When Joe Krajicek started working at UNMC, the demolition of the Berlin wall was underway, the Gulf War in Iraq started and the Hubble Space Telescope was launched. It was 1990.
Krajicek is retiring after 32 years as assistant director for operations in UNMC Comparative Medicine, the division responsible for the housing and care of all animals on campus. His last day is March 17.
He started his career working as a business manager, but his colleagues soon recognized his potential and leadership qualities. He became indispensable in the growth and management of UNMC’s research enterprise.
Those he worked with said he is a pillar of UNMC’s research community and will be missed.
"When I started working for UNMC, we were Animal Resource Facilities. Then we changed to Laboratory Animal Medicine and finally to Comparative Medicine," Krajicek said. "In the early '90s, I vividly remember having one cage of mice. Now we have close to 7,000 cages."
When he joined comparative medicine, there were nine employees. "Now, we have more than 40 and we’re still growing," Krajicek said. "I have been surrounded by colleagues who made me look much better than I was."
Over the years, working for five different directors, Krajicek forged lasting working relationships.
"I often envied how quickly Joe Krajicek could size up and find a practical solution to any problem," said Jennifer Larsen, MD, UNMC vice chancellor for research. "And yet he remains humble about the tremendous impact he has had on the animal welfare program over his tenure at UNMC. He has mentored many, and he was a wonderful colleague with a good sense of humor. While we tried every way to forestall his retirement, we wish him the best."
John Bradfield, DVM, PhD, director of comparative medicine, said, "To say Krajicek will be missed is an understatement.
"Joe has been involved in the evolution of UNMC’s research program from a small operation to the very large, all-encompassing, multifaceted and robust program that it is today," Dr. Bradfield said. "Without his guiding hand along the way, our research program would not be what it is now. We, and the UNMC research community, owe him a huge debt of gratitude. He has provided all of us, with wisdom, expertise, dedication, commitment and an unfailing work ethic."
Steve Dixon, DVM, retired former director of comparative medicine and Krajicek’s longtime colleague, said he was gifted with the opportunity to work with Krajicek for 25 years.
"Joe always addressed the various challenges inherent in running a complex animal care and use program in a most laudatory manner," Dr. Dixon said. "He is a consummate professional who multitasked each day while providing excellent leadership and ensuring competent operation of our service. He made great strides in reducing costs and improving efficiencies. He is goal-oriented, and he is well respected by his peers, subordinates and the UNMC research investigators and their staff members. He always set high standards for his team members."
Joe your knowledge, skills and help were essential in my move here, and your leadership has greatly contributed to our research progress. All the best in the future
Joe, it's been a long time since we crossed paths, but I'll always remember your wonderful guidance and support as we got the ophthalmology department's research going many years ago. Best wishes to you, go out and enjoy yourself!
Joe, congratulations on a stellar career. I hope you enjoy your next adventure.
Joe, congratulations on all your accomplishments and thank you for all you have done. You have always been helpful whenever I had to call upon you. I wish you the best of luck and enjoyment in your retirement years.
Congratulations on your retirement! You will be missed as you are a great colleague o work with.
Congratulations, Joe, on your retirement. You will be missed and I hope you enjoy your next adventure. Thanks for everything.
Congratulations Joe. Hope you enjoy your retirement!
Congratulations Joe. It was my pleasure to watch you grow and work with you. Enjoy your retirement.
Joe, it has been great working with you over the years. Enjoy retirement.
Congratulations on a well deserved retirement! Work hard, play hard.
Congratulations, Joe! It was a pleasure to work with you over the years. You were one of my
"trusted resources". Wishing you the very best in retirement!
Congratulations Joe.
Congratulations on your retirement Joe.
Congratulations on your retirement Joe!
Congratulations Joe! Enjoy your retirement!
Way to go, Joe! Kudos on an awesome career. Think you’ll love the next chapter.
Congratulations, Joe! Enjoy retirement and more time with you family! You contribution to research is appreciated!!!
Congratulations Joe! Now you will have more time to enjoy life. Hope to see you down at the Education Center with the grandkids!
Congratulations Joe, I appreciate everything you did for me as my employer. Have fun!
Congrats Joe!!!! Enjoy your retirement!
Thank you, Joe, for your excellent service and support while I was a faculty member at UNMC. I wish you all the best for the future.