Gov. Dave Heineman called it “another great day for the University of Nebraska Medical Center.”
Mayor Jim Suttle described it as “one more jewel in the crown of this wonderful, wonderful medical center.”
J.B. Milliken, president of the University of Nebraska, cited it as “yet another example of when great faculty, great leadership and great philanthropy come together.”
And Quan Dong Nguyen, M.D. – chairman of the department of ophthalmology and visual sciences, director of the Truhlsen Eye Institute and the McGaw Memorial Endowed Chair, the man who is getting the keys to the new Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute – vowed, “We will not disappoint you.”
The dedication ceremony for the three-story institute was held Wednesday morning, in the parking lot of the new building, drawing a crowd of approximately 300 despite a chill in the air.
The 92-year-old Dr. Truhlsen took the stage to close the program.
He recalled that, two and a half years ago, he had “dug a little dirt” to start the project.
His reaction to Wednesday’s event celebrating the completed building?
“Wow.”
Truhlsen said he and his wife and family were proud to be part of the continued expansion of UNMC.
David W. Parke II, M.D., the executive vice president and CEO of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, predicted big things for the institute, which will combine state-of-the-art diagnostic medicine with the latest advances in clinical research.
The institute includes the Carl B. Camras, M.D., Center for Innovative Clinical Trials in Ophthalmology, Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center; and Children’s Eye Care Center.
In addition, the $20 million, 54,536-square-foot facility also features outpatient eye exam facilities, an optical shop and a comprehensive regional diagnostic center. Plans are in the works for an eye surgery center to be built at a future date.
“This is going to benefit the entire state of Nebraska and the profession of ophthalmology and all the patients we serve around the world,” Dr. Parke said.
Dr. Parke also said the institute would serve as a “powerful talent magnet,” attracting the top minds in ophthalmology to UNMC.
“This really is going to be a transformative vision,” he said.
Many of the donors were on hand to tour the state-of-the-art building at 40th and Leavenworth streets and to hear Dr. Truhlsen and others speak. Donors thanked from the podium included Dr. Truhlsen and wife Dorothy; Dr. Truhlsen’s children, William C. Truhlsen, Nancy Truhlsen Brager, Stanley M. Truhlsen Jr., and Barbara Truhlsen Mitchell; Mona and Marshall Faith; Alice and Robert Williamson; and Judith and Charles Fritch, M.D.
“This is a wonderful day for UNMC,” said Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D.
Congratulations to the faculty, staff and residents in the Department of Ophthalmology. It is a vision realized, Carl would be so pleased and proud.