I admit it — I’m a big softie.
I cry at movies. I choke up when they play “One Final Moment” after the Final Four. And I especially hate saying goodbye.
So, as I brace for my retirement on Jan. 20, I need to be honest — my eyes are a little moist as I tap on my computer keys.
Retirement tea set for Jan. 15
The campus is invited to attend the retirement tea for Tom O’Connor on Jan. 15 from 3-5 p.m. in the Truhlsen Events Center on the first floor of the Sorrell Center.
Remarks will begin at 3:30 p.m. Bill O’Neill, director of public relations, will emcee. Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs for UNMC and UNO, will speak. If anyone else wants to speak, an open microphone will be available.
For the past 32 years, I have truly been blessed with the best public relations job in Omaha.
There is an endless supply of stories coming out of the medical center. And, better yet, some of the most amazing faculty members and staff to tell them. I’ve loved every minute of it.
Funny how this retirement thing sneaks up on you. In July, I will turn 70 — ouch, are you kidding me?
As you get into your mid-60s, the question you invariably get from people is, “When are you going to retire?”
Then, once people learn that you are retiring, the question becomes, “What are you going to do in retirement?” Or, “What’s your poor wife going to do with you around all day?”
Those are good questions, no doubt. And, I’ll admit, I really have no idea how it’s going to play out.
How do you know what anything is going to be like until you actually do it?
I’ve received some great advice from people I respect. Don’t take on any new projects for the first six months. Stay active, join a fitness center. Find hobbies that you enjoy. Don’t retire cold turkey, cut back and slide into retirement gradually.
It’s a little overwhelming. But this much I know: after a 43-year career in public relations, the one thing I can do is be flexible.
I have absolutely zero doubt that I can handle this next chapter of my life.
I have an awesome wife (Karen). She’s put up with me for 47 years. She’s a Type A. I’m a Type B. We balance each other out. Best of all, she still makes me laugh — every day.
So, yes, we will both have to figure out this new gig and adjust accordingly. But I know we can do it.
The positive indicators are all there. We both love to golf, we already belong to a fitness center, we have five grandkids within 15 minutes of our house, we love to take walks. The list goes on.
In my quest to better prepare myself for retirement, I recently sought the advice of Mike Callan, a longtime friend who recently retired.
Mike summed up retirement in 10 words — “You will do half as much in twice the time.”
That works for me.
Tom, you are going to missed a lot! I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with you for 20 years through the hundreds of things you have done for the university foundation and the amazing, generous supporters of the university. Thank you, thank you!
Tom, congratulations on a great career and thanks so much for all you have done for UNMC. It was always a delight to work with you. Retirement IS great, and I know you will “adapt” to more free time, golf, and “working” as little or much as you want. Godspeed as you begin this next adventure.
Tom, you have been such a powerful force in telling the world about the important work being done at UNMC. Your smile is permanently fixed in every hallway. You will be missed and I am so pleased that you are going to continue "Time out with TO". Enjoy your retirement. We will never forget you.
Mary Haven
Tom, You have been and will continue to be a terrific colleague, mentor and friend! We will miss your work, your infectious laugh and your nicknames. All the best, Billy Bob
Tom, you and I go way back to those good old Mutual days, but, the past 26 years we've worked together at UNMC have been magical. You were instrumental in making this the best PR team in the city and I'm proud to have been a part of it. We've seen monumental changes on this campus and your spectacular PR skills have made sure the world knew about them. You've touched so many lives in a positive way, including mine. You're the best! I will miss you and, yes, your distinctive laugh. I know Karen and the grandkids will keep you more than busy. Enjoy every minute of it! Congratulations on a life well lived.
Tom, you my friend are an amazing fountain of wisdom & knowledge. You are a person everyone wants to be able to say, "he knows my name." I am honored to be one, Aquarius.
Congratulations T.O! It's been a pleasure working with you. You were the first person to introduce me to people around campus when I first started at UNMC — I really appreciated that.
Enjoy your retirement! You will be missed!
Sniff, sniff. Tom, you have been my mentor and taught me so much. Not only do you have the technical skills, but also a good sense when it comes to media. You've also been the best boss to work for. You don't hover, but you support. I too will miss the laugh and your presence. I wish you grand fun in the next chapter. Best, Victory
UNMC has earned a fantastic name in the community. It is YOU T.O! that has made this possible, by your effective and elegant way of telling the stories of UNMC to the community, done for over three decades. UNMC will miss you, Tom. Wish you all the best in your next phase of life. Gurumurthy
Congratulations on your retirement, T.O.! No one deserves it more. You are one of the greatest PR professionals Nebraska has ever seen, a true living legend. It was such an honor to work alongside you, as I learned so much about media and public relations from you. I always enjoyed our conversations about how social media can be leveraged to tell stories as well. UNMC definitely won't be the same without you, as your ability to connect with anyone and everyone on campus, and develop a strong relationship with them, is unmatched. You embodied what working in PR looks like. A testament of this is how many faculty members told me "Oh I know Tom!" when I told them I was from UNMC PR. I'm so glad you'll still be writing your Timeout With T.O. columns! Best wishes in your retirement, enjoy it! – Abigail Beecher
These comments are like an episode of "This is Your Life!" It has to be quite a ride for a self-proclaimed "softie" like Tom to look through it all. I don't necessarily have anything that hasn't been shared already… only to say that your years of service to the med center and to Omaha as a whole will have a lasting and very positive impact. Glad to have been here for part of it and I can't tell you how much I've appreciated your perspectives and knowledge on those "big days" when the phones don't stop; and on the slower days when we're making them ring. Cheers!
Tom. I always appreciated working with you for the 25 years during my tenure at UNMC. Have a most wonderful retirement. Steve
Tom, thank you so much for everything you have done for the campus. I have always appreciated your support of the library. I am glad we will still see future columns.
Congratulations, Tom! I've always included you among the unsung heroes who make UNMC such a special place. The best to you and Karen!
Congratulations, Tom. I always enjoyed working with you over the years. You are a true professional. Thanks for being such a positive influence on UNMC over your career
With the highest regard and warmest affection for a job well done.
Tom you are a class act and your achievements are a lasting legacy and inspirational source.
Howie Gendelman
Golf? I thought you were into bowling! Happy memories of good years. And best wishes. Nice that your wife makes you laughter — laughter is the best medicine—the opposite of UNMC’s “serious medicine” slogan.
Congratulations Tom! Enjoy your retirement!
Congratulations have a wonderful time during what you like best.
I admit, I never thought I would see this day come…Steve & I are so happy for you! UNMC's loss is Karen's gain! This campus will not be the same without you. I'm sure we'll see you soon! Jodster
Tom, Congratulations on your retirement and best wishes for your next chapter! You were one of Joel's favorite bosses and if he were here, I'm pretty sure he'd raise a glass to toast your retirement. Melodee Blobaum