One Class — World Class.
That’s the catchy theme for this year’s UNMC Alumni Reunion Celebration on Oct. 5 and 6 in Omaha.
For the first time ever, the reunion will bring together alums from three different UNMC colleges — medicine, nursing and pharmacy — as well as the School of Allied Health Professions. Previously, each unit held its own separate reunion.
“We’re excited to bring all these alumni together at the same time,” said Kim Cuda, director of alumni relations. “The various health professions have always interacted with each other and worked together to resolve health care issues. It just makes perfect sense to pool our resources and have one large reunion rather than several smaller ones.
“We think it’s going to be a great way to unite the campus and increase the camaraderie between all our alums.”
Cuda said the theme of the reunion ties in nicely with the No. 1 goal of UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. — to make UNMC a world-class academic health science center.
“There is so much happening at UNMC right now,” Cuda said. “We have two major construction projects really starting to take shape. A new College of Public Health has been created. I think our alumni will be energized when they see how UNMC really is on a path to gain world-class status. Omaha also has changed dramatically. Alums who haven’t been back for awhile will hardly recognize the community.”
The two-day reunion begins with a welcome breakfast at 9 a.m., Oct. 5, in the Private Dining Rooms on third floor of University Tower. The breakfast will feature remarks from the deans of the four units — Virginia Tilden, D.N.Sc., College of Nursing; John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D., College of Medicine; Courtney Fletcher, Pharm.D., and Clarence Ueda, Pharm.D., Ph.D., College of Pharmacy; and Kyle Meyer, Ph.D., School of Allied Health Professions.
The remainder of the day on Oct. 5 will include a variety of presentations and tours highlighting UNMC, a luncheon for alumni, friends and faculty, and an internal medicine grand rounds presentation about tetracyclines and their therapeutic implications for dental and medical diseases. The grand rounds presentation will be made by Lorne Golub, D.M.D., State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Throughout the afternoon, alums will be able to tour the UNMC College of Nursing History Museum or visit the Alumni Hospitality Room on third floor of Wittson Hall.
The first day will be capped off with alumni receptions and college open houses and individual classes will host their own reunion events.
On Oct. 6, the day begins with a champagne brunch at the Hilton Omaha Hotel hosted by the University of Nebraska Foundation. Nick Taylor, J.D., an attorney, will discuss some of the tax advantages available to individuals interested in philanthropic giving.
Other highlights of the second day will include an alumni reception at the Joslyn Art Museum. Charles Guildner, M.D., College of Medicine Class of 1957, will be exhibiting his black and white photographs, “Lives of Tradition.” Alumni also can enjoy a cruise down the Missouri River on the River City Star Riverboat.
The evening culminates with a reception and dinner at the Hilton Omaha Hotel. UNMC alumni and friends are invited to celebrate friendships and reminisce. The Saturday Gala will be a spectacular evening filled with entertainment and a special program comprised of memories. Depending on the time of the game, alums could come together for a party to watch the Nebraska vs. Missouri football game.
“We’ve pulled together an outstanding committee, alumni volunteers, class coordinators and campus representatives to help plan events and encourage a great turnout from alumni of all the colleges,” Cuda said. “We’re optimistic that we will have between 400 and 500 alumni and guests at the weekend events. We are counting on alums to spread the word and rally behind this new format of bringing our alums together at the same time.”
Cuda said that the Class of 1957 (including alumni from the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy) will be this year’s special 50th anniversary class. She said any alums who graduated 50 or more years ago will receive a special Half Century Club alumni lapel pin if they attend this year’s reunion.
For more information or to register for the reunion, go to www.unmc.edu/alumni or call 402-559-4354 or toll free 888-725-8664. Hotel reservations can be made by calling the Hilton Omaha Hotel, 402-998-3400 or 800-445-8667, and asking for the special UNMC alumni rate of $109 per night.
Current alumni presidents and the year they graduated include: College of Medicine — Dennis Strauss, M.D., 1968; College of Nursing — Joyce Black, M.S.N., 1981, Ph.D., 1999; College of Pharmacy — Elizabeth Hermsen, Pharm.D., 2001; Physical Therapy — Gene Svec, 1996; and Physician Assistant — John Barta, 1976.