 |
Robert Binhammer, M.D., professor in the department of genetics, cell biology and anatomy, left, demonstrates classroom technology to Shella Renteria Malolepszy of the College of Nursing class of 1972 and from the College of Medicine, Marsha Alexander, M.D., class of 1972, Cindy O’Rourke, wife of Gil O’Rourke, M.D, class of 1962, and John Donaldson, M.D., class of 1966. |
 |
Enjoying the School of Allied Health Professions Reception are Diane Givens, class of 1982, Marvin Beck, class of 1977, Kyle Meyer, Ph.D., class of 1979 and associate dean of the School of Allied Health Professions, Dan Chambers, class of 1976, Laura Bilek, Ph.D., class of 1988 and 1994 and assistant professor in the division of physical therapy education, and Pat Hageman, Ph.D., class of 1979, director of the division of physical therapy education. |
 |
Loren Jacobsen, M.D., Donald Townsend, M.D., and Bruce Johnson, M.D., members of the College of Medicine class of 1967, visit during alumni weekend. |
 |
From the College of Nursing class of 1952, Jo Pinckley, Joanne Dill Messman, Verna Eucker and Jean Schropfer Molde share stories of their days in nursing school. |
For the first time ever, four different academic units — the colleges of medicine, pharmacy and nursing and the School of Allied Health Professions — all came together at the same time on Oct. 5-6.
The theme of the reunion, One Class — World Class, exemplified the spirit of the event, which brought nearly 500 alumni and friends to Omaha.
“We were thrilled with the response we heard from alums. They were excited to be back on campus and see all the impressive changes that have occurred,” said Kim Cuda, director of alumni affairs. “For some, it had been nearly 50 years since they were on campus. It was a great opportunity for them to see old classmates, to reminisce and exchange stories.
“We think we set the bar for future reunions at UNMC. Now that we have the template for the combined reunion, we just need to strive to make it bigger and better for future years.”
Dennis Strauss, M.D., president of the UNMC College of Medicine Alumni Association, concurred.
“Alumni Affairs did an outstanding job of pulling this together,” said Dr. Strauss, a 1968 graduate of the College of Medicine who just completed his two-year term as president. “I see a bright future for this event. All the disciplines enjoyed it. It was great seeing old friends. There was a good variety of events. The hospitality and dinner were exceptional. I think everyone really enjoyed the video in which alums reminisced about their days at UNMC.”
Dr. Strauss along with Joyce Black, Ph.D., president of the UNMC College of Nursing Alumni Association, and Elizabeth Hermsen, Pharm.D., president of the UNMC College of Pharmacy Association, served as emcees for the Oct. 6 dinner at the Hilton Omaha Hotel.
Ten UNMC alums — four nurses, three physicians, two pharmacists and a physical therapist — provided their reflections on video of their time at UNMC. The video was produced by ITS Video Services.
The weekend activities included a Grand Rounds medical presentation on tetracyclines, tours of the College of Nursing History Museum, a reception at the Joslyn Art Museum, a riverboat cruise down the Missouri River, and tours of the burgeoning UNMC campus.
The kickoff event featured a breakfast in the Private Dining Rooms of University Tower.
Deans from five UNMC academic units provided alums with an overview of their colleges and programs.
Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs, invited the alums “to capture the excitement, feel the vibrancy and embrace the pride.”
Bartee noted that UNMC is experiencing record highs in enrollment, research funding, contributions from donors, and in national rankings.
He saluted alumni for their contributions to UNMC.
“One generation plants the trees,” he said. “The next generation basks in the shade.”
Some of the tidbits alumni learned at the breakfast included:
- The College of Nursing is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year;
- There will be a 30 percent shortfall of nurses by 2020;
- The College of Medicine will have a new home next year — the Sorrell Center for Health Science Education — and the Sorrell Center will host the 2008 alumni reunion;
- The School of Allied Health Professions is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year;
- Sixty percent of the health care work force is made up of allied health professionals;
- The College of Pharmacy ranks 12th out of 62 pharmacy schools in terms of research funding per faculty member (an average of $160,329 per faculty member); and
- The College of Public Health, which has already recruited nine new faculty in its first year of operation, celebrated its first anniversary this year.
Cuda said the 2008 Alumni Reunion is tentatively slated for early October. More details will be available once a firm date is established.