University of Nebraska Centennial CollegeReunion 2012
Channel: Lawrence Molczyk
Date: 2012-09-24

In 1969 the University of Nebraska initiated its first "learning community" as an educational experiment.  It began coincident with the 100th anniversary of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln...hence the Name "Centennial Education Program."  The driving force behind the program was a group of educators who wanted the opportunity to work with students in an interdisciplinary fashion.  They wanted a different kind of  kind of relationship with their students..working as guides and mentors, instead of distancing themselves in the traditional lecture hall.  They became known as "Fellows," a title which described a relationship in which teacher and student were fellow learners.  The "living and learning experience" involved an intimate community of a mere 250 students at a time in their own residence hall and commons areas.  During its history, the program came to reach almost 2200 individuals.  The 60's and 70's were a time of change and unrest for the nation as a whole and the program soon drew the interest of those students who rejected a variety of traditional norms in politics, lifestyle as well as education. The program lasted until 1978 when many of the innovative changes of Centennial became norms on campus and other learning communities were established.  Over forty years since Centennial's inception some of its first participants gather to share the life-long impact of their experience.