Convocation offers a walk to remember

Her husband held her elbow as she descended the stairs.

Soumitra Bhuyan, Ph.D., had been at his wife’s side so many times these past three years, but they both knew, this time, it was merely a precaution.

From left, Soumitra Bhuyan, Ph.D., Urmi Basu, Ph.D., and Pamela Carmines, Ph.D.

She could and would walk on her own. In fact, she’d come here, to UNMC’s Graduate Studies Winter Convocation, to do exactly that.

And she did.

With each step, Urmi Basu, Ph.D., was steady and calm — a quiet triumph.

Three years ago, the two were newly-minted UNMC Ph.D.’s., who went to Memphis, Tenn., for their respective postdocs. Married, and rising scientists, they were ready for their future.

Then, something terrible happened. Mere days before they were to return to Omaha three years ago, for a commencement and convocation, in which Dr. Basu was to receive multiple accolades, she was hit with a devastating stroke.

The crisis was immediate.

And then, long term.

It would be a long road back.

But Dr. Basu was determined. And Dr. Bhuyan was by her side.

Dr. Basu slowly got better, and began to conquer movement, bit by bit. Her speech returned, and the couple set a goal — she would return to UNMC.

And, she would walk.

Then, on Dec. 13, 2018, three years to the day of the stroke — at the Graduate Studies Winter Convocation — she did.

Matthew Zimmerman, Ph.D., her mentor, was there to hood her. He hadn’t seen her in three years. But, when he first did, and then throughout the morning, he lit up. He couldn’t help it. It was contagious.

He smiled the way she did. And her smile is a sunny day.

He was always proud of her. But now . . .

“She is the definition of perseverance,” Dr. Zimmerman said.

Dr. Basu is still coming back. While barely noticeable, braces still bolstered her. Her speech was dignified, but halting.

She’s still brilliant, but not yet back to work. She hopes to do some writing at some point, she said. That will be another goal to push toward.

Dr. Basu with mentor Matthew Zimmerman, Ph.D.

But, on this day, she and all who knew her merely savored this return.

“I was nervous at first,” she said. “Now, I am settling in, and it feels great.”

Dr. Basu was called to pick up her 2015 Graduate Student of Distinction Award. As she stood on stage with Dele Davies, M.D., senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean for graduate studies, their smiles were dueling suns.

Then, came the hooding. She and Dr. Zimmerman were solemn, as befitting the medieval rite. Then, a handshake from Dr. Davies, and UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. University of Nebraska Regent Bob Whitehouse was beside himself at her victory. Vice Chancellor for Research Jennifer Larsen, M.D., enveloped her in an embrace.

And then it was over, and “Pomp and Circumstance” began to play.

This time her husband stayed in his seat. He watched from a distance, beaming, bursting. She walked on her own as she ascended with her newly-hooded colleagues.

With each step, Dr. Basu was steady and calm.

Climbing, still climbing. One step at a time.