My first experience at the Munroe-Meyer Institute was back in 1975, as a UNMC physical therapy student. The memory remains vivid even today, though 45 years have passed. It was an experience that led me to spend more than 30 of the ensuing years working at MMI.
MMI is a special place, providing not only health care, but many kinds of support and care for those in need across the lifespan. As I look to my retirement at the end of this month, MMI will always hold a special place in my heart.
The families who accepted me into their journey as a therapist have provided me with lifelong friendships and a career filled with learning. There are few places that have an academic orientation, as does MMI, where you can progress from being a staff therapist to an educator to a researcher and, most recently, an administrator. All of these challenges were available to me thanks to MMI being a special place. There was never a dull moment and I could make a difference to people for whom I cared. Who could ask for more in a career?
As MMI is on the verge of its next milestone, transitioning to its new home, it has been wonderful to be part of the planning team for the new facility and the expanded programs that will be offered there. I look forward to seeing the completion of the project — but as an emeritus professor. This time of transition is a perfect time for me to transition as well, handing my responsibilities as the director of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, director of clinical services and associate director of MMI to other faculty members here at the institute. “Out with the old and in with the new,” as the saying goes. And as I go “out,” I leave confident that my roles are in talented and capable “new” hands.
So what is next? As many of you are aware, Rhonda and I purchased a historic home a decade ago, and I look forward to more time spent on renovation projects that will not take up my entire weekend. We are blessed to become grandparents in January. Most importantly, I look forward to having more time to give back to the community and do some traveling.
Thanks to all of you for your support over the years. I am proud and honored to have worked with you. The future of MMI is as bright today as it was back when I first became part of the journey. I can’t wait to see how that journey continues.
Wayne Stuberg, PhD
Associate Director, Munroe-Meyer Institute