Historic milestone highlights a legacy of student voices, hands-on learning, and media innovation
The Daily Nebraskan, the independent student news organization of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, marking more than a century of student-driven journalism, storytelling, and community impact.
Since June 13, 1901, The Daily Nebraskan has provided generations of students with hands-on experience in reporting, editing, design, advertising, and media leadership. Over the past 125 years, the organization has chronicled campus life, covered moments of local and national significance, and served as a vital training ground for media professionals across the country.
“For 125 years, The Daily Nebraskan has been a place to launch careers and inform the campus community - and beyond,” said Allen Vaughan, General Manager. “Our students gain real-world experience while producing meaningful journalism, and along the way became the state’s largest newsroom and one generations of readers can trust. Our mission remains just as critical today as it was at our founding.”
Throughout its history, The Daily Nebraskan has evolved alongside the media landscape—from its roots in print publishing to a modern, multi-platform newsroom. Today, it delivers news and storytelling across digital, social, video, and magazine channels, while also operating a student-run media business group that connects campus and community through advertising and creative services.
“For a generation that grew up alongside digital newsrooms, the DN remains a steady force that delivers unbiased information in a timely manner,” said Daily Nebraskan Editor-in-Chief Nina Kudlacz, a UNL senior. “We are taking old school journalism skills and creating ways to reach our peers.”
The Daily Nebraskan has produced legions of successful journalists and others who have used critical thinking to launch successful careers. Alumni have gone on to win numerous local, regional and national awards, including the Pulitzer Prize.
As part of the 125th anniversary celebration, Daily Nebraskan alumni will gather in Lincoln for a reunion Sept 4-6. For more information, email allen.vaughan@unl.edu.
The organization also remains focused on the future—expanding multimedia storytelling, strengthening business and revenue innovation, and creating new opportunities for students in a rapidly changing media environment.
While the Daily Nebraskan’s nonprofit business is supported by advertising, it is also accepting donations to its Editorial Support Fund, which aims to pay for student salaries in perpetuity. Donations can be made here or by contacting allen.vaughan@unl.edu.
About The Daily Nebraskan
The Daily Nebraskan is the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s independent, student-run news and media organization. For 125 years, it has provided award-winning coverage of campus, community, and culture, while preparing students for careers in journalism, media, advertising, and beyond. Through its newsroom and media group, The Daily Nebraskan connects audiences and advertisers with trusted content and innovative storytelling.
We have a treasure trove of photos and access to years of back issues and internet archives. We’d love to connect you to alums and current students to help tell the story of the Daily Nebraskan
Daily Nebraskan Hall of Famers
Distinguished Alumni
- Mark Billingsley
- Jane Hirt
- Bev Deepe Keever
- Paula Lavigne
- David Luebke
- Dionne Searcey
- Matt Waite
- Kent Warneke
- Jeff Zeleny
Legacy Award
- Beverly Buck
- Jack Pollack
- Susan Reed
- Dan Shattil
Rising Star - Paige Cornwell
Staff award
- 1956 staff investigated C. Clyde Mitchell’s quiet firing for his liberal economic views
- 1971-72 staff was recognized for exposing a UNL Regent’s plagiarism and standing up to him.
- 1985-86 sports staff for uncovering NCAA basketball violations
