Story 67 - NHRI Class
Education 37. AgLec 331. EDPS 337. ALEC 102. What do all these numbers have in common? They have all been academic designations for the “NHRI Class.” The class is each new mentor’s introduction to all things NHRI, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Topics include listening, trust, empathy, self-concept, values, power, strengths, goal-setting, bucket and dipper, and more. For many alumni, this has been their favorite class during their time at UNL.
To the outside eye today, this introductory, 100-level course would look like any other on a transcript. However, to those who complete the NHRI section of ALEC 102, there is a rich belief in the return on investment from the weekly, one-night meetings. Many alumni still point to the class as having had a significant impact on their everyday mindset and actions.
The Nebraska Human Resources Research Foundation published Priceless People: Handbook on Interpersonal Relationships in 1978. This book became the text for Dr. Dodge’s classes, thereby providing another source of income for the Foundation. “The textbook” has remained a treasured keepsake of many past students.
Dr. Lindsay Hastings, current NHRI Research Director. Dr. Hastings carried on the legacy of Dr. Dodge by teaching the class from 2008-2019 as the NHRI Program Director.
“Dr. Dodge was really instrumental in building the NHRI class. What we hold dear today from the class was largely built on Dr. Dodge’s investment related to the NHRI Class. He then took some of the research findings and turned them into a very readable, very digestible book, Priceless People.”
The anticipation, excitement, and hope for what the class will offer is real to the 60+ new mentors in the NHRI program this fall. Each Thursday evening, they will have the opportunity to learn from and alongside leaders from across the university. Many of whom will become lifelong friends.
Experience the class again! Join alumni that span decades on Friday, November 8 for the NHRI Alumni Class. You can also purchase a copy of the Priceless People, 1986 edition!
“A favorite NHRI Class memory was the after class hangouts. One night we all went out bowling after small groups and as an entire class. Each small group had their own lane. It was a blast and showed how much NRHIers loved hanging out together. We spent three hours in class and then spent three more hours hanging out together after class.”
Fall 1998
“The NHRI Class was one of those classes in college where you wanted to speak up and share your ideas. The environment was inviting and energetic. I don’t think I experienced another class like it. I learned to reflect, think critically, and discern complex situations. It was one of the first places I practiced authentic vulnerability.”
Fall 2023
Two pages from the 1978 Class Syllabus
