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UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., left, and his wife, Beverly, with Richard Holland at a Nebraskans For Research luncheon to honor Holland for his efforts to advance research in the state. |
Richard “Dick” Holland is always willing to take on a challenge.
As his daughter, Mary Ann Holland, said, “My dad has never met a controversy he didn’t love. Once he gets his teeth into something, he’s like a pit bull.”
On April 14, Nebraskans for Research honored Holland at its annual tribute luncheon at Omaha’s Happy Hollow Club. This marks the sixth consecutive year that NFR has honored an individual or couple for their ongoing support of research.
In accepting the award, Holland urged the audience to continue to support research.
“Science is being attacked by religious and political leaders. It’s a real tragedy,” he said. “We should speak out on science politely, firmly and publicly. You hold the high ground.”
An Omaha native, Holland is a retired CEO of Holland, Dreves, Reilly advertising agency in Omaha. In 1979 it merged with a Lincoln agency and became Swanson, Rollheiser, Holland, Inc. Holland remained a principal member until he retired, having built Omaha’s second-largest advertising business.
Over the years, Holland and his late wife Mary have been tremendous community visionaries, committing their talents and finances to a variety of initiatives, projects and programs that have helped shape the future of Omaha. Mary Holland passed away in 2006.
The Hollands embraced projects that broaden and enrich the community. Two contributions in this area are:
- The Holland Center for Performing Arts, which engages audiences in a variety of artistic venues; and
- The Holland Lecture Series, initiated in 2005 to address a variety of important ethical and global issues by stimulating discussion and thinking.
Holland attended Omaha University (now the University of Nebraska at Omaha). Initially, his major was chemistry, but following service during World War II as an officer in the chemical corps, he determined a career in chemical engineering was not for him.
He returned to complete his degree and switched his major to art. After graduation, he took over the advertising business of his father, Lewis Holland.
With a passion for new ideas, it’s no surprise that the Hollands have been longtime supporters of research. Their financial contributions helped build the state-of-the-art Durham Research Center at UNMC and, most recently, the second research tower currently under construction, which will mirror the Durham Research Center.
Holland also was instrumental in founding the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, which has energized many key business and community leaders in the effort to ensure a supportive research climate in Nebraska.
Proceeds from the luncheon go to support Nebraskans for Research, a 501c3 organization with members from throughout the state who come from all political parties.
NFR is dedicated to promoting and supporting life-saving research and ensuring that it flourishes in our state.
Previous honorees for the NFR tribute lunch include:
- 2007 — Dr. James Armitage;
- 2006 — Harold and Marian Andersen;
- 2005 — Rik and Dr. Shannon Bonness;
- 2004 — Dr. Michael Sorrell; and
- 2003 — Charles Durham.