Retirement reception Dec. 11
The retirement reception for Rick Spellman will be from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, in Private Dining Rooms A and B on the third floor of University Tower. Remarks will be made at 3 p.m.
Spellman plans to officially retire in January.
We’ve all heard the seemingly endless supply of lawyer jokes.
Exhibit A:
Q: Why won’t sharks attack lawyers?
A: Professional courtesy.
Or the witty banter pertaining to lawyers:
Exhibit B:
99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
(Full disclosure — No harm intended. Trust me, as a PR person, I’ve heard a few similar quips about my profession.)
But, after dealing with Rick Spellman, J.D., UNMC’s associate general counsel-health sciences for the past 16 years, I have to admit the evidence is just not there to support these cheap shots.
In fact, the findings all point to a different verdict. This Spellman guy is a pretty good egg . . . someone who is held in the highest regard throughout the university.
The Spellman file
1960-1962 – Cornell University
1964 – B.A, English major, University of Nebraska
1967 – J.D., University of Nebraska College of Law
1967-1970 – captain, U.S. Marine Corps, prosecutor and defense attorney – General Courts Martial, and military judge – Special Courts Martial
1970-1990 – partner, Kutak Rock law firm – Omaha office, specializing in litigation (15 years), and health care finance and securities law (5 years)
1990-2000 – general counsel and corporate secretary, Guarantee Life Insurance Company, an Omaha-based mutual life, health and disability insurance company
2001-present – associate general counsel – health sciences, University of Nebraska Office of Vice President and General Counsel, primary duties handling legal matters for UNMC and UNMC Physicians
Mid-1990s-present – Board member, UNeMed, UNMC’s technology transfer company
Married to Connie for 52 years; three children and four grandchildren
“He’s on my Mount Rushmore of mentors,” said Michael Dixon, Ph.D., president & CEO, UNeMed Corporation.
James Linder, M.D., chief strategist for the University of Nebraska, calls Spellman “unflappable.”
Joel Pedersen, vice president and general counsel for the University of Nebraska, said Spellman is “one-of-a-kind.”
“A wonderful mentor and kind soul” is how Tara Scrogin, J.D., UNMC associate general counsel-health sciences, describes Spellman.
The dapper barrister — always recognizable for having reading glasses dangling from a band around his neck — has decided to give retirement a try at the age of 75.
Spellman handled the messy things — personnel issues, contracts, real estate deals, employment agreements, compliance — that can be extremely sensitive and have a huge impact on the organization.
“Lawyers are often perceived as roadblocks,” he said. “A good lawyer will remove roadblocks.”
He never sought the limelight.
“I’m just a lawyer. That’s what I am,” he said. “It’s such a litigious world these days. If you make a misstep, people are likely to call you out.
“It’s been a privilege to work with the extraordinarily gifted professionals and administrators and be a part of the growth and accomplishments of UNMC.”
Still, he’s uncertain about this retirement thing.
“I don’t know what the word means,” he said. “I will stay professionally engaged in providing advice and assistance. I’ve always enjoyed helping people accomplish their objectives.”
There will be more time for wife, Connie, their three children and four grandchildren, and they’ll definitely spend more time at their getaway place on the Upper Missouri River near the Niobrara State Park.
Sounds like a plan. Case closed. No joke.
"When Rick joined UNMC in 2001, having an attorney on campus was an entirely new thing. Rather than calling the General Counsel's Office in Lincoln whenever we decided we might need some legal advice, we had someone in the room telling us we absolutely needed legal advice. Rick would even call me in the morning with: 'just checking in, anything new?' I always wanted to respond 'nothing illegal going on here!' — but I thought that would make him suspicious. Rick has added so much to navigating an increasingly complex legal and regulatory world as UNMC has grown from success to success. He has truly played an essential role in UNMC's academic and service growth for the last 16 years."
"Rick has been a colleague, board member, advisor, mentor and friend as long as I've been employed by UNMC. His participation on the UNeMed board of directors actually pre-dates his employment at UNMC. Rick has helped guide us safely through many difficult situations, and he always does it with great humility and grace. With his straightforward and unassuming style, you almost don't realize how much he's helped until it's over. I've had many mentors throughout the years, but there's only a few that have made as much of an impact as Rick. He's on my Mount Rushmore of mentors, and I'm certain I'll continue to call him for advice, even after he hangs up his UNMC badge for the last time."
"Rick, an expert generalist attorney, always considered both sides of the case equally, to my consternation. He represented all constituents of UNMC at one time or another during his tenure. Although he was mild-mannered, he was ferocious as an attorney. He took on all cases. I am greatly indebted to my friend Rick for keeping our institution on the 'straight and narrow' during my tenure at UNMC. I wish him and his family the best of everything in retirement."
Rick, I hope you get into all kinds of mischief, and I hope we see you more!
I have so enjoyed being Rick's on again, off-again, unofficial assistant these past 16 years. In addition to having such a sharp legal mind, I could always count on Rick to represent "true North." I can write paragraphs but it wouldn't do him justice. He's simply the finest person I'll ever know, with the most amazing twinkle in his eyes! I know he and Connie will have a great time during this next chapter of their lives.
Congratulations on your retirement Rick. I truly enjoyed working with you that one time a couple of years ago. You were so helpful in resolving our contract issue and recovering funding. I very much appreciated your temperament and advice.
Rick, I am so glad I had the opportunity to work with you. I always appreciated your partnership and support. I wish you the best as you enter the next phase of your life. Keep having fun and enjoy what lies ahead!
Rick, you will be greatly missed. I have enjoyed working with you and wish you the best in the next chapter of your life.
Rick, It has been an honor to work with you. Your ability to pierce through complex problems never ceased to amaze me. Thank you for all you have done to improve UNMC and the University. And, keep us all informed on what mystery novels we should be reading.
Rick,
Happy retirement. Not sure if I will make the retirement celebration. Hopefully I will continue seeing you in the community doing your good work!
Carol
Rick, Thank you once again for your legal assistance on several occasions through the years!! I also always enjoyed visiting with you when our paths crossed on campus or elsewhere. All the best to you in the future!!
I don't know if T.O. is referring to the same Rick Spellman I know and remember! Just kidding!
Enjoy retirement to its fullest, Rick. It's time to relax and unwind, smell the roses, and be worry-free. All the best to you and Carol in the journey that lies ahead.