I remember the first time I saw Hal Maurer in action.
He was a finalist for dean of the UNMC College of Medicine. It was 1993.
He had served as chairman of pediatrics in Virginia for 25 years. He was ready to take the next step and become a dean.
He spoke at an open employee forum. From his voice, it was pretty easy to tell he had a little New York in him. He wasn’t flashy.
But there was one thing that he was — focused. He had a plan for how he would move the College of Medicine forward.
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Fast forward 20 years.
Five years as dean. Fifteen years as chancellor.
Today, if you utter the word, “Hal,” in Omaha, just about everybody knows who you’re talking about.
So, how did he do it?
For starters, there has never been a UNMC chancellor who was as connected to the community.
After putting in a full day at the office, Hal would pick up his wife, Beverly, and begin the second half of his day — having dinner with a prospective donor.
“They could have bought a house with no kitchen,” said John Niemann, Ed.D., senior vice president for the University of Nebraska Foundation. “They were never there.”
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Ironically, the man who never used his kitchen formed a “kitchen cabinet” that consisted of Omaha’s most powerful business leaders. It was a brilliant move.
He loved to think big. The bigger the idea, the better.
“It was amazing what he was thinking,” said Mike Yanney, one of Hal’s kitchen cabinet members. “He laid out his vision, and he executed it to perfection.”
Before long, donors lined up wanting to be a part of the dream. Research took off and new buildings started to grace the UNMC skyline.
“His name is golden,” Niemann said. “If Hal tells you something, it’s going to happen. That resonates with donors. They want to invest in success.”
Perhaps, UNMC’s biggest supporters — Ruth and Bill Scott — said it best: “Hal Maurer and UNMC embody quality and integrity. The vision and leadership they brought to our community has been incredible.”
Put it all together, and it adds up to one Hal of a legacy.
That was one "Hal" of an article T.O. Chancellor Maurer and Beverly have truly changed the face of UNMC and Omaha. We are all lucky to have called him our leader and I am grateful that they were my mentors.
UNMC has been so Blessed having such a fantastic Chancellor along with his wife Beverly! During his time as our Chancellor we have been like a Rocket heading towards the stars! Thank you Hal and Beverly!!!!!!!
Terrific article about a terrific couple!
Transformational is the word that truly describes the way Dr. Maurer and Beverly have changed UNMC and the way people view the medical center. They are a source of inspiration. Thank you for all you've done. Thank you Tom for telling this story so well.
A Champion!
Great story Tom…so glad to read it up north in Milwaukee –
Hal indeed changed the social DNA of UNMC, and together they proved that 1+1 is '36'…together they have been even more powerful than individually. That he became a champion for public health is a wonderful part of the story. Fare-thee-well! – M Peck
The irony about Hal…there is no "TIME OUT" …there never has been…and there never will be. His range of results go wide and deep…at the most basic and fundamental core…he is a builder with a heart of gold. He came to Nebraska with a history wrapped around helping children survive an awful cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. For 25 years, he chaired an international group with an objective to improve the survival rate and was recognized repeatedly for his tireless contributions and successes. The landed results were staggering…from single digit cure rates to numbers now in 90% range…His trips around the world to spread his knowledge and help children was standard operating procedure in our household. I learned about unique places like Quatar, why grants were important and how the NIH could make or break research projects. Fast forward…Go Big Red. I love to read the Nebraska headlines…he has given that big fat heart of his to UNMC…and beyond thoughout the communities. We are sorry to miss the big event…please know that we are there in spirit…Wendy, Alex Rose and Ally Min…We love you Dad…PopPop
p.s. do they know you are just getting warmed up? Hal2.0 was just released!
We have had the pleasure of knowing Bev and Hal for the twenty years they have been in Omaha. Their joint impact will never be forgotten. We are all very fortunate they chose to GO WEST!
Connie and Bob Kully
We have known and loved Bev and Hal Maurer since we arrived in Richmond, VA within weeks of one another 45 years ago. Their accomplishments here were already significant as they forged individual careers in education and medicine. It was not until we attended Hal's inauguration as Chancellor of UNMC and heard his speech outlining an ambitious and perhaps utopian vision for the medical complex that we understood his true genius. We stand in awe and admiration at Bev's and Hal's accomplishments at UNMC and in the Omaha community, but also take great pride in the fact that they have remained true to their roots and dedicated to their family and close friends throughout an incredible journey. Hats off to a home team who challenged the status quo and left a legacy which may be impossible to emulate. Cantor Fran and Dr. Stan Goldman, Richmond, VA
We have known Hal and Beverly since 1974 when we moved to Richmond, Va. to begin my husband's fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology under Hal Maurer. They have always been a dynamic couple. Their future successes don't surprise us in the least. How fortunate for UNMC to have recognized a gem in Hal when they saw it. Hal and Beverly have always had the ability to transform and improve the world around them. We are proud to call them our friends. Dr. Jerry and Carol Barbosa