A message from the dean

Ever since arriving at UNMC in 2011, I have admired what Dr. Robert Wigton has done for the College of Medicine, UNMC, and medical care in Nebraska over the past half century. He is truly a legendary figure.
 
With the groundbreaking ceremony on June 24 for UNMC’s latest building project – the Wigton Heritage Center – it is gratifying to see Bob receive the accolades he deserves.
 
When it is completed in 2021, the 10,000 square-foot, four-level, $8 million building to be located in the space between Wittson Hall and University Tower will become a transformational gathering place for our campus. It will celebrate and memorialize UNMC’s history, while also serving as a campus welcome center.
 
It is an absolutely perfect fit for Dr. Wigton, who has long held the unofficial title of UNMC’s campus historian. He also has always been a tremendous supporter of the McGoogan Library of Medicine. The new building will allow the library to take previously hidden gems – prized collections, artifacts, archives and rare books – and showcase them to the public.
 
A 1969 alumnus of the UNMC College of Medicine, Bob has been an anchor in our college ever since. He served as professor in internal medicine at UNMC and held numerous academic and administrative positions in the College of Medicine, including associate dean for graduate medical education, a position that remarkably he held for more than 40 years. He was also associate dean for academic affairs. He was the second physician to head the division of general medicine in the department of internal medicine. He currently serves as professor, internal medicine, and assistant dean of special projects.
 
Each year, Bob makes a presentation on the history of the UNMC College of Medicine at our White Coat Ceremony that welcomes our newest class of medical students. It is truly one of Bob’s passions. It is a great introduction to our students of what an outstanding institution they are joining and helps them understand the traditions and culture of the institution and the generations of students that have come before them.
 
Bob’s interest in the history of UNMC and medical practice in Nebraska is not surprising. The Wigton family is firmly linked to the College of Medicine. Bob’s father and grandfather both served on the faculty and practiced in neurology/psychiatry. In addition, several of his other relatives – a brother, a maternal grandfather, an uncle and two cousins – were physicians in Nebraska.
 
The Wigton Heritage Center will be a unique addition to our campus. It will provide meeting and reception space for special events, as well as interactive displays depicting UNMC’s history and highlight the outstanding medical achievements that have affected the lives of countless Nebraskans. 
 
Dr. Wigton’s interests and accomplishments clearly extend beyond medicine and history. He is truly a modern "Renaissance man." He is an avid photographer and artist who loves portraying nature. His paintings have been exhibited in art galleries and include works in watercolors and oils. His knowledge of horticulture is also well known.
 
Bob’s philanthropic support – along with the Leland J. and Dorothy H. Olson Charitable Foundation – made the Wigton Heritage Center a reality. We can’t thank them enough for their generosity. This will be a building that will become one of the true jewels on our campus.