The Friends of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, a community-based organization
committed to raising funds for cancer research at the University of Nebraska
Medical Center, has appointed its 1999 board of directors, with Omaha attorney
George Achola serving as president.
A 1987 graduate of Omaha Creighton Prep High School, Achola received
his bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1992. While
at UNL, Achola earned three letters as a running back on the Cornhusker
football team. He was coached by Frank Solich, the current Nebraska head
coach who was then the running backs coach.
In 1995, Achola earned his law degree from the Creighton University
School of Law, was admitted to the Nebraska Bar and joined the Omaha office
of Kutak Rock law firm as an associate. While at Kutak Rock, Achola dealt
with general corporate matters, corporate litigation and insurance regulatory
work.
After two years with Kutak Rock, he established a solo law practice,
then in 1998, he joined the Omaha law firm of Walentine, O’Toole, McQuillan
and Gordon. In this position, which he presently holds, Achola is involved
in trial work, including insurance defense, commercial disputes and general
civil/criminal litigation.
Achola also is a member and vice president of the Omaha Public Library
Board of Trustees, a member of the Creighton University Athletic Board,
and chairman of the Law Enforcement/Judiciary Subcommittee for the Mayor’s
Commission on Race Relations.
Achola succeeds Marcy Cotton as president of the Friends of the UNMC
Eppley Cancer Center board. Other newly elected officers include: Carol
Russell, first vice president; Tom Waldman, second vice president; Marie
Simmons, secretary; and Chris Anderson, treasurer.
The board of directors consists of a total of 15 members. Other board
members are: Jill Bydalek, Jan Cohen, Cotton, Gloria Dunbar, Jody Hobson,
Bill Oakes, Kae Pavlik, Bruni Thylin, Wanda Utecht and Mary Margaret Wiles.
All are from Omaha except Pavlik, who lives in Yutan.
The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is a NCI designated cancer center B a
distinction held by only 55 centers in the country. Of the $34.3 million
in competitive, external research grants and contracts awarded to UNMC
in 1997-98, cancer-related research accounted for about one-half of that
amount.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has
established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for cancer research
and treatment and solid organ transplantation. In addition, UNMC’s educational
programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing
in Nebraska than any other institution.