MMI ribbon-cutting event can be viewed virtually

On Tuesday, June 8, the Munroe-Meyer Institute will hold at virtual ribbon-cutting for its new home near the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Scott Campus.

The ceremony will be available to watch online to the entire MMI and UNMC community.

The ceremony, which will begin at 1:30 p.m. CT, will be streamed on the MMI webpage via www.unmc.edu for the entire MMI and UNMC community. An American Sign Language interpreter will be on hand.

Speakers will include Special Olympics International Board Chair Tim Shriver, PhD; noted disability advocates John Schneider, general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, and his wife, Traci; Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert; University of Nebraska Regent Paul Kenney; University of Nebraska President Ted Carter; UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD; and MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD.

The virtual event also will feature a video showcasing the new MMI building and its many features, services and programs.

The building “is a dream literally come true,” Dr. Mirnics said. “Due to the pandemic, we will be showing the building off virtually to all except a small group of invited guests — but I am excited at this opportunity to introduce the MMI community, and the broader community as well, to the new home of MMI.”

The new building — more than double the size of MMI’s former home — provides critical room for growth of existing programs and the development of innovative new ones, ample parking, entrances and a floor plan designed to accommodate the needs of the individuals MMI serves.

Services began at the new building in April.

The event will be recorded, and the recording will be accessible on the MMI website shortly following the event.