The creative activity of emeriti professors is being explored in a new exhibition in Love Library.

“Emeriti In Action,” developed by the UNL Emeriti Association in cooperation with the University Libraries, features activities carried out by professors after retirement. The exhibit, on display in Love Library display cases from April 2 to June 30, includes submissions by 38 emeriti.

“We have an eclectic mix of emeriti activities represented,” said Robert Fuller, coordinator of the exhibit for the Emeriti Association. “That’s the whole idea of the exhibit – to show the university that emeriti do a variety of activities after we retire.”

The exhibit is modeled after a project at Clemson University. Fuller and fellow emeritus Lowell Moser brought the idea back from the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education’s 2008 national conference.

The “Emeriti in Action” exhibition at Love Library, opening April 2, includes (from left) scientific instruments from Eugene Rudd, dolls from Audrey Newton, a textile from Robert Hillestad, and wooden carved duck by Lyle Young. A reception is planned for 4 p.m., May 6 in Love Library. Photo by Michael Hare/University Libraries.

“I was on this panel and this woman beside me got up and talked about what they were doing at Clemson,” said Fuller. “She mentioned an exhibition featuring what emeriti were doing in retirement. We thought it was definitely something we could do back at UNL.”

When Fuller approached the University Libraries about hosting an exhibition, he learned that one of the Libraries’ display cases had recently broken. In response, the emeriti opted to donate two display cases to assist the library.

“Dr. Fuller came over and I showed him our display cases,” said Joan Barnes, assistant professor of practice with the Libraries. “We talked about the one that was broken. He left and came back 20 minutes later asking if the emeriti could buy the Libraries a couple of display cases.

“I was flabbergasted.”

The two cases were paid out of the association’s Wisherd Fund. Monies from the fund were donated in memory of Maude Wisherd, a former NU library faculty member, by her sister Zelma Wisherd. The fund is used to support a variety of Emeriti Association needs.

The display cases were donated in memory of the Wisherds, one to each of the sisters. A plaque and small description are planned to mark the cases.

“We were very happy to help the emeriti honor those two ladies,” said Barnes. “It’s a win-win situation. And this exhibit is a great way to show off what emeriti are doing in retirement.”

Projects that will be on display include: a textile from Robert Hillestad; Kay Rockwell’s work to build a school in Uganda; art from Roscoe Shields, Lyle Young and Dale Gibbs; Darrel Nelson’s flying with the Civil Air Patrol; the scientific equipment collection of Eugene Rudd; and a book of World War II letters submitted by Marge Young.

A dedication of the cases and celebration of the exhibit is 4 p.m., May 6 in the Love North display area (second floor). The May 6 event is free and open to the public.

The exhibition is divided among the display cases throughout Love Library.

“It’s been wonderful pulling together this exhibition,” said Fuller. “Our plan is to offer it every two years or so because it’s important to remind everyone that emeriti remain active – on campus and off – in retirement.”

— By Try Fedderson, University Communications