If there was a Mount Rushmore of historic figures at UNMC, there’s no question that Harold M. Maurer, M.D., would be one of the people featured.
After serving 25 years as chair of pediatrics at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Dr. Maurer moved to Omaha in 1993 to become dean of the UNMC College of Medicine. He held the dean’s post for five years before serving as chancellor from 1998-2014.
During his time as chancellor, Dr. Maurer teamed with his wife, Beverly, to help transform the medical center campus. Thanks to their incredible connections with Nebraska’s philanthropic community — and by working almost around the clock — the Maurers were able to raise the funding needed for a bevy of major new buildings on the UNMC campus.
“Hal was a real leader,” said Mike Yanney, an Omaha business legend who was one of the key members of Dr. Maurer’s kitchen cabinet. “It was amazing what he was thinking. He laid out his vision, and he executed it to perfection.”
After completing his stint as chancellor, Dr. Maurer took a sabbatical to retool his skills as a pediatric hematologist/oncologist. He worked alongside his pediatric hematology/oncology colleagues, as they went about their daily clinical and academic activities.
He also trained with pediatric hematologist/oncologists at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla. and took a four-day review course in Dallas.
Since completing his training, Dr. Maurer has spent the past four years practicing at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center as a pediatric hematologist.
He loved to keep active and engaged in the medical profession, but he admits he cut back on his work hours — “no nights or weekends,” he joked.
Dr. Maurer celebrated his 83rd birthday on Sept. 10. Three days later, his colleagues in the dean’s office at the UNMC College of Medicine held a farewell reception for him.
Yes, a farewell reception. After an incredible 26-year run in Omaha, the Maurers have decided to say goodbye to Omaha. They have sold their home and will be moving to Tampa, Fla., permanently at the end of this month.
“Beverly and I have had a wonderful time in Omaha and have met a great number of friends with whom we still have close relationships,” Dr. Maurer said. “We have loved watching the medical center blossom. UNMC will always be in our hearts.”
You and Beverly will be missed!
Carol Russell
Farewell Chancellor Maurer and Beverly. Thank you both for everything you've done to build UNMC and to strengthen the communities across Nebraska. Enjoy your lives in Florida!
It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with you for the past 26 years. Carl Gumbiner
Thanks Dr. Maurer and Beverly for your incredible service to UNMC. Enjoy your time in Tampa and say hello to Berkeley for me!
It was so rewarding working under your leadership. You and Beverly were a team and will be missed!
Thank you Dr. and Mrs. Maurer for all your years of service to UNMC. And for being such a good sport with selfies. I myself have three of them with you! Enjoy your well-earned retirement.
Thank you for all of your service. You and Mrs. Maurer will be greatly missed!
Dr Maurer, it has been a privilege and a pleasure to know and work with you over the past 26 years. I too, came to Omaha in 1993 to work at UNMC and Children's Hospital. You have left an indelible imprint on the campus and culture at UNMC, and all of us have benefitted from your vision, leadership, dedication and determination in preparing UNMC for fulfilling its role in the 21st century. Best wishes to you and Beverly in the next chapter of your lives in Florida.
Kim Duncan
You changed the path of my career. Enjoyed "breakfast with the Chancellor" back in 1996 where your conversation with the breakfast group was examining the path of UNMC research vs clinical. The conversation was an awakening of the upcoming future at UNMC. Thank you for sharing your visionary insights through out the years.
Hi Hal– So glad to learn about your wonderful contributions to our children's care. Looking forward to talking with you in person!