Story 16 - Christmas Project: A Hallmark Movie in the Making

The spirit of giving is in the air as we celebrate the holiday season. The same was true in 1952, when a sorority gift exchange at Christmas sparked an idea that eventually turned into the Family Project. Adele Coryell was one of the earliest members of the Lincoln Project and was also President of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. After a sorority gift exchange of stuffed animals, members determined the gifts would bring more joy to children. 

Adele’s service president of KKG foreshadowed a gift for leadership that would serve dozens of civic initiatives throughout her life. Upon researching the 1952-53 UNL Cornhusker Yearbooks, it was discovered Adele was managing editor for the Cornhusker Yearbook, a Nebraska Cornhusker Queen Finalist, and was also selected into Mortar Board and Phi Beta Kappa.  

Following her 1953 graduation with a degree in elementary education, Adele married Donald Hall, who became Chairman of Hallmark Cards, Inc. 

No doubt this NHRI story could indeed be a Hallmark movie! 

Adele Coryell Queen Finalist

In 2016, the family of Donald Hall gave a gift, dedicating the Adele Coryell Hall Learning Commons in Love Library in her honor. The Love Library also served as the NHRI’s home early in our program’s history.