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In 2002, Chuck Durham was named Midlander of the Year by the Omaha World Herald for fostering opportunity, hope and healing through his philanthropy and leadership. |
Michael Jacobsen, a research technologist in the Durham Research Center
“Durham’s influence spanned people of all walks of life. Mr. Durham’s influence is so great that people of all walks of life can thank him for his work. I cannot think of anyone who has had a greater mark on the health care, research, and general direction of the Omaha and UNMC community. He has left an indelible mark.”
Jacobsen said he, and his wife, Kelli, benefited greatly from Durham’s generosity. Kelli Jacobsen is a graduate of UNMC’s medical technology program and spent many classroom and study hours in the Durham Research Center. Jacobsen spent two summers researching in the DRC, where he currently works. Their clinical visits, he said, are in another building that bears his name: the Durham Outpatient Center.
Byers W. Shaw Jr., M.D., professor and chairman, UNMC Department of Surgery
“Most people know that Mr. Durham stepped forward with a gift that allowed us to purchase the surgical robot we affectionately call Chuck, That was only half the story, and half the gift. His commitment also allowed us to recruit the promising young surgeons and engineers who formed the core of our Center for Advanced Surgical Technologies. This is now an expanding joint effort that involves multiple university campuses. Working together in the truest spirit of cross-campus collaboration, its members have produced truly astounding new technologies that will revolutionize surgical techniques.
“Mr. Durham could explain better than any of us the real purpose of his gift. In private, he called the da Vinci® device “a Model T.” He clearly believed that his investment would be worth far more to the institution than the simple acquisition of a new piece of equipment for the operating room. It was his hope, now fully realized, that his gift would launch a new era of discovery and development in Nebraska.
“His insight, his integrity, and his personal sense of commitment to the things he believed in inspired us all. I’ll personally miss most the way he often used wit to emphasize his expectations of others. We feel honored to have been given a chance to meet those expectations.”
Rubens Pamies, M.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs
“Medicine evolves and relies heavily on new research to improve the care of our patients. The discoveries that will emerge from these facilities will influence generations of students in science and medicine.”
Glenn Fosdick, CEO and president, The Nebraska Medical Center
“All of us at The Nebraska Medical Center were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck Durham. We are reminded every day about Chuck’s generosity and compassion. So much of what he gave back to the people of Nebraska was centered around improving health and health care. Omaha has lost a good friend and great man.”
James R. O’Dell, M.D., professor and vice chairman, internal medicine, chief of rheumatology
“I think everyone hopes to make a difference. Marge and Chuck Durham really did in so many ways. Their gift for arthritis research several years ago was a critical factor in allowing us to recruit two outstanding faculty to our section – Dr. Ted Mikuls (from UAB) and Dr. Amy Cannella (from Utah). Dr Mikuls last week was recognized for his research excellence with both the Gilmore Award and the UNMC New Investigator Award. Dr. Cannella, a talented clinician and teacher, helped start and now directs our brand new Rheumatology Fellowship program that will train rheumatologists and researchers for the future. Both of these talented young people will continue to make huge contributions here at UNMC – all thanks to the foresight and generosity of Marge and Chuck Durham.”
Tina Spencer, manager, Parking & Cashiering Operations
“What I really appreciate about Mr. Durham is that he did not just commit to building a research center of excellence, he was also concerned about the impact that the Durham Research Center (DRC) would have on employees and employee parking, which led to Lot 50.
“Mr. Durham made a HUGE impact for many campus employees, not just hospital employees. With his generous gift, more than 2,000 employees (UNMC, The Nebraska Medical Center and UNMC-Physicians) are able to park close to DRC, University Hospital and numerous other campus work locations.
“Mr. Durham turned a dream into a reality. Lot 50 is, by far, one of the best additions to campus Parking Services and campus employees in years.”
Kevin Garvin, M.D., professor and chairman, UNMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
“Mr Durham’s gift to the Department of Orthopaedics helped transform us from early market consumers of orthopaedic implants and technology to innovators creating new technology.”
Watch the 2006 RCE II groundbreaking tribute to Chuck Durham.