During Saturday’s commencement, UNMC will recognize three individuals for their commitment to serve Nebraskans through their support and promotion of campus growth, service to our armed forces and citizens in rural communities.
Maj. Gen. Kimberly Siniscalchi, Bruce Lauritzen and Kenton Shaffer, M.D., each exemplify the mission of UNMC.
Honorary Doctor of Health Science Degree: Maj. Gen. Kimberly Siniscalchi
As assistant surgeon general for medical force development and nursing services, Maj. Gen. Sioniscalchi develops, plans and reviews all personnel policies and medical force development programs for 44,000 military and civilian medical personnel and for 19,000 active duty, reserve and guard nursing personnel.
A 1988 alumna of the UNMC College of Nursing, where she earned her master of science in nursing, Maj. Gen. Siniscalchi embodies the level of dedication to patient and profession expected of a graduate.
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Bruce Lauritzen |
Distinguished Service: Bruce Lauritzen
Lauritzen is being honored with the UNMC Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award for his longtime support of UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, and for his commitment to patient care, education and research.
Lauritzen is chairman of First National Bank of Omaha, its holding company, First National of Nebraska, and Lauritzen Corporation, but his name is also synonymous with philanthropy and growth.
At the medical center, he was on the team that merged Clarkson and University hospitals to form The Nebraska Medical Center. He is a key member of UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D.’s “kitchen cabinet” and serves on both the board of the Cancer Center Development Corporation and on the executive committee of the University of Nebraska Foundation’s Campaign for Nebraska.
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Kenton Shaffer, M.D. |
J.G. (Jack) Elliott Award: Kenton Shaffer, M.D.
Dr. Shaffer is being honored with the J.G. (Jack) Elliott Award, for his decades of service to Nebraska as an outstanding physician, leader, educator and innovator.
Dr. Shaffer has worked in private practice at Kearney Clinic, P.C., since 1974. He has also served as active staff at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney since 1975. He is known statewide as a vital resource in his specialty of pediatrics and adolescent medicine.
He earned his medical degree with high distinction at UNMC. He continues to serve as volunteer faculty training the next generation of practitioners.
The commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at the Ralston Arena.