Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee.
This week, we learn more about:
- Name: Katherine “Kat” Hamilton
- Hometown: Thedford, Neb. (one hour north of North Platte)
- Number of years at UNMC: Three and a half
Tell us what you do here at UNMC.
I am a strategic engagement coordinator in the alumni relations office. I work with all students and alumni, but specifically I handle the activities related to those constituent groups from the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions and the College of Nursing.
I oversee the planning, promotion and implementation of events for those colleges, as well as major events for the UNMC Alumni Association. I support their Alumni Councils and manage any communication needs, as well as other UNMC Alumni Association communications, including newsletters, social media, print and digital publications and its website.
I recently launched the alumni association’s “Connections Project” blog, which features real-world information from alumni for students.
“Excellence” is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed excellence in practice at UNMC.
The 2017-2018 academic year was the College of Nursing’s 100th anniversary. I relished the opportunity to help the alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the college celebrate this milestone through activities and events on all five of our nursing campuses.
I witnessed excellence through the planning committee, which worked tirelessly to celebrate a century of academic nursing excellence. Through their efforts, 240 champions of the college gathered for the signature centennial event, a gala, where the oldest alumnus present was from the class of 1953 (and she traveled from California to attend).
That same evening, I was honored to help recognize the inaugural inductees of the College of Nursing Hall of Fame. Those nurse leaders are true trailblazers for the profession and their contributions to their patients and the communities they serve is exemplary. To me, that is who we are and why we are here — to work together to be exceptional in carrying out not only our personal mission and values, but that of UNMC.
What is your favorite winter activity?
Going to the beach or to the mountains. Escaping the cold for sun and sand in the winter is a great way to relax. Or just the opposite — going to the mountains and skiing and snowmobiling fills the need for adrenaline. Sitting in the mountains and watching the snow fall as you stay warm by the fire with a good book, now that is bliss.
List three things people may not know about you.
- During college I went on a two-and-a-half week long trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, where I had the opportunity to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, bungee jump off the Auckland Harbor Bridge, knee board in the ocean and parasail.
- I grew up on a cattle ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska and am one of four daughters.
- I love to play golf and am in two or three leagues each summer. In 2018, I joined the LPGA Amateur Golf Association and traveled to Wisconsin to play in a competitive match play event.
Kat is the best!!!