On March 16, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., sent the following message:
To the UNMC community:
The highest concern that we all have is the health, safety and well-being of our families and the communities that we serve. This has never been more true. The leadership team at UNMC has been and continues to be laser focused on the health, safety and well-being of our larger family, the university community that we serve. The well-being of all of our students, faculty and staff, as well as the countless large and small ways that we touch others across Nebraska and around the globe, are of paramount importance.
At this time of unprecedented transition, as we diligently work to blunt the impact of this global pandemic on our community, we remain guided by the very best science to base our judgments and to proactively plan for the future. These decisions we make every day are guided strongly by our mission and campus values. These are clear and widely understood. They have been and will continue to be the foundation of our best efforts as we work to protect the health and safety of those we care so much about.
As we all understand, all challenges are paired with opportunities. The more significant the challenge, the greater the opportunity. Clearly, before us are truly transformational challenges and opportunities. Both are surreal and both need to inspire the very best of our mission driven dedication.
As I spoke with my toddler twin grandchildren, I was called upon to explain why schools, museums, libraries, sports and play groups were now postponed or cancelled. As a “physician grandparent,” I tried to explain about “good and bad germs” and that “everyone cares about you and for your family and friends. We are all together to protect you from the bad germs and help all the others who need our help.”
When asked if I knew how long these changes would last or if other changes to their lives would occur, I replied, “I do not know how long or if other changes will be needed. We are all on a journey together one new day at a time. What I do know is that your family loves you deeply and that your family is super strong and will pull together on this journey.” They replied, “OK Grandpa.”
Our UNMC family also is on a journey together. Our family is truly super strong, we care deeply for each other and we will unquestionably pull together on this journey!
Most sincerely,
Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
Chancellor
University of Nebraska Medical Center