Story 19 - Honoring the Legacy of John "Abe" Abrahamzon, Projections, Associate Editor
Known affectionately as "Abe" on campus, John Abrahamzon was a gifted writer, a beloved student leader, and a central figure in the NHRI community. As the Associate Editor of Projections, John’s talent for storytelling left an indelible mark. His involvement in the Teenage Project and its Annual Variety Show showcased his dedication to fostering creativity and connection.
John’s leadership extended beyond NHRI. At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he served as Rush Chair for the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and was slated to become President of Beta Theta Pi before his untimely passing while representing UNL at a Big Eight IFC conference at the University of Kansas.
In the front page of the Daily Nebraskan, a moving article about his passing, John was described as the student head of Lincoln Project and remembered as the embodiment of his own words:
“In Project, we study the best qualities we can find so we can invest them in other people. As counselors, we also benefit because we have an opportunity to develop our own potentialities further.”
That spring, to honor his legacy, the IFC introduced the John Melvin Abrahamzon Trophy, awarded annually to a male Greek student who exemplifies John’s ideals of leadership and character.
As NHRI prepared to celebrate its 75th anniversary, a remarkable connection to John’s legacy has come to light. It was discovered that John’s sister, Marilyn Calhoon, is the mother-in-law of long-time NHRI board member Sue Bath. Marilyn has preserved several of John’s items from his college years, including articles and memorabilia from his time in NHRI.
