
YouTube was launched by Jawed Karim, Steve Chen, and Chad Hurley and first video, “Meet Me at the Zoo” was uploaded
“Everybody Loves Raymond” won Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series
Internet Explorer was #1 browser
The term “selfie” was gaining popularity
Google Maps launched
Social news website Reddit launched
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducts:
Buddy Guy; The O’Jays; The Pretenders; Percy Sledge; U2; Frank Barsalona; and Seymour Stein
Shop.org coined the term “Cyber Monday”
Microsoft released Xbox 360
Most Popular Television Show: “American Idol”
Best-Selling Book: “The Broker “ by John Grisham
Top Grossing Movie: “Star Wars
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith”
Tiger Woods wins golf masters
Lance Armstrong wins Tour de France
San Antonio Spurs defeat Detroit Pistons for their third NBA title
New England Patriots defeat Philadelphia Eagles for Super Bowl
Chicago White Sox sweep Houston Astros in World Series
Maroon 5’s “Here We Go Again” win at 47th Grammy’s
“Million Dollar Baby”, Jamie Foxx, and Hilary Swank win at 77th Academy Awards
“The Office” premieres on NBC
“Grey’s Anatomy” debuts on ABC
TMZ, Trivago, WikiHow launched
CFAM Sets Record During 2023 Wear Black. Give Back.
Wear Black. Give Back is a 24-hour day of giving to the University of Nebraska at Omaha to raise money for scholarships, colleges and programs, student groups and activities, and more.
Last years campaign saw CFAM set a new record as 267 donors gave $39,137. The amount was triple what had been given in 2022. The proceeds, help a number of initiatives that help support and provide opportunities for CFAM students.
The 2024 campaign is Oct. 8-9 and we are aiming for another successful campaign.
Make a gift of $5 or more during this 24-hour period and help CFAM reach out goals.
Legendary Radio Host Otis Twelve Announces Retirement on KVNO
Otis Twelve, the beloved host of Morning Classics for the past 18 years, will broadcast his final show October 4, 2024. His illustrious career in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro spans over 50 years, during which he has become a radio icon and a trusted companion for listeners across a number of formats. Known for his deep, resonant voice and easygoing style on the air, Otis has been an integral part of KVNO since joining the station in 2006. His trademark mirth, ability to communicate and passion for music have made Morning Classics an uplifting place to begin the day for thousands of listeners.
Gail F. Baker, Formed CFAM’s Early Beginning
The creation of the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media led to the introduction of Gail F. Baker, Ph.D. as the first Dean of CFAM. Dr. Baker was CFAM Dean as well as the Executive Associate to the Chancellor from 2006 to 2017.
Her background in journalism and communication helped her to lead in academic settings, but in media as well. She is the winner of four Emmy Awards for Excellence in Documentary Writing and Producing.
Her ambition, drive, and passion for excellence helped mold CFAM into the creative center of campus. Baker’s personal influence on the CFAM staff and faculty was also positive – every annual retreat, she raffled off her famous homemade cakes. Gail is currently serving as Provost and Vice President at the University of San Diego in California.
THE COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION, FINE ARTS AND MEDIA
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS | SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION | SCHOOL OF MUSIC
6505 University Drive South | Omaha, NE 68182 | cfam.unomaha.edu
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS |
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
