University of Nebraska Regent Barbara Weitz visited UNMC on April 9 for a tour that included an up-close look at a UNMC High School Alliance class.
UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, met with Weitz and guided her on the tour, which included a visit with Heidi Kaschke, program director for the High School Alliance.
In the UNMC College of Pharmacy’s compounding lab, Dr. Davies introduced himself and Weitz to the class of 18 High School Alliance students. Weitz told the students she was happy to see all of them and envied them for their opportunity to take high school courses at UNMC.
Jaynie Bird, a High School Alliance teacher with UNMC, guided the class through the day’s activity to make a lip balm. Bird directed them to be careful with the hot plate they would be using and outlined the steps to create a usable lip balm.
Weitz joined with two of the students at their lab station. The regent watched intently and asked questions as the students made their lip balm with supplies that included an anhydrous base, aloe vera powder, beeswax and different oils.
She asked the students if the spinner to mix the ingredients is used often. Student Isabella Gerloff said she had used it twice, and Velina Welongo said this was her first time.
To that, Weitz replied, “Mine, too.”
The regent and the students talked about the smell of the strawberry additive, the powdered aloe vera and their interest in science.
“Look at what you can do,” Weitz said.
After the activity, Weitz came away with her own container of lip balm – with the flavor “Vanilla Shine” that the students chose.
In watching that activity, Weitz said she saw what she’d like to see in every child – curiosity, excitement, asking questions, such as “Is this going to turn out?” or “Oh, did you know it would do that?”
“I mean, they are really wanting to be there,” Weitz said.
“Finding a way to engage students in that way is critical,” she said. “These hands on, early opportunities will be what brings us the workers we need in the state and for the university and for all of our health and wellbeing.”
As part of her tour, Weitz also visited the Davis Global Center for a tour and discussion about the Global Center for Health Security.
It was our pleasure to host Regent Weitz. We hope she can visit the UNMC High School Alliance again.