It’s often said you can judge the success of an organization by the number of construction cranes.
With six cranes currently dotting the skyline at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine, you’d have to say things have never been better.
As vice chancellor for business and finance since 1988, Don Leuenberger has been right in the middle of all the action.
Reception set for Leuenberger
The UNMC Business & Finance Office will host a tea for Don Leuenberger, vice chancellor for business & finance, on June 30 between 1 and 3 p.m. in Private Dining Rooms A and B in University Tower.
In his role as vice chancellor, Leuenberger was responsible for all campus facilities, budget, human resources, information technology, finance/business services, security and legal service. More than 600 people are included in these departments. He will step down effective June 30 after nearly three decades of service in the university system.
“Don has been the mortar that held UNMC together during its explosive physical growth and reputational ascendancy over his three decades of service,” said Deb Thomas, who will become interim vice chancellor of business & finance on July 1. “But more importantly, he is brilliant at assessing strategic opportunities to invest in, and many of those drove the growth and ascendancy.”
The campus is invited to come wish Leuenberger well.
Now, at age 70, the silver-haired business guru is ready to trade in his corner office in Wittson Hall for more time with his family and his beloved 10-speed bicycle.
What a ride it has been.
During Leuenberger’s tenure, the campus has more than tripled in size. But it hasn’t just been about adding new buildings. Along the way, he has left his fingerprints on every aspect of his position, taking UNMC to the next level in accounting, HR, ITS, energy management and more.
So, how did he do it?
Much of the success can be traced to Leuenberger’s unique skill set, which included 16 years in state government and four years in university administration.
Listen to the words of two of Nebraska’s top newspaper reporters.
“Don is the consummate public servant in terms of intelligence, judgment and skill,” said Don Walton of the Lincoln Journal Star.
“I can think of no one in Nebraska who knows as much about the ins and outs of state government and public policy as Don,” said Henry Cordes of the Omaha World-Herald.
Personally, I’ll never forget tagging along with Don as UNMC established its growing presence in China. Everywhere we went — from Beijing to Shanghai, Xi’an to Tianjin — it was obvious that Don was da’ man.
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Leuenberger is known as an avid bicyclist. |
For Jennifer Larsen, M.D., vice chancellor for research, it was Don’s “ability to read and connect with people.”
Former UNMC Chancellor Charles Andrews, M.D, calls him “the glue.”
For Ken Hansen, associate vice chancellor for campus facilities, Don was a mentor.
To Omaha’s businessman extraordinaire, Mike Yanney, Don is “one of the great citizens of our state.”
Leuenberger worked under five governors and five chancellors. No small task.
When you look up the word, don, one of the definitions is, “a person of consequence.”
How appropriate.
Thanks for the great ride, Don. May the wind always be at your back in your retirement.
Don is a fine man and a remarkable executive. He connects vision to action to results that benefit us all and the people we serve. His work has been a big part of shaping this wonderful institution, and we are very fortunate to have benefited from his talent and commitment to UNMC.
Don's retirement represents not just a loss to UNMC, but the whole state. I can think of no one in Nebraska who knows as much about the ins and outs of state government and public policy as Don. As a reporter, I have long trusted Don as a resource, dating back to his days as tax commissioner. Anytime I interviewed Don, I could usually count on two things: I'd gain some real insight, and he'd make me laugh more than once.
When I think of Don and the leadership he has provided to UNMC during his tenure here, two particular areas come to mind. First, Don led the transformation of how UNMC conducts its business and manages it auxiliary operations. He has thrust UNMC into the national forefront in modernizing our various systems in accounting, payroll, auditing, human resources, and energy management. Second, Don has led the development of our Campus Facilities Master Plan and wisely managed the funds flow necessary to pay for our incredible expansion of facilities on campus. He has been a wonderful colleague and advisor. I wish him the very best as he now turns to the next path in his life’s journey.
Don has been an exceptional CFO. He was a leader among leaders. He always found a way to make things work. He knew how to smooth troubled waters and work in the best interest of UNMC. He had a depth of understanding about the financial character of UNMC that enabled him to be a tremendous problem solver and leader. He was a great friend of the University of Nebraska Foundation and was instrumental in the building of the academic campus. If you had a problem, you could always talk to Don. If you were stuck and needed a new idea, Don was always helpful.
Don is the consummate public servant in terms of intelligence, judgment and skill. He played a key role at the State Capitol during prior service for five governors, helping shape a lot of history along the way.
Don,
Congratulations on a fantastic career. Rick and I will be out of town and won't be able to celebrate with you, but hope to see you out and about in the community.
Carol Russell
Congratulations Don. Enjoy!
Don is a great guy. A straight shooter who will be humorous at times but means business. I hate to see you go but family and getting your ride on is important. Your not really retiring anyway!
Congratulations on your retirement, Don. You're leaving UNMC with a legacy for which you can be extremely proud.