Story 21 - Building for the Future
1949 was not only the start of our beloved program, but marked the beginning of the toy that “changed the world” - the Lego. NHRI and Lego, both builders in their own ways, have stood the test of time.
According to a Special Time Edition, “The Magic of Lego,” by Richard Jermome, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, the inventor of Lego, set about developing an overarching philosophy behind his product. “Our idea has been to create a toy that prepares the child for life,”
Godtfred explained, “appealing to the child’s imagination and developing the creative urge and joy of creating that are the driving force in every human being.” Like the cherished toy among many generations, NHRI alumni have shared a similar sentiment … “NHRI has prepared me for life.”
The 1977-78 Annual Report’s theme, Building for the Future, noted “one of the most exciting aspects of the program are the people … people who are builders. Because of the people, the Foundation is able to grow. Foundation is an appropriate label for an organization that has built so much and is building much more.”
Brick by brick - the investment of each mentor, mentee, parent, alumni, donor and board member has resulted in a remarkable 75 year history.
Can you guess these builders of NHRI?
Projections Newsletter, November 1977
