With a paintbrush in hand and colleagues by her side, Grace Schleining realized she was immersed in Nebraska Law’s engagement mission – and the first-year student was bubbling with excitement.

“Participating in this service-learning project has shown me that our law school truly embodies the values ​​it promotes,” Schleining said. “This was an inspiring start to my first year, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”

Schleining was one of more than 150 University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Law freshmen (plus faculty and mentors from sophomores and juniors) who participated in a service-learning project at Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln’s upgraded Habitat ReStore home improvement store on Aug. 22. Working two shifts, the Huskers successfully painted the store and helped staff prepare it for its grand reopening on Aug. 27.

“The law students were phenomenal and we couldn’t ask for a more enthusiastic and organized group of volunteers,” said Shay Homeyer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln. “Their help was critical to completing the ReStore renovation and reopening the store to the Lincoln community.”

The service-learning project has become a traditional culmination of the law school’s two-day orientation for freshmen. Richard Moberly, dean of the law school, said the project sets the tone for the academic year and introduces students to the school’s mission and values.

“An important part of being a lawyer is serving as a leader who is committed to the community. The community service projects in our orientation period help us to convey that message from day one,” Moberly said. “We also hope that by working together toward a common goal, we can begin to introduce new students to the vibrant community and culture of service at the law school.”

Grant Gubbels, a sophomore who serves as a mentor to new students, said the orientation paid off throughout his first year at the college.

“I have a Gallup Strengths background from the UNL College of Business, but the sessions helped me further define my strengths, which definitely helped me,” Gubbels said. “And the connections you make with fellow students and professors are important, they ease the transition to law school.”

Like Schleining, this was Gubbels’ first year participating in the service-learning project after last year’s was canceled due to extreme heat, and he found the experience even better than he imagined.

“Nebraska Law graduates are passionate about using their skills to improve our communities,” Gubbels said. “And supporting Habitat for Humanity, an organization that supports the Lincoln community in many ways, is the perfect way to demonstrate the service mentality that drives this college’s mission.”

Schleining, a Malcolm native, said the college also does an excellent job of making its students feel welcome.

“I was extremely surprised that every time I walked into the building – for the Dean’s Book Club, Admitted Student Day, or Orientation – the faculty and staff knew my name,” Schleining said. “With about 150 students in my class, that’s very impressive to me. It’s a small thing, but it really makes you feel comfortable and part of a community.”