UNMC for the record, May 12, 2023

Dr. Markin receives Honorary Doctor of Science

The med center’s Rod Markin, MD, PhD, received an Honorary Doctor of Science (ScD) from his alma mater of Nebraska Wesleyan University at its 134^th commencement on May 6.

Dr. Markin is UNMC’s associate vice chancellor for business development and chief technology officer, a professor of pathology and director of UNeTech Institute, while also serving as Nebraska Medicine’s vice president of business development.

He graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and minors in mathematics and physics. He is a past recipient of the university’s Alumni Achievement Award.

His professional and academic research interests have focused on solid organ transplantation, informatics and clinical laboratory automation including robotics, information systems, medical utilization management and outcomes optimization. With more than 35 patents, Dr. Markin earned a place as a fellow in the National Academy of Inventors for his work in clinical automation.

Lot-To-Know Block Party is May 27

UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities is co-sponsoring a community event with free on-site health screenings, community resources from several local agencies, free food, live music, free gently used clothing and household supplies. Face painting will be offered for free.

The event, called the Lot-To-Know Block Party, will be held Saturday, May 27, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Clair Memorial United Methodist Church parking lot, located at 5544 Ames Ave. in Omaha. At 2 p.m., doves will be released in honor of loved ones who have lost their lives to COVID-19.

The event also is co-sponsored by Clair Memorial and the North Omaha Community Care Council.

Crane will be on Dewey Street May 17

A crane will be set up on Dewey Street in the med center campus on May 17. The crane will be hoisting elevator equipment to the top of Eppley Science Hall. Crane setup starts 6 a.m., and takedown starts at 4 p.m.

Vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area, including to the front door of Clarkson Tower, will be redirected as shown in this link.

Retirements announced

Ann Berger, PhD, of the UNMC College of Nursing, will retire July 1 of this year. Dr. Berger, a professor and advanced practice nurse who joined UNMC in 1986, is the longest-tenured employee on the list of retirements released this month by the department of human resources – a list that includes Berger’s dean at the college, Juliann Sebastian, PhD.

Other retirees include:

• Bobbi Hartshorn, UNMC College of Nursing, retired April 28 (start date Dec. 12, 1988)
• Paula Harre, UNMC College of Dentistry, retired April 28 (start date Oct. 21, 1996)
• Joseph Sutherland, UNMC Public Safety, retired Feb. 24 (start date Sept. 8, 2009)
• Dr. Sebastian, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, will retire July 3 (start date Oct. 15, 2011)
• Jacqueline Swirzinski, UNMC College of Medicine, retired May 5 (start date Sept. 28, 2015)