After decades of serving as the well-respected but “unofficial” historian for UNMC, Robert Wigton, M.D., became an official part of the university’s archives and the McGoogan Library of Medicine last week as the library cut the ribbon on the newly named Wigton History of Medicine Archives.
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From left, John Schleicher, Robert Wigton, M.D., Deb Wigton, M.D., Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Bob Bartee, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dele Davies, M.D., Amy Volk of the University of Nebraska Foundation, and McGoogan Library Director Emily McElroy |
Dr. Wigton and his family were on hand for the event, joined by university leaders such as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dele Davies, M.D., Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Bob Bartee, College of Medicine Dean Brad Britigan, M.D., and many others.
Library Director Emily McElroy emceed the event, pointing to the help Dr. Wigton — “the library’s biggest champion” — had provided in amassing, cataloging and displaying the library’s collection, both financially and in a more hands-on way.
“It’s not uncommon to see Bob up here in the library, just lending his support and advice and making resources available to us,” she said. “With his sense of humor, as well, he really inspires the staff who work here.”
Bartee thanked Dr. Wigton for “a wonderful gift — an opportunity to make our community’s history at UNMC alive, right here on campus.”
He noted Dr. Wigton’s many contributions, including:
- Providing financial support for special collections and archives;
- Digitizing hundreds of photos to help form a digital photo archive;
- Championing the placement of a Nebraska State Historical Marker on Poynter Hall;
- Supporting the purchase of equipment and hardware for interactive touch-screen exhibits;
- Personally conducting numerous oral history interviews with campus leaders; and
- Funding a custom art storage system for paintings, prints, posters and other framed works of art.
John Schleicher, who oversees special collections at the library, became visibly emotional when talking about his continuing partnership and friendship with Dr. Wigton.
“My motto is, ‘Everything I needed to know about UNMC, I learned from Bob Wigton,'” he said. “He’s really become a mentor and friend to me.”
Addressing the crowd, Dr. Wigton spoke of his long interest in UNMC and the College of Medicine — dating from childhood, when he got his tonsils out at the medical center.
He spoke about becoming more interested in the history of UNMC while attending medical school.
But most of Dr. Wigton’s remarks were about the skills and dedication of his friends on the library staff.
“Together, they have the abilities to make this archive not only a reality but a resource for medical teachers, historians, alumni and scholars here and around the world,” he said.
I'm very happy to see Dr. Wigton honored for all his many contributions to UNMC. He has worked tirelessly to assure that the history of the Med Center is documented and does not get lost in the shuffle. Congratulations to Dr. Wigton and to the library for their partnership and mutual respect, admiration, and accomplishments.