The American Diabetes Association is awarding its 2004 Honor Award to UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. Dr. Maurer will receive the award at a dinner banquet on Thursday, May 27, at Embassy Suites Downtown.
“I’m grateful for this recognition from the American Diabetes Association. It’s a reflection of the work of many people at the Medical Center,” Dr. Maurer said. “Diabetes is among the leading causes of death in the nation, and it also leads to blindness, vascular problems and other disabling illnesses. UNMC must support all research avenues available to find a cure for the disease.”
Thursday’s event will begin at 6 p.m. with a silent auction and reception, with the program to begin at 7 p.m. Larry Smith, chairman-elect of the American Diabetes Association, is the event’s guest speaker. Congressman Lee Terry will conduct a live auction following the meal. Ward Chambers, M.D., is the chairman of the event. Dr. Chambers and businessman Harlan Noddle will speak to honor Dr. Maurer.
|
|
“With nearly $500,000 committed to research, innovation and Physician Scientist Training Awards from the American Diabetes Association to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, it is clear Chancellor Maurer fosters an environment that complements and supports the American Diabetes Association’s goals in diabetes research,” said Caroline Stevens, interim chief executive officer of the American Diabetes Association.
Dr. Maurer noted that UNMC is pushing forward in its search for the best treatments of patients with diabetes. The university plans to begin performing pancreatic islet cell transplants and may explore the possibility of converting stem cells to islet cells, which produce insulin.
“It’s really worthwhile for us to find a cure to this disease, which affects so many,” Dr. Maurer said.
Dr. Maurer said many people deserve credit for the award, including many faculty and staff, community leaders and his wife, Beverly.
“Beverly does a lot in the community to facilitate the vitality of the medical center, and she and I have made a conscious decision to fully participate in the community. In turn, community leaders have learned that they can trust us,” Dr. Maurer said. “We’ve been fortunate that those leaders have been willing to participate in the success of UNMC. They recognize the compelling commitment that all of us at UNMC have in becoming world-class, and they want to be a part of it.”