Faculty members share UNMC memories

Eleanor Rogan, Ph.D.

Eleanor Rogan, Ph.D.











picture disc.

picture disc.


William West, M.D.



Joseph Evans, Ph.D.


A total of 105 faculty members, celebrating service milestones of 40, 30, 20, 10 and five years, will be recognized during Wednesday’s annual faculty meeting at 4 p.m. in the Durham Research Center Auditorium.

Below, four colleagues share their favorite UNMC memories.

40 Years

Eleanor Rogan, Ph.D., professor and chair of the department of environmental, agricultural and occupational health, College of Public Health

My favorite memory is from 20 years ago when there were several postdocs conducting estrogen carcinogenesis research. Discussions between one postdoc studying oncogenic mutations caused by certain estrogens and another postdoc synthesizing estrogen-DNA adducts led to the realization that formation of estrogen-DNA adducts was a key component of cancer initiation. This was the epitome of how scientists collaborate to move discovery forward.

30 Years

Joseph Evans, Ph.D., professor, psychology, Munroe-Meyer Institute, and special professor, pediatrics, psychology
My most rewarding experience at UNMC has been putting together a faculty group that is productive, collegial, and dedicated to teaching, research, and improving access to behavioral health care for children, adolescents and families in Nebraska. One of my favorite memories was being nominated by our psychology faculty for the national American Psychological Foundation Award and having a celebration dinner that was attended by our staff, students, close friends and family. Being recognized by one’s colleagues and faculty was a most gratifying experience, and I greatly appreciated their support. For a department director, it really doesn’t get any better than this.









picture disc.

Shirley Wiggins, Ph.D.

William West, M.D., associate professor, pathology/microbiology, College of Medicine, and associate professor in the College of Allied Health Professions
My favorite memories from my tenure at UNMC include interactions with other individuals from multiple different clinical specialties with training at a variety of different institutions. The diversity and learning has been a highlight of my stay at UNMC. I also have fond memories of my interactions with pathologists on many of the national committees and daily interactions with residents and fellows on the clinical services.

Shirley Wiggins, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing, College of Nursing
A favorite memory I have of my time at UNMC CON (even as an undergraduate student) was asking my pediatric nursing faculty (after a very intense clinical day) how I could develop a career in pediatric nursing. I was told it would call for dedication and passion – these same qualities fuel my work even today.

For a complete list of five-, 10- and 20-year awardees, click here.