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UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., and his wife, Beverly, make comments after it was announced that the new College of Public Health building will be named for them. |
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UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., left, shouts instructions to start the groundbreaking for the College of Public Health building, which will be named for the chancellor and his wife, Beverly, second from left. Also pictured are Gov. Dave Heineman and Omaha philanthropists Bill and Ruth Scott. |
The Maurers were honored for these attributes at a formal groundbreaking ceremony for UNMC’s College of Public Health on Thursday when University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken announced that the new building will be named for the couple.
“Under Chancellor Maurer’s leadership, the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus has been transformed into a nationally recognized center of medical research, education and patient care,” Milliken said. “UNMC also has significantly expanded its service to the people of Nebraska, through public outreach and education. The College of Public Health will add another dimension to the university’s impact on Nebraska, and it is fitting that it carry the names of Hal and Beverly Maurer — two individuals who have a deep concern for the future of health education and for the quality of life in Nebraska.”
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“We have seen the superior dedication the Maurers have to health issues and the education of the next generation of health professionals,” Ruth Scott said. “Their vision to address state health issues, recruit nationally known researchers and create a centralized UNMC campus demonstrates their concern for public health. We are delighted to honor them in this way.”
The name of the building came as a surprise for those who attended Thursday’s ceremony. Chancellor and Mrs. Maurer said they were humbled by the Scotts’ decision to name the latest UNMC building in their honor.
“Beverly and I have lived by the same philosophy — come to work, work hard and good things will happen,” Dr. Maurer said. “We are grateful to Ruth and Bill Scott for recognizing the health needs of our state and giving so generously to UNMC to address them.”
The Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health will open in April 2010. The 52,500-square-foot facility will boast three levels and will sit south of Dewey Avenue on the east side of 40th Street.
As the home of the College of Public Health, the building will bring together students, faculty and community members to evaluate health trends, problems and solutions. Diabetes, childhood obesity, addictions, health disparities and biosecurity and biopreparedness are some of the statewide concerns.
The College of Public Health became fully operational in 2007. It was the first new college on UNMC’s campus since 1968. Although there are 125 academic medical centers in the United States, less than 40 have colleges of public health. Furthermore, there are no other colleges of public health in a large section of the northwest United States, which spans 1,400 miles east-west and 800 miles north-south of Nebraska.
What others are saying
“Dr. Hal and Beverly Maurer have been a wonderful addition to the Omaha community. In 15 years, they have profoundly influenced and made incredibly positive changes to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In addition, both Hal and Beverly have been involved in the community above and beyond the medical center and they deserve considerable respect for all of their accomplishments.” Mike and Gail Yanney, Omaha community leaders
“It’s an exciting honor for two excellent people. We’re very fortunate that they decided to move here and help improve our state.” Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman
“I have seen first hand Dr. Maurer’s commitment to a healthy population and a healthy state. It’s phenomenal that we have decided to honor he and Beverly this way. It’s a very fitting tribute.” Keith Mueller, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Public Health
“It’s delightful that they have named the building for Hal and Beverly. They certainly deserve the recognition. The College of Public Health was Hal’s brain child and so it’s very appropriate that they named the building for him. It’s recognition not only of his contributions to the college but to UNMC and the state as a whole.” Jay Noren, M.D., president of Detroit’s Wayne State University and founding dean of the UNMC College of Public Health
“The Scotts have always been very good at spotting special talent and vision and that shows with their amazing support of Dr. Maurer and his wife. It’s an extraordinary tribute to the Maurers that we were able to name this building for them while they are still contributing so much.” University of Nebraska Regent Randy Ferlic, M.D.
“Hal Maurer has been a major force in health promotion in Nebraska and he has a particular interest in public health. I think it’s a very appropriate honor for he and Beverly to have this building named for them.” University of Nebraska Regent Charles Wilson, M.D.
“This is a special and well-deserved honor for Dr. Maurer and Beverly. No two people have worked more diligently to improve the health of Nebraskans and bolster the status of UNMC.” Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs
“I’ve been witness to an amazing transformation of this campus in just the six years that I’ve been here and I’ve seen how UNMC has grown in national stature largely due to many of the things Dr. Maurer has instituted. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Hal and Beverly.” Rubens Pamies, M.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs
“No one is more deserving of this than Dr. and Mrs. Maurer. I’ve always been amazed at their dedication to the medical center and Nebraska as a whole. I’m very happy to see them honored in this way.” Luann Andersen, a retired UNMC office associate who worked for Dr. Maurer for 10 years. Andersen moved to Houston earlier this year but was in Omaha on Thursday to see her former boss honored.