Step behind the scenes of public safety in this informative and engaging class. You’ll hear directly from representatives of city, county, and state law enforcement as they share what makes their agencies unique and how they work together to keep communities safe. We’ll also explore the vital roles of fire and EMS professionals and learn how these teams respond in moments that matter most. Bring your questions and curiosity—this is a rare opportunity to gain insight into the people, challenges, and teamwork that power these essential services every day.

Explore the wonders of the universe with four UNK Physics and Astronomy faculty as they share the exciting stories behind their research. Discover how scientists search for planets orbiting distant stars, unravel the birth of massive stars and the way they spark the creation of new ones, and dive into the powerful nuclear processes that fuel stellar life. We’ll also journey across space and time to examine how galaxies form, grow, and evolve. Join us for an inspiring look at the science that helps us understand our place in the cosmos.

American society was greatly transformed between 1880 and 1920. The small factory largely powered with human muscle was replaced by sprawling complexes organized by the continuous flow of production, horse transportation was largely replaced by motorized vehicles, and cables which made communication across the country possible were some of the important changes faced by Americans. This transformation placed a strain on American institutions. The Labor Movement often described as an upheaval was a cause and an effect of the transformation. We will describe the confrontations and battles of the labor movement and explore the impact of the movement on our society.

Take a lively journey through the roots and evolution of rock and blues, from their beginnings in the 1800s to the sounds of today. Through engaging discussions, readings, classic recordings, concerts, and rich audiovisual presentations, this class explores how these uniquely American musical styles developed and why they continue to shape our culture. Along the way, we’ll look at both the musical innovations and the cultural stories that brought rock and blues to life—revealing the powerful connections between music, history, and identity. This class will not meet on March 19.

Ever wondered how the City of Kearney keeps everything running smoothly? This behind-the-scenes class offers a fascinating look at the people, planning, and funding that shape daily life in our community. You’ll start by learning how the city and its essential utilities are financed with insights from the finance director, then explore how traffic and pedestrian decisions are designed with the city engineer. From there, discover the many facets of development services with the city planner, associate planner, and chief building official, followed by a deeper dive into land use and community growth. You’ll also learn simple, meaningful ways residents can help prevent stormwater pollution with guidance from the city’s engineering assistant. The experience concludes with a special tour of the recycling center—revealing what really happens to our waste after it leaves the curb. Join us for an informative and engaging journey into how local government works to serve and sustain the Kearney community every day.