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Carol Goranson |
As a longtime member of the Munroe-Meyer Institute Operating Board, she spent many a Thursday afternoon on the third floor of the Hattie B. Munroe building on the UNMC campus.
Following a monthly meeting held on Oct. 12, 2006, Goranson was killed in an automobile accident while on her way to teach a piano lesson in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
“We were all just stunned,” said Merrilee Miller, current president elect of the MMI operating board. “It was a terrible loss to the community.”
A dance was held in Goranson’s honor last August and earlier this month, on Valentine’s Day, members of the MMI operating board dedicated the very room in which she spent so many hours in her name.
Attendees of the dedication spoke of her infectious smile and inspiring outlook on life.
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“She made everyone feel as though you were her best friend,” said Karol Warchola, administrative coordinator for MMI. “When she asked, ‘How are you?’ or ‘What’s going on?’ she genuinely meant it.”
A native of Macon, Mo., Goranson earned a reputation as a leading local proponent of special education.
Miller got to know her through the board meetings, but established a friendship outside of MMI.
“We started having lunch together, and I discovered how delightful and deeply thoughtful she was,” Miller said. “She really took great care of her friends.”
Asked what Goranson would think of the plaque that now hangs on the wall of 3046 Hattie B. Munroe, Miller chuckled.
“She would laugh her head off,” Miller said. “She would say ‘I’m sure there’s some more deserving person out there.'”
Miller, however, said the honor is fitting.
“I think it’s wonderful,” Miller said