Omaha philanthropist and business leader, Walter Scott Jr., and his late wife, Suzanne, were honored Saturday with the Margre and Chuck Durham Spirit of Nebraska Award at the Ambassador of Hope gala at the CenturyLink Center.
The award is given to an individual or group who has significantly impacted the fight against cancer in Nebraska. Previous recipients include the Dave and Liz Karnes and Bob and Mary Lueder families (2004), the Harlan Noddle family (2006), the Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska (2008), Mike and Lin Simmonds (2010) and Mike and Gail Yanney (2012).
ABC’s Robach tours med center
Amy Robach, correspondent for ABC News, was honored at the Ambassador of Hope Gala as an Ambassador of Hope. In October 2013, Robach received life-altering news when, after agreeing to do her first mammogram on the air to honor breast cancer awareness month, she was diagnosed with the disease.
Robach said the decision to have the on-air mammogram was “the difference between life and death.” She has since chronicled her journey in segments aired on “Good Morning America” and plans to release a book.
Prior to the gala, Robach toured the UNMC/Nebraska Medicine campus. For photos of the tour, click here.
The Scotts were honored for their support of cancer research at UNMC and their philanthropy in the Omaha community and beyond. The Scotts were among the lead benefactors on the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center project. The 98-laboratory research tower, currently under construction, is named the Suzanne and Walter Scott Research Tower.
The cancer center, which is expected to be completed in 2017, also will include two other areas dedicated to cancer:
- a hospital with up to 108 beds (CL Werner Cancer Hospital); and
- a multidisciplinary outpatient center.
In all, the cancer center’s construction will cost $323 million, the largest project ever at the University of Nebraska.
“The Scotts have been leaders in making Omaha the great city that it is,” said Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “Their gift for the research tower is a perfect example of how they get behind projects that benefit the community.
“When finished, it will be a building brimming with innovative ideas for better treating cancer. It can truly make a difference in the health of people around the world.”
In 1990, the Scotts formed the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation to support projects and programs in five key areas: education, youth development, civic, human service and the arts. The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation’s impact on philanthropy has been immeasurable, Dr. Cowan said, with more than $200 million in grants since its founding.