Community and university leaders gathered Friday for the formal investiture of Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., as the eighth chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
As Dr. Gold’s family and other guests looked on, a series of speakers took to the podium to praise the leader who has said his goal is to move UNMC from excellence to eminence.
To see a photo album of the investiture, click here.
“I commit to you that I will work relentlessly to fulfill the charge, to live up to the responsibilities and to work with you to continue to build the future for this great university, the communities we serve, for the state of Nebraska and beyond,” Dr. Gold told the audience.
The investiture marked a significant milestone in the life of a university, said University of Nebraska Interim President James Linder, M.D., who emceed the event. “Today’s ceremony-infused with ritual, pride and optimism-provides an opportunity to bring together the institution and the public that it serves,” he said.
An example of that synthesis was provided by statements from Omaha Mayor Jena Stothert, who said the city was proud of UNMC’s national reputation as a leader in patient care, medical research and professional training.
“UNMC continues to innovate in many areas, including the study and treatment of pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and dementia,” Mayor Stothert said. “This type of progress requires initiative, experience and commitment to our community. Dr. Gold brings those important qualities to the campus and our city. The University’s roles in higher education, medicine, business and community service are valuable assets and we look forward to working together for many years.”
Former University of Nebraska President J.B. Milliken, who recruited Dr. Gold to UNMC, said that under his stewardship, UNMC will make great strides.
Dr. Gold described the traditional mission of an academic university as fourfold – to teach, to discover, to cure and to engage.
“What we will do – transform lives to create a healthy future. How we will do it — through the delivery of extraordinary care, remarkable discovery and relevant learning. And how well we will do it — we will lead the world,” he said.
These goals, he added, would take hard work, as well as “the tenacity of our spirit and the dedication of our energy for years to come.”
The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Joslyn, and a reception that afternoon on campus, as well.