Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee.
This week, we learn more about:
- Name: Tom Cooper
- Job title: Classroom/event technologist III
- Hometown: Omaha (lived here all my life, 63 years)
- No. of years at UNMC: 28
Tell us a bit about what you do here at UNMC.
I started working as an AV equipment repair technician, when the department was called “Biomedical Communications” or BMC for short. It was located on the third floor of the hospital, room 3227.
During that time I learned how to operate studio cameras, copy audio and videotapes, set up studio shoots, design and put together two-way communication rooms on campus and whatever “other duties as assigned” meant at the moment.
Now, I work behind the scenes setting up and making sure the combined audio and video two-way connection for both classroom and conferencing communication, run as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. These connections have included different sites around the world and one out of this world – the space shuttle.
Accountability is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed a person or group demonstrating accountability at UNMC.
The crew I work with is a conscientious group. We know our service is important to our clients. If a problem occurs, we own it. We know a glitch our client experiences could be a 100 percent failure of the conference or class. We try to solve and learn from our mistakes, so it won’t happen again.
What is your favorite summer activity?
Anything I can do with my son and/or daughter, which can include “at-home chores.”
List three things people may not know about you.
- I received “Carrier of the Week” award from the “Benson Sun” newspaper. Does anyone remember that weekly newspaper?
- I caddied three summers at the Omaha Country Club. The caddy master was Kevin O’Connor. Any relation to Tom O’Connor in UNMC public relations, who twisted my arm to do this Lookin’ at U profile?
- I drove trucks, both straight and semi for Brandeis. Does anyone remember “The Store that has Everything?”
In answer to Tom's three questions — 1. Yes, I remember the Sun Newspaper. It even won a Pulitzer Prize. 2. No, I'm not related to Kevin O'Connor. 3. Yes, I remember the Brandeis stores. Finally, thanks to Tom for doing Lookin' at U. He has been a loyal UNMC employee and totally deserves the recognition.
Tom, I enjoyed reading the Lookin at U article (and yes I remember the "Benson Sun" newspaper and 'The Store that has Everything'.