On Monday, members of Nebraskans for Research, UNMC and the Omaha business community gathered to salute philanthropist Charles Durham’s for his contributions to medical research.
“Charles Durham is a true pioneer,” said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “He is the one who is moving the frontiers.”
Carol Russell, president of Nebraskans for Research, and Sanford Goodman, executive director of the non-profit organization, presented the award during a luncheon for nearly 240 guests at the Happy Hollow Club. Founded in 2000, Nebraskans for Research supports the continued development of medical research in Nebraska.
Durham’s contributions to medical research “embody the spirit of a community working together to improve the lives of those who suffer and the health of the entire community,” Russell said.
Chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Durham Resources, Durham received the Nebraskans for Research award on the heels of the prestigious Horatio Alger Award, which is bestowed on Americans who are dedicated community leaders.
The former chairman and CEO of the engineering and architectural firm of Henningson, Durham & Richardson has changed skylines across the world, Dr. Maurer said, beginning with construction of Omaha’s Methodist Hospital and extending to the first buildings at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.
At UNMC, he has contributed financial resources to three key areas — prostate cancer research, arthritis and minimally invasive surgery. His support also made it possible for UNMC to become the eighth medical center in the country to acquire computer-assisted surgical equipment which — affectionately known as Chuck — is transforming the way surgery is performed.
Most recently, Durham made the largest single gift in UNMC’s history to help fund construction of the $77 million, 284,000-square-foot Research Center of Excellence on the west end of campus. His support also is making possible the construction of a $19.3 million, employee-parking garage along Emile Street.
“What Chuck has done, in essence, is make the unthinkable possible,” Dr. Maurer said.
After accepting the award, a grateful Durham spoke of the importance of medical research and praised the leadership at UNMC.
“Hal’s a great guy,” Durham said. “I’ve always been interested in hospitals and I don’t think there’s any city that has the medical facilities that Omaha does…It’s because of the progressive management of Dr. Maurer and his wife Beverly. This whole thing has come to life since he got here.”
Photo cutlines in descending order: Charles Durham; Michael Sorrell, M.D., congratulates Durham on his award; University of Nebraska Regent Nancy O’Brien talks with Durham; and Durham with UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., and his wife Beverly.