Ruth Scott has been struggling with her remarks for Wednesday’s dedication event and dinner for the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health.
As usual, she will be the final speaker on the dais at both events.
“It’s tough,” she said. “By the time they get to me, everything that needs to be said has already been said. That’s why I like to just do my own thing.”
Her “own thing” typically involves several quips that bring the house down.
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Tom O’Connor |
Rather than compete with Ruth at the microphone, Bill — a longtime executive with Berkshire Hathaway — is happy to just stand aside and let Ruth do the talking.
The opening of the Maurer Center for Public Health marks the third major building to open on the UNMC campus in the past three years thanks in large part to the incredible generosity of the Scotts. They also made the lead gift on the Sorrell Center and the Center for Nursing Science.
Later this summer, the student plaza will be formally dedicated. Again, thanks to the Scotts.
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Ruth and Bill Scott |
“They are a true team. It’s great that they will be getting the recognition they deserve,” said Ruth, who founded the Omaha Bridge Studio and continues to play bridge to keep her mind sharp.
After the Sorrell Center was completed, the Scotts made a visit to the building and were thrilled to see the students “studying, having fun together, eating and relaxing.” It was obvious they enjoyed their swank surroundings.
“I always feel good about giving money to UNMC,” Ruth said. “I love doing this.
“I remember telling Bill and my boys that I hoped a good share of our money would go toward medicine and medical research … and that it would be a lot more fun to do it while we were still alive.”
We’re glad you’re having fun, Ruth. Because of you, so are we.
I am grateful for individuals like the Scotts, who continue to give in benefit of medical research, without people like them our many researchers and medical professionals might not have all the modern medicine we do today. Thank you, Mr and Mrs Scott.