Story 40 - Annual Recognition Day

One of the year’s most anticipated events is Annual Recognition Day. Each spring, leadership mentors, mentees, families, alumni and staff gather to reflect on and celebrate the year’s activities and recognize award recipients. First known as the Annual Spring Meeting, the event had a more formal program, involving a keynote speaker, but still allowing time for reflection, and planning for the next year to come.

The May 1957 program notes it is the 2nd Annual Spring Meeting, however, this refers only to after the Articles of Incorporation were established in 1956. The Articles of Incorporation were established in 1956 making the Nebraska Human Resources Research Foundation into a private, non-profit organization with the Board of Trustees as the governing body.

The name of the annual event was officially changed to Annual Recognition Day in 1990. The reason for the change of name was to more accurately describe the occasion. ARD has been held in many locations throughout Lincoln some of those are Cornhusker Hotel, Nebraska City Campus and East Campus Unions, Lincoln Elk’s Club, Wick Alumni Center, Crooked Creek Clubhouse and in recent years, Lincoln High School. 

Guest and keynote speakers, project presentations, staff announcements and award presentations fill a limited amount of time. Special thanks are always given to those who invested many hours of their time and talents planning this special day.

Awards Currently Presented Include:

William E. Hall Leadership Award

James Stuart Award

Talent Plus, William E. Hall Distinguished Leadership Alumni Award

Talent Plus NHRI Student Award

Generative Leadership Award

Outstanding Leadership Mentee Award

Girls on the Run Scholarship

Every ARD concludes with a common theme of the year being highly productive and yet there is no end to when we talk about developing people's greatest resource to its fullest. Each year adding news student leaders, accomplishments and milestones representing thousands of people who have contributed their time, talent and treasure.

A few of the event programs over the years

NHRI Leadership Mentoring is looking for ARD programs! If you would like to donate your copy for our archives or make a copy, please contact 75yearsnhri@gmail.com. Thank you!