Nisei Plaza

In commemoration of their studies at the University of Nebraska, a reunion for the Nisei students was planned in the Spring of 1994. Out of the 104 students who attended the University of Nebraska, about 30 of them attended the reunion with their friends and family. Many other people who contributed to the Nisei experience at UNL also attended. At the reunion, the Nisei students were allowed to share their stories about their time in Nebraska and their plight during World War II. The stories were taped and aired by the National Public Radio Stations. Along with the chance to share their stories, the Nisei students also received a commemorative yearbook representing their time in Nebraska.

After the reunion, the decision was made to dedicate a plot of land on City Campus for a Nisei plaza. The plaza, located outside of Kimball hall, was created with the help of Andrea Cranford, Director of Communications, UNL Alumni Association. A plaque was also created to be placed near the plaza which reads:

"During World War II, the United States relocated 120,000 U.S. citizens and residents of Japanese ancestry from the west coast, forcing them into internment camps. This action interrupted the college education of many Nisei students The students were denied admission by schools all over the country, but the University of Nebraska and the city of Lincoln accepted and welcomed them. In gratitude, the Nisei Plaza was presented to the University of Nebraska by the Nisei Alumni, April 24, 1999."