A retirement party is scheduled for Jack Swanson, who is retiring after 43 years of service to the UNMC community. The event will be held on Friday, March 8 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Wigton Heritage Center.
Swanson started at UNMC in the laundry room at the UNMC College of Nursing, where he worked for a year before transferring to general supply/furniture stores. During his career, he has witnessed many changes at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine.
Swanson was primarily responsible for coordinating moves and storage of furniture and equipment but could be counted on to step in and help where needed. Lead Shipping and Receiving Supervisor Matt Bowen said he has known Swanson for 26 years and has been his supervisor for the past seven years. “Jack was known by many, and he will be missed by the entire campus,” he said.
Swanson said he never expected to stay at UNMC for 43 years and that the people make it a great place to work. He has family ties to UNMC; his mother worked here for 25 years and was the one who encouraged him to apply for the position in the laundry when he left the Army National Guard.
“Most of my family worked here at one point or another, not just my mom,” Swanson said. “My wife is at the College of Public Health now – my brother, sister and daughter have all worked here, and my son-in-law is a nurse anesthetist at Nebraska Medicine.
“But you got to move on,” he said. “I’m really good. I got a lot to do.”
Swanson’s longtime friend, Kevin Gamble, also works at UNMC in printing services, and said they started in the laundry around the same time.
“We’ve been friends since junior high school and met again when he started working here in 1981,” said Gamble. “I started in 1980, and we love to joke around together. We’ve had a little friendly war about who will retire first.”
Swanson is known for these “friendly little wars,” and his competitive nature comes out playing intramural sports for UNMC. Bowen said Swanson really enjoys golfing and is especially proud that “Team Swanson” was finally able to bring the UNMC golf league trophy home last summer.
Swanson said he looks forward to spending time on the golf course, bass fishing and with his grandchildren.
“There’s always something going on, but in between, I’ll do what my wife wants me to do at the house,” he said. “I think she’ll probably retire soon. We’ve been driving to work together for 40 years, and she already doesn’t like me not having to go to work. I dropped her off and said have a nice day.”
Swanson said he plans to stay in touch with some of the great friends he’s made along the way. “Some say I’m the luckiest guy on earth, and I am proud to say I worked at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine.”
Enjoy your retirement, Jack! You are one of a kind and have definitely made your mark. Cheers to you.
Jack! I am so happy for you! You will be missed here!! It has been a pleasure to work with you over the years! Enjoy retirement and those grandchildren.
Thanks so much Jack for your help throughout the years. I could always count on you to help me find a piece of furnitue, to move furniture or to help move our whole office, which happened more than once. Enjoy your retirement – your smiling face will be missed
Jack, Congratulations on your retirement! I truly enjoyed working with you as you always have a happy, positive and friendly attitude. Your positivity is contagious! I will miss seeing you and talking about your children and grandchildren who are certainly your pride and joy.
Best wishes in your new chapter.
Oh, Jack, I’ve known you and Paula, your beautiful wife, for almost 31 years. The first time I met you I knew we would be friends. So many interesting conversations, stories and a ton of laughs throughout the years. You might be retiring from UNMC, but there’s no way you will slow down, I know that. Enjoy doing whatever you want, and not doing whatever you want also! The campus will be a bit less interesting without you around buddy!
Congratulations. I didn’t know CON had a laundry. Would love to hear more. Long before Ameritex I’m sure. 🙂
Jack – Thank you for all your help over the years. The place won’t be the same without your smile and quick wit. Enjoy retirement – play with those grandkids (which should be easy since you are a bit of a big kid yourself 🙂
Congratulations Jack! You will be missed.
Jack, the place won’t be the same without you! Enjoy your time on the green.
Congratulations on your retirement, Jack! Campus will not be the same without you!
So happy for you Jack! You have always been a great resource and a delight to work with! You will be missed. I’m sure Paula will keep you plenty busy. Enjoy your retirement!
Jack made the less than pleasant experience of moving offices MUCH MORE PLEASANT! Always brought a smile with him to work! Congratulations to Jack! Enjoy your retirement!
Jack – you will be greatly missed!!!
Congratulations Jack! Enjoy your time now!
Congratulations, Jack! Enjoy your retirement. Grandkids are the BEST!
Congratulations Jack. Well deserved. Will miss you at work and on the golf course. Enjoy your family.
Jack, thanks for your ever present sense of humor, especially during all those “relocations” you’ve overseen. I’ve no doubt you’ll enjoy retirement. Congrats!
Playing golf in the UNMC Golf League against Jack and his stellar team is one of my fondest memories. Cheers on a great career, Jack. Keep hitting ‘ em straight, buddy.
Congrats Jack! I enjoyed the stories and laughter that we shared, often at my expense. 🙂 Enjoy and stay out of trouble.
Congratulations on your retirement Jack! Enjoy every minute of it! The campus will miss you and your easy smile. All the best to you and your family!
Hi Jack, You know I am going to miss you always giving me a hard time about something… all the way back to the days at CE. Look forward to meeting with you and Paula sometime soon for dinner. You will be missed!!
Enjoy your retirement, Jack! You will be missed.
Congratulations to you Jack. I think of all the many years working with you. You always had a solution to a problem and never said no to the asking.
Go catch that big bass fish!
Wow – 43 yrs!!!
Seems like yesterday!! Time flies – Enjoy your retirement and try to stay out of trouble!
So, you’re finally retiring. Enjoy!!! Thanks for all your help, stories and laughs over the years. Sorry I’m not able attend your retirement party here–I’m sure it will be an event to remember!
Congratulations Jack!! I have enjoyed getting to know you and your golf teammates over the past few years. I hope to see you on the golf course this summer. Best wishes on your retirement and enjoy the next phase of your life. From the Birdies, Bogeys, & Beer golf team
Jack!! You are a UNMC legend!! You are one of the brightest spots I recall at UNMC over many, many years. You have a talent that is unmatched for making people laugh and smile along your daily path. You touched many and will be truly missed. Enjoy it all as I know you will!! You beat me by a few days – I am also joining the good life! Take care.
Jack,
You will be missed! Your smile, your attitude and your knowledge base will be a great loss!
Congratulations, Jack. As your former neighbor on King Street XX years ago, I am so happy I saw you again and we were able to catch up! Enjoy your retirement and your family. I’m sure the “Honey-do list” is long.
Jack you’ve been a fixture here at UNMC for all the many years I’ve been here! You will be missed! I remember when I first started at UNMC I took the job your mother had here previously so very long ago. It’s been a pleasure working with you! I hope you get the chance to golf some more and just enjoy things!
Congratulations Jack!! It was always a pleasure to work with you and to hear about your latest shenanigans. UNMC won’t be the same without you. ENJOY!