Lacey Merica has strong connections to the University of Nebraska.
On Wednesday, Merica traveled to Lincoln to show her support for the university system, as faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters from across the state gathered for the second annual “I Love NU” Advocacy Day.
It was an opportunity for each to advocate and tell their personal stories to state officials, and ask for their future support.
See photos from “I Love NU” Advocacy Day
“I’m at Advocacy Day because of the important role the university has played in my life,” Merica said, donning three “I Love NU” pins — one for each NU campus that has impacted her life.
Merica works as an administrative associate in the UNMC College of Public Health, earned her bachelor of science degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her Master of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She’s now working on a Master of Science at UNO.
“I wouldn’t have had some of the opportunities I’ve had if it hadn’t been for the University of Nebraska,” said the south Omaha native.
Merica planned to talk with her state senator about “the importance of having a strong university system, not just one campus, to meet the needs of our state,” which range from workforce to health care.
Not a football fan, “I always (told my parents) I would never go to UNL,” she said. But, a campus visit and the people she met, changed her mind. “I could see myself here,” she said.
Jeff Hines, Pharm.D., of Lincoln also has deep family roots within the university system. The 1982 UNMC College of Pharmacy graduate has three siblings who are UNMC pharmacy and dental hygiene alumni. It’s important that senators know “the university is an investment that creates jobs for people,” he said. “Every $1 put in the system returns $6. . .It’s an incredible partner to the health of the state overall.”
Dr. Hines, who retired in 2015, provides in-home pharmacy care to help individuals better manage their prescriptions — an important role, he said, since two-thirds of those age 65 and older take five or more prescriptions each day.
Greg Karst, Ph.D., executive associate dean of the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, returned to the Capitol Rotunda Wednesday for his second Advocacy Day. “It’s so important for us to make our case that the university can help the state,” he said, noting, too, how the university works with first generation and lower income students.
Sarah Hotovy, a third-year medical student who also serves as UNMC Student Senate president and UNMC’s representative on the NU Board of Regents, said the university is a critical player in building the state’s workforce. “An investment in the university is an investment in our state and the prosperity of our state,” she said.
Thanks so much to Jeff Hines for all he has done for the University. What an outstanding alumnus!