Story 73 - 501 Building
In 1971, NHRI moved from the Love Library Space into the 501 Building. This move came at the direction of the UNL Administration as there “was a crisis of lack of book shelving spacing.” Creating a new home in the basement of the 501 Building took considerable time, money, and effort, as a previous chemistry lab and benches needed to be converted into offices and meeting room spaces. Named in honor of the late Thomas C. Woods, Sr., the Nebraska Human Resources Research Center was officially relocated from Love Library II to the 501 Building. An open house was held on May 19, 1971.
Described by many as a bit musty and dusty, there was an unmistakable sense of charm and home created in this space. NHRI called the basement of 501 home for nearly 30 years; the longest tenure of any of the NHRI locations. The meeting spaces served as the hub of all activity on a day to day basis. From interviews to project meetings and retreats, this space was at its core, NHRI. There was always an open door policy for anyone to drop in and take part in conversations. If only the walls could talk and recount the stories and memories of nearly three decades. Included below are a few recounts and humorous musings about the 501.
1975
PALS Retreat, 1998
Overnight Retreat
“I remember the walk all the way across campus down the basement stairs. Upon entering it was like a yard sale of mismatched furniture with an added layer of smoke. However, Dr. Dodge always welcomed everyone warmly - it was a great place for conversation and support.”
“We used to have overnights at 501. Sleeping on a tiled floor and a sleeping bag. My back couldn’t take that in today’s world. But when I was 21 years old, I suppose it could.”
“When I think about the 501 Building, NHRI didn’t need a glamorous building. We needed to make sure the right people were there to invest in our students and to make sure they have what they needed to invest in others.”
“One day I was sitting in Dr. Dodge’s office and I told him, ‘I absolutely love it here.’ It’s just the most wonderful experience. He responded, ‘I agree, sometimes Jan I think you and I ought to be paying the university for the honor of letting us work here in the 501 for NHRI.’ I said that’s exactly true. ”
To help celebrate and reminisce, NHRI alumni and friends are invited to a tailgate at the 501 Building before the Nebraska vs UCLA football game on Saturday, November 2. Go Big Red!
