Each Thursday, we feature a medical center employee. Today, we meet:
- Name: Theresa Pikschus
- Hometown: Born in Omaha, grew up in Council Bluffs — reside in Council Bluffs
- No. of years at UNMC: 27 years as of June 5
Tell us a bit about what you do here at UNMC.
I began as a clinic clerk, and, during my 27 years, have moved to secretary, secretary II, office associate II and executive associate II. I now work directly with Ken Hansen, associate vice chancellor, facilities management and planning at UNMC and vice president, facilities at Nebraska Medicine. I schedule and plan events, also coordinate with Nebraska Safety Council Van Driver Training for the Munroe-Meyer Institute and UNMC Child Care, serve as an Ambassador for LiveGreen and provide support for the Campus Facilities Management and Planning Department.
Excellence is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed a person or group demonstrating excellence at UNMC.
I appreciate and admire the work Melanie Stewart has done with LiveGreen, including programs such as Travel Smart, Earth Week, desk side recycling and the cardboard recycling program. Melanie has done such a great job at keeping our campus green and continues to find new ways to do so.
What is your favorite fall activity?
Hiking through the woods, rustling through leaves. And, of course, football games, visiting the pumpkin patch and picking apples with my grandson.
List three things people may not know about you.
- I was a foster parent for 17 years. Sixteen children have passed through my home. Although most stayed long term, graduated and moved on to begin their new lives, they will always be my family. I have adopted one child and still have one in my home. They are all special to me and I love each and every one of them.
- I would like to travel and wish to retire then travel the states in a RV or van.
- I love celebrating holidays and having family over. I enjoy entertaining my large group.
Theresa, I worked for several years for a non-profit agency that helped place foster children. There is no way of calculating the tremendous positive impact you have had during your years as a foster mother. God bless you.
Theresa, Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. I have enjoyed getting to know you, working with you as a LiveGreen Ambassador, and (re)scheduling lots of meetings!
Your compassion as a parent, foster parent, and grandparent will surpass anything I do here; you are truly a special person with a great heart and the world is a better place because of you.
Melanie
P.S. Have any extra seats in that RV??
Theresa, you always have a big smile. There are times when I see you in the building with that big smile, it makes my day. The RV/van sounds so fun.
Theresa, Always enjoyed working with you and your jovial spirit and can do attitude!!
Hello Theresa, It has been wonderful to have worked with you through the years. It's nice to get to know you more through this article. You are a special person to have been a foster parent for 16 children. I'm sure you made a lasting impression and positive life changing direction for each and every one of them. The world needs more people like you!
hi grandma