Story 57 - Greek & NHRI members: Strengthening UNL Together
Over the past year, a recurring question emerged: “How did you learn about NHRI?” A common theme surfaced in the responses. Many shared personal connections that sparked their interest. For example, one might say, “I learned about NHRI from my sorority sister, Sarah,” while another might recall, “My fraternity brother, Dan, encouraged me to get involved with this organization.”
Others mentioned specific moments that inspired them; “Melissa spoke at our chapter meeting about NHRI, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.” Additionally, some members shared experiences of curiosity and inclusion; “A group of guys kept attending Project meetings each week, and I asked to join them.”
These personal stories highlight the powerful role of peer influence in fostering engagement and community within NHRI, illustrating how connections within the Greek community can lead to meaningful involvement in this impactful organization.
The history of collaboration between the UNL Greek community and NHRI highlights a synergy that enhances the personal development of its members, extending well beyond their college years. The combined influence of Greek membership and NHRI affiliation is profound, creating a ripple effect that significantly impacts both individual members and their chapters. NHRI Leadership Mentors who are also affiliated with a Greek chapter, serve as pivotal figures, inspiring and guiding their peers, which in turn strengthens the overall University community.
Many can relate to discovering student organizations through friends, roommates, or classmates. This organic connection underscores the importance of relationships in fostering involvement and engagement on campus.
“My friend Sarah Cast from my sorority, Delta Gamma, approached me and said I had a lot of the characteristics and leadership strengths that would be great for the program. And so I thought about it and thought, Well, yeah, I’ll try it out and an interview and see where that goes. I was really honored to be able to have that experience and I do credit it all to my friend Sarah for approaching me.”
After pledging Beta Theta Pi at the University, Mike Wortman heard some guys talking about "Project" and decided to get involved. He was paired with a high school boy named Jim Clifton whose older sister, Connie, was credited with introducing Mike to one of her Pi Beta Phi sorority sisters, Kathy, who was destined to become his wife. (One of the many NHRI relationships!) Mike invested his time in three areas during college: his classes, the Beta house, and Teenage Project. And, even to this day, NHRI and Beta continue to benefit from Mike’s wisdom, leadership and friendship.
Mike Wortman with a pledge brother his freshman year
Mike and Nebraska Beta Theta Pi Officers
Furthermore, Greek membership coupled with mentorship provides a wealth of benefits, enhancing leadership skills and opening professional doors. Through these mentoring relationships, members gain invaluable support that helps them thrive academically and personally, equipping them for success long after graduation. Greek organizations often prioritize community service and philanthropy, with leaders playing a critical role in driving initiatives that support both local and national causes. This commitment to social responsibility reflects the principle of generativity, ensuring that members contribute positively to society. The UNL Greek Community has supported NHRI in countless ways over the years.
1961 Cornhusker Yearbook
“One way NHRI has helped me foster relationships within my chapter has been that it has taught me the value of one-on-one interactions. I’ve found that the most effective way to influence others or to let their ideas flourish is to meet with them one-on-one, because it makes them feel valued and demonstrates that I, as a leader, value our relationship and/or their contribution to PIKE. Greek chapters have a lot of moving parts, positions, and events, so this small bit of personal interaction can go a long way in delivering the best possible quality and experience to members!”
It is no surprise NHRI and Greek organizations attract a similar type of student leader. Both organizations offer: Leadership, Mentoring, Personal Development, Friendship, Support and Networking.
“One of the main focuses of NHRI that I have taken away is the mission of finding connections between each and every human that you meet and interact with. This skill of active listening and leading with a desire to understand instead of always defend my opinions has allowed me to lead my chapter successfully! Because of NHRI, I have been inspired to develop relationships, am constantly being pushed to grow and have gained respect from members and teammates as well.”
“Two skills that I constantly use as chapter president are active listening and the ability to be vulnerable. These come in handy when I must have difficult conversations with members. I can actively listen and hear the member’s perspective on any situation. Being vulnerable allows me to connect on a deeper level with our members and help guide them along in their college journey.”
“But what I specifically remember is the benefits that I received out of an NHRI that I think greatly assisted me in my professional life. And I took a year off before I went to law school and I worked for the National Office of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity based in Evanston, Illinois, northern suburb of Chicago. And I talked to Dr. Dodge, never call him Dr. Dodge, we all call him Dodge. I talked to Dodge a lot about that job. I was a teacher’s assistant for the Foundations Class in my last semester and was fortunate to spend a lot of time with Dodge. And I, we had a unique year that year, because I think we had 12 undergraduates from the University of Nebraska that went on to be consultants with their national fraternity or sorority organizations.”
The NHRI and UNL Greek community are dedicated to leadership and mentorship. By investing in the positive development of individuals, they not only strengthen the University community but also create a lasting impact beyond campus. They inspire the next generation of leaders, promoting values of service, mentorship, leadership, personal development and community involvement.
Join us on November 8, 2024, for the NHRI Alumni Class and Luncheon featuring panelists: Pete Allman, Beta Theta Pi, 1979, Jill Manchester, Chi Omega, 1986, and Kimberly Rath, Delta Gamma, 1983.
NHRI mentors continue to serve locally and nationally for their fraternity or sorority
“Serving as a Chi Omega advisor and on the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee Board of Directors has allowed me to apply the invaluable skills I learned from NHRI. I have been able to build strong relationships that help advance the sorority experience. Mentoring isn’t just about giving advice; it’s about empowering others to discover their potential, while learning and growing alongside them. Much like my NHRI experience, the connections I’ve made through my Greek involvement have lasted well beyond college. I credit a lot of what I learned in NHRI in my ability to step into these roles and invest and mentor others! ”
“The concepts I learned in the NHRI program and class have helped me mentor AGR treasurers and leaders with intentionality. I try to do so by using open-ended questions to help them find their own solutions to given scenarios, and by encouraging them to use their own strengths to influence positive outcomes.”
“Thanks to NHRI Leadership Mentoring, we know that the greatest good we can do for others is more than just sharing our riches with them, but revealing their riches to themselves. As facilitators for The Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of Chi Omega, our work traveling across the country allows us to empower women of all ages, to identify their strengths, cultivate resilience, joy and purpose. It starts by understanding the self-fulfilling prophecy we create through the stories we tell ourselves about what we can do and become.”
Share with us! 75yearsnhri@gmail.com