Michael Berney retiring after 38 years at UNMC

Michael Berney

Michael Berney will be retiring after 38 years of service to the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases administrative operations.

A two-time recipient of the Silver “U” Award, reflecting his commitment to the University of Nebraska and the people he serves, Berney began his career at UNMC in August 1988. He joined the Eppley Institute in December 1995, managing the supply room, providing faculty with essential supplies, and handling shipments.

“For Mike, service has always meant ensuring people have what they need to do their work,” said Ken Anderson, Eppley Institute administration.

Berney later became the sterilization supervisor, overseeing operations for the two research buildings occupied by Eppley Institute investigators. In these roles, Berney became the person faculty and staff could count on to keep things moving and step in whenever help was needed.

“Mike takes great pride in his service to the Eppley Institute and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center,” said Rachel Cole, manager of administration and operations at the Eppley Institute. “He is known for his friendly smile and for making the rounds to stay connected with colleagues throughout the organization. The faculty at the Eppley Institute relied on him for countless things, and his presence and dedication will be greatly missed.”

“For 38 years, Mike’s unwavering dedication, exceptional service and steadfast commitment to the mission of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center have made a lasting impact on our patients, researchers, colleagues and community,” said Amy Overby, associate director, cancer center administration. “We are grateful for his contributions that have helped shape the success and excellence of our institution.”

“As Mike retires, his colleagues will remember him for more than the responsibilities he carried out. They will remember the person who was there, day after day, ready to help,” Anderson said.

After years of hard work, Berney said he is looking forward to having more time for recreation.

“I have fishing gear that hasn’t been used in years, and I am looking forward to putting it to good use. Retirement will give me plenty of time to enjoy fishing, gardening, and all the things I love,” he said.

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30 comments

  1. Barb Cajka says:

    Enjoy your retirement, Mike!

  2. Dalia Moore says:

    Dear Mike, you have been always very helpful and kind. It is sad to see you go but I know your next chapter is going to be awesome. All the best!

  3. julie sommer says:

    Your kindness will be truly missed, Mike! Have a great retirement.

  4. Makayla Walker says:

    Congratulations Mike!
    Your contributions have not gone unnoticed, you will be missed!
    Enjoy your retirement.

  5. Coral C. says:

    Congratulations Mike! Wishing you endless joy and relaxation.

  6. Tricia Rump says:

    Congratulations on your retirement! Enjoy you next adventures. You will be greatly missed.

  7. Julie Carstens says:

    Congrats on your retirement, Mike! I will miss you!

  8. Deanna Barber says:

    It was a pleasure working with you Mr. Mike. Congratulations on your retirement and we will miss you!!!

  9. Michelle Desler says:

    Congratulations Mike! You’ve been our go-to guy for so many years; we will miss you! Enjoy retirement!

  10. Heather Braddock says:

    You will be missed! Congratulations!

  11. Tom Caffrey says:

    Thank you Mike.
    Your caring service to Eppley, the greater campus, and this nation has not gone unnoticed. Going the extra mile has been your mantra, a gift to students and researchers alike. May you enjoy this next chapter of well deserved happiness.

  12. Laura Shafer says:

    Normally I’m happy to see a colleague retiring after a distinguished career. Not so much this time!! I came up on Mike once when he was busy descaling a coffee maker in one of the break spaces. Some holes are too big to fill. He will be missed!

  13. Tina Hunter says:

    Congratulations Mike! Enjoy retirement!

  14. Bob Svoboda says:

    Thank you for going the extra mile to keep things running smoothly!

  15. Shelly McCaffrey says:

    Congratulations, Mike!! I sure will miss your bright smile and friendly “Hello” in the hallways after all of these years! Enjoy your hard-earned retirement!!

  16. Sunandini Sharma says:

    Congratulations, Mike! I’m going to miss exchanging “Hi” in the hallways and your kindness in always holding the door open whenever we crossed paths. Wishing you all the best!

  17. Susan Blumel says:

    Mike, thank you so much for all you have done for us and for always brightening my day with your smile. We will miss you greatly. Congratulations on your retirement! Go get some big fish!

  18. Debbie Vidlak says:

    Congratulations Mike! You’ve been an invaluable resource at UNMC and a pleasure to work with!

  19. Nigar Babayeva says:

    Congratulations! Your help was always appreciated!

  20. Dr. Sheritta Strong says:

    Enjoy retirement Mike! My Holy Name buddy! I am going to miss you on the cold days when I walk through Eppley.

  21. Michelle Varney says:

    Congratulations, Mike! I will miss seeing your smiling face in the hallways!

  22. Jodi Reynek says:

    Mike,
    Congratulations on your Retirement!
    Relax and do something fun for yourself.
    You can be Proud of your 38 Years at UNMC.
    Thank you for all you did to help.
    Enjoy!

  23. Ellen Duysen says:

    Wishing you countless years of joy, relaxation, and wonderful adventures in retirement Mike. Thank you for your exceptional service and for the friendship, kindness, patience, and support you have shared with so many. Congratulations on a truly well-earned retirement!

  24. Jackie Hollinger says:

    Congratulations Mike!! It is well deserved! I have greatly enjoyed your friendship. You have always been so encouraging and a great teacher to those who needed help with their projects.

  25. Adam R Karpf says:

    Thank you Mike, for all the myriad of tasks you have done for the Eppley Institute. But more importantly, for continually connecting with colleagues and improving the community of the EI.

  26. Kay Wagner says:

    Thank you, Mike, for your dedicated service to Eppley. Your friendly support will always be remembered. Enjoy your retirement.🎣

  27. Michelle Lum says:

    Thank you for everything you have done to make Eppley, BCC and the rest of this campus run so smoothly! You will be missed. I hope you enjoy your retirement!

  28. PANKAJ SINGH says:

    Thank you, Mike, for your dedicated service all these years. You took great pride in your service and made Eppley a better place every day. Your kindness and friendly smile touched so many lives. Enjoy the next phase of your life!

  29. Chris Whitted says:

    Mike, there are few people who deserve a wonderful retirement more than you! I hope that you truly enjoy this next phase. Thank you for all of your kindness over the years!

  30. Steve Dixon says:

    Congrats Mike. I so enjoyed working with you for many years. You really deserve this upcoming time off. Hope you catch a really big fish. Thanks for your dedicated service.

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