Time out with T.O. – UNMC’s first lady

Passion. Energy. Commitment.

Put those three qualities together, and great things can be accomplished.

The qualities describe to a T what Beverly Maurer means to UNMC.

Tom O’Connor

The wife of Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., UNMC’s first lady is driven to take the medical center to the next level.

Although the combined dynamics of Team Maurer is unparalleled, there also is no doubt that Beverly has carved out her own niche in the community.

She wears many hats — fundraiser, event planner, liaison with students, faculty recruiter and community volunteer.

“I’m a firm believer that UNMC has to have a presence,” she said. “We have to be out there. We need to go the extra mile.”

Typically, going the extra mile can mean as many as four evening events and three lunch events in the same week.

The Maurers received special recognition in 2008 when it was announced at a groundbreaking ceremony that the College of Public Health’s new building would be named the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health. Participants in the groundbreaking from left-right included Dr. Maurer, Beverly Maurer, Gov. Dave Heineman and Omaha philanthropists Bill and Ruth Scott.

She has her finger in many pies — Joslyn Museum, Holland Performing Arts Center, Ronald McDonald House and the Durham Museum just to name a few.

She loves “planting a seed and watching it take hold.” For instance, when UNMC’s research climate was being threatened by outside groups, she helped form a pro-research group that has flourished over the past decade.

The Brooklyn, N.Y. native spent 25 years in elementary school education in Richmond, Va. before coming to Omaha in 1994. She was a school principal her last 17 years in Richmond.

“I came to Omaha with a work mentality. I couldn’t wait to plunge in and get involved,” she said. “Harold and I have a passion for people. We thoroughly enjoy being with them.”

After 16 years in Omaha, the Maurers have fallen in love with Nebraska’s largest city.

“Omaha is a very welcoming, supportive community,” Beverly said. “People see all the growth that is happening at UNMC, and they are eager to be a part of a winning team.

“People ask if we’ll eventually move to Florida to be with our children and grandchildren, I tell them, ‘Omaha is home. We’re not going any place.'”

The Maurers celebrated their 50th anniversary earlier this year. They obviously have a rock solid relationship.

“I can be his worst critic,” Beverly said. “I appreciate that he listens to what I say and values my opinion. It’s been a fun ride.

“We love being ambassadors for UNMC … being able to work with a supportive community to try to make a difference.”