Story 66 - Marking Milestones

There have been several anniversary celebrations marking milestones throughout NHRI’s history. Join us as we walk down memory lane to acknowledge many leaders who have worked tirelessly to raise critical funds, attend countless meetings, and recruit essential volunteers and staff. These leaders knew their investment of time would be worth it, and it was.

For over a year, alumni and students have been busy planning our 75th anniversary celebration. Together, we will build the next generation of leadership mentors who will create a ripple effect of positive change for the next 75 years.

“A mystery to some, a pleasure to more, and a stimulating challenge to most, “Project” as members of Nebraska Human Resources Resources Research Foundation (NHRRF) have referred to the organization—has grown to be one of the most significant experiences a large number of University of Nebraska students have had during their school years.”

— Paul Barlow, Projections, May 1959

1959 - 10 year anniversary

There was an annual meeting followed by a banquet at the Nebraska Center with keynote speaker, Roy Bartle, former Kansas City mayor.

1969 - 20 year anniversary

“Even though this is the 20th Anniversary of the program, my first reaction is that this program is something new, something new, something new and exciting. The relationship of one person to another is an extremely valuable way of learning how to communicate constructively with others and how to understand others.”

— Dr. Joseph McVicker Hunt, Speaker

Annual meeting and luncheon held with keynote speaker, Dr. Fred Mills, President of EDGE (Educational Development for Growth and Effectiveness)

1979 - 30 year anniversary

NHRI celebrated its 40th Anniversary at the Annual Meeting and Luncheon with Dr. William E. Hall, serving as the keynote speaker with a presentation titled, “The Great Experiment.”

1989 - 40 year anniversary

“Selection is the basis of everything a person does. He has to select ideas, he has to select things, and most of all he has to select people that he is going to work with.”

— Dr. William E. Hall

NHRI marked its 50 year milestone at the Annual Recognition Day on April 17, 1999. Jan Kauffman became director of NHRI in June of 1998.

1999 - 50 year anniversary

“Galen Dodge always nurtured a strong sense of team in the office, and that model is one I have chosen to follow as my own. Really, the program belongs to the counselors, and our job is to provide the needed guidance and support so that they can be successful working with their junior counselors.”

— Jan Kauffman, Program Director, 1998-2008

The 60th Annual Recognition Day was held at the Nebraska Union and also marked another milestone, the 40th year of the presentation of the James Stuart, Sr. Award.

At the conclusion of the program, a special announcement was made. Alumni, students and friends of NHRI will be invited to return back campus to celebrate 60 years in the fall with a tailgate-themed event in October.

2009 - 60 year anniversary

In celebration of our 70th year, NHRI unveiled a new brand identity called NHRI Leadership Mentoring to more accurately reflect the program. In addition to the name change, Seniors Counselors are now called Leadership Mentors, and Junior Counselors are referred to as Leadership Mentees.

2019 - 70 year anniversary

From rediscovering lost archives, scanning thousands of articles and pictures, countless planning meetings, interviews with alumni across the country, and establishing a $3 million endowed fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation; the 75th Anniversary is a milestone to celebrate. This is also a moment in our program’s history to build upon the strong foundation for the next generation.

We invite all NHRI alumni, students, families and friends to join us this fall, with special events on campus, November 8-9, 2024. To learn more and register for the events, please visit www.75yearsnhri.com

2024 - 75 year anniversary