Story 7 - A Tribute to Positive Approach: The Talent Plus/William E. Hall Distinguished Alumni Award
For over 75 years, NHRI Leadership Mentoring has profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals, creating a ripple effect of growth, development and leadership. In 2003, Talent Plus co-founders and co-chairs, Kimberly Sutter Rath and Doug Rath were inspired to celebrate the legacy of Dr. William E. Hall with the Talent Plus/William E. Hall Distinguished Alumni Award. Hall was a Founders of NHRI and Talent Plus, Inc. This award serves as a tribute to Dr. Hall’s Positive Approach to leadership and mentoring.
“An important aspect of my work has been the positive approach. This approach places emphasis on positive or good behavior and positive or good human relations. It is not considered a cure-all. The positive approach is anchored on two basic assumptions - (1) the most valuable resource possessed by man is human resource and (2) that human resource must be developed in a framework of the cultivation of human relationships.”
“We know that humankind’s highest level of self-realization is based on the investment of time, energy, concern and skill expended in the development of another person. In other words, one must have received the benefits of investment before he or she can, in turn, invest in the growth of development of another.”
“It is important to remember that in order to maximize talent, one should love other human beings and appreciate what they can do. By making this investment in others, one not only loves people, one helps them become significant individuals. Accepting a person for the contribution they can make – their talents – brings about a significant reward. That reward is a realization of one’s potential in whatever it is that they do best. They, in turn, will invest in another person and that person grows.”
These special recognitions honor those who have dedicated their lives to the significant development of others and reflect the spirit of the award – honoring the present and empowering the next generation to continue making a difference.
The Talent Plus/William E. Hall Distinguished Alumni Award is more than recognition; it is a testament to the enduring impact of mentorship and a reminder of the transformative power of investing in human potential. The following individuals—true difference makers—have built platforms for others to maximize their potential, leaving an indelible mark on thousands of lives.
Alumni Recipients
2003 - James Stuart, Sr.
2004 - Charles and Linda Walt Wilson
2005 - Edith Wekesser Hillyer
2006 - James O’Hanlon
2007 - Mike Wortman
2008 - William Janike
2009 - Gary Sherman
2010 - Sue Osterberg Bath
2011 - Ryan Beckman
2012 - Bill Dana
2013 - Mike Wirth
2014 - James Stuart, III
2015 - Thomas Woods
2016 - Gregory Greder
2017 - Mike McDonald
2018 - Eddie Brown
2019 - Bryce Johnson
2020 - Mark Stephens
2021 - Janet Kruse Sellon
2022 - Patty Edwards
2023 - Mike Wiedel
2024 - Todd Lavigne
Each year, this distinguished recognition not only celebrates a lifetime of investment in others, but looks to the future by including a $500 tuition scholarship for an outstanding undergraduate mentor within NHRI. Through the recognition, partnered with a scholarship, the hope is that the ripple effect of their leadership is not only felt on campus, but in the work they set out to do in the future. Myah Anderson, the 2024 recipient of the Talent Plus NHRI Student Award shared about how the scholarship has helped her continue the ripple effect.
“NHRI has impacted me tremendously and I couldn’t imagine being me without it! From gifting me with a community of passionate individuals to providing me with opportunities to practice leadership concepts, I am so thankful to have experienced the that is NHRI.
I am so grateful for the alumni scholarship award I received at our Annual Recognition Day. From the help of this scholarship, I am able to take on more fun positions, like being a staff advisor, without worrying about the financial cost of school piling up! Additionally, it shows the intense support of NHRI alumni and sets a great example for myself of pouring back into such a great organization. I am truly thankful to be a part of something so special for current mentors and alumni. ”
Talent Plus, Inc., headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, was co-founded in 1989 by Doug Rath, Kimberly Rath, Dr. William E. Hall and Sandy Maxwell. While students at the University of Nebraska, Doug was a counselor in the Potentiality Development Project and Kimberly was in the Nebraska School for the Visually Impaired Project. https://talentplus.com/blog/5-lessons-we-can-learn-from-founder-dr-william-hall/
"When we started Talent Plus, we did so because we believed we could change the purpose of the workplace. We have always had a passion for focusing on what people do well and matching them with a job that offers the right fit for their talents, their team and the culture of their organization. Doing this changes the culture of an organization to one where people are celebrated for what they do well. We see our clients building these types of organizations and the outcomes go right to their bottom line. It’s true that what’s good for people is good for the businesses they work in – and these organizations are better able to take care of their end users and improve their customer/guest/patient experiences." Kimberly Rath