The past year was a busy one on the UNMC campus — new buildings, new events and the announcement of a new chancellor. Here is a look at some of the high points of the year.
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At right — Fran Higgins and Robert Binhammer take part in the tricycle races at the Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s. The event raised $23,000 in 2013 — this year’s event is set for Jan. 10-11.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approves the construction of a new College of Pharmacy and Center for Drug Discovery building.
Surinder Batra, Ph.D., professor and chairman, department of biochemistry and molecular biology, is named UNMC’s seventh Scientist Laureate.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approves a UNMC/University of Nebraska at Omaha joint master’s/doctoral program in biomedical informatics.
February
More than 300 UNMC faculty, staff, students and guests attended the first-ever Chinese Cultural Fair.
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At right — Medical students Melissa Gaspers and Hernan Hernandez celebrate their matches at Match Day. In a first for the ceremony, medical school students took the stage to selected “theme songs.”
Surgeons at The Nebraska Medical Center implant the Total Artificial Heart into patient Greg Rathe, the first time this procedure had been performed in Nebraska.
The Board of Regents approves construction of a $19 million Health Science Education Complex at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, expanding UNK’s collaboration with UNMC to meet growing demands for primary and rural health care.
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April:
At left — UNMC sponsors the inaugural Nebraska Science Festival at the Durham Museum and locations throughout Omaha. “Dancing scientist” Jeffrey Vinokur, left, and Bill Nye the Science Guy headline the event.
UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center celebrate 30 years since the first bone marrow transplant was performed on campus.
Ribbons are cut following major renovations at the Nebraska Cafe and Clarkson Cafe.
May:
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Far right — Stanley M. Truhlsen, M.D., and his wife, Dorothy, were on hand when donors, dignitaries and friends gathered to cut the ribbon on the state-of-the-art Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute.
Former employees gathered to say farewell to Swanson Hall, which was razed in 2013 to make way for the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
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At left — More than 250 volunteers — the most ever — helped nearly 250 campers enjoy the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Camp Munroe.
UNMC dedicates the Dr. Wayne and Eileen Ryan Surgical Simulation Suite.
The groundbreaking ceremony for UNMC’s Lozier Center for Pharmacy Sciences and Education and Center for Drug Discovery is held.
UNMC’s Department of Otolaryngology opens its new, education-focused state-of-the-art bone lab facility.
July:
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The first patient receives treatment using the state-of-the-art Supra Scan Multi-spot Laser at the Truhlsen Eye Institute. The laser is the most cutting-edge laser device currently available.
August:
Traditional white coat ceremonies are held across UNMC’s campuses.
A report released by the Center for Health Policy at UNMC indicates that in many areas of Nebraska, people do not have easy access to a dentist.
September:
A new dual degree, Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health (Pharm.D./MPH), is approved for 2014. The degree will offer the academic framework for pharmacy students to acquire public health knowledge and skills.
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October:
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Spirit Week events, such as a Halloween costume contest (right), enjoyed high participation.
As part of a clinical integration project that began in 2012, The Nebraska Medical Center, Bellevue Medical Center and UNMC Physicians announce a new, unified leadership structure which leaders say is “built for the future.”
UNMC students and faculty took part in the fourth annual Refugee Day Health Fair.
After holding a June groundbreaking for its new building for donors and dignitaries, the College of Pharmacy repeated the ceremony in October for its
students.
November:
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UNMC holds its first International Week, a series of activities — including an International Tea (left) — designed to celebrate the richness of diversity present on the UNMC campus.
Adam Savage of “Mythbusters” is announced as the headliner for the 2014 Nebraska Science Festival.
For the 14th straight year, student enrollment at UNMC sets a record high.
UNMC leaders and faculty members travel to China to strengthen the Asia Pacific Rim Development Program, meeting with officials and key supporters, including a visit to Tongji University in Shanghai.
December
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UNMC and the Ronald McDonald House team to present “Freezin’ for a Reason,” a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House held at the UNMC ice rink.
Members of the UNMC community show their holiday spirit by working together to support diverse and worthy causes, including organizations such as Adopt-a-Family, Toys for Tots and the Food Bank of the Heartland.