Nicki Simmons, events coordinator for the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, is retiring June 30. She is in her 30th year at the medical center. With such a big change approaching, it feels exciting, and yes, even a little scary. But she’s looking forward to it.
Her retirement celebration is set for Tuesday, June 9, 2-3:30 p.m. in the Linder Reading Room. Remarks will be at 2:30.
Simmons began her UNMC career in April 1997 working in pediatric pulmonology in Swanson Hall. But it wasn’t long before she joined the then-UNMC School of Allied Health Professions. Allied health was scattered all over campus at that time. Simmons’ first office space was a double-wide trailer.
“It used to be the Lunch Box over on 40th Street,” she said. “It was where the Hope Tower is now, I think.”
There was front-row parking and you could open your windows. They had a grill on the deck.
Then, allied health found a home in Bennett Hall. For the first time, they were all together.
“It seems like a lifetime ago,” Simmons said.
“It was great to walk the halls and be able to see your teammates, and you knew them by name.”
As the years went by, these disparate programs came together to become a true team. Eventually, a true college.
Meanwhile, Simmons found her calling as the college’s events coordinator. It was a perfect fit. “I’m a very detail-oriented multi-tasker and I love watching it all come together,” she said.
Kim Michael, EdD, Anderson Professor of Imaging Sciences, put it this way: “When Nicki was involved, we knew the project would be completed on time — and done exceptionally well.” In nearly 30 years at UNMC, Nicki Simmons coordinated:
- More than 25 allied health convocations;
- More than 20 allied health professionalism ceremonies (ordering more than 3,000 white coats!);
- More than 30 allied health Backstage Pass recruitment events;
- More than 100 admissions interviews (exceeding 2,000 hours);
- More than 15 retirement ceremonies;
- Allied health’s annual awards ceremony (more than 100 award winners over the last 10 years);
- The college’s research seminar series (booking more than 100 speakers over the last 10 years);
- New student orientations, organizing and attending Zoom sessions with incoming students;
- The college’s student ambassador program, meaning she also coordinated numerous food pantry drives, clothing drives, Ronald McDonald House dinners, toys drives, Little Free Library, sock drives, Relay for Life and more;
- Numerous reunion events and the college’s momentous 50th anniversary celebration;
- Numerous potlucks, pumpkin carvings, fun runs and other celebrations and events.
Simmons also served on the university’s reward and recognition committee and the UNMC Disaster Relief Team in the wake of the devastating 2019 floods. She’s been recognized with numerous honors, including as the first staff member to win allied health’s Outstanding Service Award, in 2004.
In her final days at the college, she is still working to get some stuff ready for the new incoming classes before she leaves. Get them off on the right foot.
The students have always made it special. Seeing so much excitement as they come in. And then, just as much excitement when they leave, mixed with nervousness as they head out into the world, looking for and starting jobs.
And the people she’s worked with through the years have made it special, too.
“They’ve been there for me throughs ups and downs and life,” she said. “When you work with people for so long, you’re not only a co-worker but you’re a friend and they know about your life.”
Now she’s the one excited, and a little bit nervous, to go out into the world.
Congratulations, Nicki! I’ve really enjoyed working with you all these years. Enjoy retirement!
Thank you, Amy! It has been a pleasure to work with you also!
Congratulations on your upcoming retirement, Nicki! You’ve been such an asset to the CAHP and UNMC and have made a profound impact. I will miss knowing that I can call, text, or email you for an answer or help with something. Wishing you all the best in this next chapter; you truly deserve it! And…I hope that it is “pawsitively” amazing 🙂
Thank you Kat! I can’t wait to see you!!
Today, we celebrate not only an incredible career but also an extraordinary woman whose kindness, warmth, and positivity have touched so many lives.
Your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside you. But what truly sets you apart is your wonderful personality—the way you make people feel valued, welcomed, and inspired every day.
Your smile, sense of humor, and genuine care for others have created friendships and memories that will be cherished long after your retirement. While your presence will be deeply missed, we are excited for this new chapter filled with relaxation, adventure, family, and all the things that bring you joy.
Thank you for the countless ways you have made our workplace better and brighter. Your legacy will remain in the hearts of those you’ve mentored, supported, and befriended.
Wishing you a retirement as amazing, beautiful, and remarkable as you are. Congratulations on this well-deserved milestone!
Frank, such kind words. I truly appreciate you and all you do. It has been a pleasure working with you.
You will be missed, Nicki! I’ve so enjoyed working with you. I have always appreciated the positivity, kindness, and attention to detail you bring to everything you do. Enjoy this next chapter…especially not setting that alarm 🙂
Yes!! Not setting an alarm! It has been a pleasure working with you Nikki S!
Congrats on an amazing and impactful career, Nicki! It’s time now to coordinate your own (retirement) activities – enjoy!
It was so good to see you! It has been a pleasure working with you over the years!
Nicki! Thanks for lighting up the CAHP through the years. Your contributions are many! You’ve made a difference in the lives of faculty, staff and students – Best wishes and I hope to stay in touch!
Pat Thank you! It was so nice to talk to you the other day! Definitely!
Dear Nicki – while I am truly glad that you’ll have some time to intentionally pursue other interests and callings, I want you to know that you will be keenly missed. Your presence and contributions resonate across our community; thank you for all you have given here. My best to you across your next adventures!
It has been a pleasure working with you! Thank you.
Congratulations, Nicki! You’ve been such a great support and resource for me in the past 7 years I have been in the CAHP. I echo everything Kyle said. You know how he likes to quote ’70s song lyrics so I’m going to provide one from the late 80’s by the legendary Tina Turner: You’re Simply the Best!
Thank you Anne. It has been a pleasure.
Congratulations, Nicki! Your dedication, kindness, and incredible attention to detail have made such a lasting impact on CAHP. You will be missed! Wishing you a wonderful and well-deserved retirement!
Thank you, Denise! It has been my pleasure.
I “Concur” 🙂 with everything everyone else has written about you. I really, really don’t know how they will do without you! I can mention that you taught me so well about how to bring in guests and applicants with their travel needs to get to UNMC and/or Kearney. (How did you add that to your many duties in your own position because bringing in those people includes so much time and detail!). You’re an incredible, amazing, friendly lady who always has time to have a conversation, and you will be sorely missed by everyone because of the beautiful person you are! Enjoy your retirement adventure!