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Charles W. Durham
Charles Durham continues to establish a legacy of excellence in supporting biomedical research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Durham Resources LLC, Durham has been a generous supporter of the medical center and its vision to become a premier academic health science center.
Durham’s generous investments have enabled UNMC to construct two 10-story research towers at UNMC and have established funds to stimulate research in arthritis, prostate cancer and non-invasive surgery. Today’s groundbreaking of the second research tower is adjacent to the $77 million Durham Research Center, which opened in 2003. Durham made the largest single gift in UNMC history to help construct the DRC, which has enhanced UNMC research in such areas as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurosciences, transplantation biology, genetics and ophthalmology.
In 2004, 45th Street on the UNMC campus was renamed “Durham Research Plaza,” to reflect the major impact Durham has made on research, education and patient care. In addition to the renaming of 45th Street, Durham Research Plaza extends onto Dewey Avenue between 45th and 44th streets, forming an “L” on the UNMC campus.
In 1998, Durham and his late wife, Margre, established the Charles W. and Margre H. Durham Excellence in Medicine Fund to support research in prostate cancer, arthritis and minimally invasive surgery. Their support made it possible for UNMC to be the eighth medical center in the country to acquire the robotic da Vinci Surgical System, putting Nebraska on the map in the area of computer-assisted surgery. In recognition of their gift, the Outpatient Care Center was renamed the Durham Outpatient Center. Durham’s support also made possible construction of the related parking garage along Emile Street for employees.
Durham, a leader in numerous community and civic organizations over the years, has been honored near and far. He was inducted into the prestigious Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Class of 2002. The association recognizes the accomplishments of extraordinary Americans who have risen from humble beginnings to achieve personal and professional success.
From 1953 to 1983, Durham served as chairman and CEO of HDR, Inc., an international engineering and architectural firm with work in all 50 states and 20 countries.
Durham received bachelor’s degrees in general and civil engineering and an advanced professional degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University.
He currently serves on the Heritage Services board of directors, Durham Western Heritage Museum board of trustees and the Strategic Air and Space Museum board of directors. He is a University of Nebraska Foundation trustee and an Iowa State University Foundation governor.
His philanthropic and leadership commitments extend beyond UNMC to the Durham Western Heritage Museum; the Durham Scout Center; and the Durham Science Center and Charles W. Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, both at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He also is a supporter of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, Nebraska Humane Society, Joslyn Art Museum and numerous other charities.
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