Lookin’ at U – Suzanne Torroni

Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee. This week, we learn more about:

• Name: Suzanne Torroni
• Hometown: Yonkers, N.Y.
• No. of years at UNMC: Not quite one year!

Tell us about what you do here at UNMC:
The iEXCEL℠ program has both an academic and business mission. As executive director for business development for the iEXCEL℠ program, I am responsible for developing collaborative relationships with industry as well as the military and the community. There is actually much more to tell — but that is the short story! My background is in patient simulation as well as the aerospace/defense arena, performing everything from sales management to developing training programs to corporate communications and event management — which ties in nicely with my current role.

Innovation is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed a person or group demonstrate a commitment to innovation at UNMC:
I’m so happy and proud to be a part of an excellent team that believes in innovation for the betterment of the whole. No egos, just mission/vision driven values and the desire to provide UNMC with a quality program and — not too far in the distance — a beautiful new Global Center for Advanced Interprofessional Learning, which will house and support iEXCEL℠ activities. As a newbie to Omaha and UNMC, it was such a pleasure to experience the dedication and commitment of so many talented individuals helping us along the design and development journey. Additionally, I will say that dedication and commitment doesn’t just come from our employees. I witnessed the same level of dedication from our student workers, who were not only excited about working with the new technology in the iEXCEL℠ Visualization Hub, but were key in helping us push this technology to meet the needs of faculty and staff.

What is your favorite summer activity?

Being outdoors in the sunshine (stay away winter!), whatever that entails — exploring new parks and trails, bike riding, walking the dogs, gardening, golfing, fishing and other activities.

List two things people may not know about you.

• One of my passions is dog rescue. I’m lucky that I have a husband who also has a soft spot in his heart for animals in need. So, as a team, we’ve fostered, transported and performed fundraising for the American Black & Tan Coonhound Rescue for years!
• My husband and I are big believers in “experiences,” so our new thing is to eliminate typical gifts to each other and give each other gifts of experiences. We enjoy new adventures so when we get the opportunity we check out new areas, bucket list concerts, plays and more.