INVOLVEMENT/ROLE(S): Event Designer, Culture Coordinator, Department Advisor

Lillian Nguyen, along with her board of 10 dedicated students, takes the lead in planning and executing approximately 15-20 campus events each academic year. These events, organized with a focus on student engagement, vary from large-scale gatherings to more intimate, interactive sessions. The following pictures showcase a selection of events Lillian has meticulously planned and executed for the students of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Many of these events were designed with a unique, multifaceted approach, blending the “main” event with creative crafts or side activities that encouraged students to feel comfortable in a welcoming environment. These added activities provided opportunities for students to gradually open up and connect with others, fostering a sense of community. In light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lillian has successfully adapted her event planning strategies, ensuring that every event was executed safely while also maintaining the high level of student enjoyment and engagement.

Throughout her involvement, Lillian has kept a thorough record of key event metrics, tracking data on event attendance, social media reach, and attendee satisfaction. By analyzing and comparing her work from the academic years of 2019 to the present with that of previous advisors from 2017 to 2019, Lillian has made significant strides in improving the effectiveness and impact of the events. Specifically, she has achieved the following:

• Social Media Reach & Engagement: Increased CNL’s social media reach and engagement by 3,570%.

• Event Attendance: Boosted event attendance by 57.5%.

• Attendee Satisfaction: Improved attendee satisfaction by 13.2%.