Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute Donors
Dorothy and Stanley M. Truhlsen, MD
Raised during the Depression — Dr. Truhlsen in Herman, Neb., and Dorothy in Fairfield, Iowa — they each witnessed how people gave of their time and resources despite the hardships many families faced. These experiences shaped their belief in the importance of giving back to their community and particularly to the University of Nebraska.
"As a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the College of Medicine, it has been satisfying for me to give back to the institution in this way. I owe a great deal to the University of Nebraska," said Dr. Truhlsen.
The Truhlsen family
The children of Dr. Stanley M. Truhlsen and the late Ruth Truhlsen have joined together to honor their mother’s memory and their father’s commitment to Omaha and the greater world of ophthalmology. Their generous gift establishes the Ruth H. Truhlsen Educational Center, Given by William C. Truhlsen, Nancy Truhlsen Brager, Stanley M. Truhlsen Jr., and Barbara Truhlsen Mitchell.
Marshall & Mona Faith
Marshall and Mona Faith and their service to the Omaha community were inextricably intertwined. The Faiths were involved in and passionate about many community projects and volunteer boards over the years, until her death in June 2018. But it was a personal experience with macular degeneration endangering Mona’s sight that ignited a passion to invest in a local institute for the treatment of ocular disease.
Marshall led The Scoular Company for nearly 50 years. He now serves chairman emeritus, a lifetime appointment. He actively served the community in leadership roles for groups such as the Aksarben Board of Governors, United Way, Salvation Army, and Clarkson Hospital. Mona also had many commitments to charitable activity. She served for 10 years on the Friends Board of Children’s Hospital and was an active supporter of Omaha Youth for Christ and Young Life Programs.
Judith and Charles Fritch, MD
Judith and Charles Fritch share a passion for helping others. Through their support of high quality vision care, education, medical research and wellness, they have benefited people and programs around the world, from eye mission projects in India to latchkey school programs in central California. Dr. Fritch is founder and owner of Fritch Eye Care Center, one of the largest cataract and refractive practices in California. A native of Iowa, he received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1968.
The Fritches are actively involved with the University of Nebraska, specifically the UNMC College of Medicine and the UNO College of Arts & Sciences; the Nebraska Alumni Association and the University of Nebraska Foundation.
Alice and Robert Williamson
Alice and Robert Williamson's support of ophthalmic care at UNMC reflected her parent’s philanthropic nature and belief in helping mankind. "Our hearts go out to people who have had problems with their vision," said Alice, who underwent multiple surgeries for corrective vision. Her mother had macular degeneration, too. The Williamsons, along with Alice’s sister and her husband, Beth and Harry Weigel, MD, were principal donors to the Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation at Nebraska Medicine which was dedicated in 2008.