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John and Chris Larson |
For John and Chris Larson — two of UNMC’s most recognizable faces — it turned into a successful 26-year marriage.
Thursday, the Larsons will cap off their equally successful work careers with a retirement tea (see box) celebrating their combined 74 years of service at UNMC.
John, who works in facilities, management and planning, has 45 years of service. Chris, now with alumni relations after stints at the College of Medicine, public relations and the chancellor’s office, has 29 years.
A U.S. Navy veteran, John got his college degree while working at UNMC. When John bought his first Harley Davidson, Metro Credit Union approved its first-ever motorcycle loan.
“I feel like I’m married to a UNMC celebrity,” Chris said.
“I wish you wouldn’t say that,” John said.
But it’s true. They can’t go anywhere, Chris said, without running into a person — or five — who knows John and can’t wait to catch up.
Retirement tea
The campus is invited to a retirement tea for John and Chris Larson. It is set for Thursday from 2-4 p.m. in the Sorrell Center Alumni Commons on the second floor. Remarks will be at around 2:45.
This happens everywhere, but especially on campus. John started as a shipping and receiving clerk in 1972, then joined facilities in 1973.
For years, he’s been the guy everyone on campus calls to ask, “If we turn this off, what’s going to happen?”
Chris recalls many “on-call” emergencies, during which John sounded like he was speaking a foreign language into the phone.
He knows every UNMC acronym. The 15 new buildings he’s been involved with and got to know very well: CN, CP, MSB, DOC, HBMA, LTC, HBMA2, MSC, DRC, DRC2, CNS, CPH, LOC, PPD and BCC.
He’s also seen several buildings torn down, and for good measure, mentions one more that should be.
“You can’t put that one in there,” Chris said.
“I can put it in there!” John said.
(We didn’t put it in there.)
When Chris went to work for two chancellors, John got a taste of having a spouse who was “on-call.”
Dr. Maurer dreamed big dreams and started making them come true. “Those were exciting times,” Chris said.
Now, UNMC will take that next step with Dr. Gold, she said.
John’s only regret is he will miss being involved with the new iEXCEL building — the Davis Global Center (acronym TBD).
But now, the Larsons plan to pay back their kids and grandkids for missed time and adventures.
Chris will take up photography. John will continue his prison ministry, his quest to hit every Mexican restaurant in town with his grandkids, and some great motorcycle rides across the U.S. with Chris.
Good luck to both of you!
Congratulations to both of you. My association with John dates back to even before his start at UNMC. Always a class guy with humble knowledge and a willingness to help. He and Chris will be sorely missed at UNMC but the next steps in their careers will be enjoyable
Best Wishes to a hard-working, sincere, and dedicated couple.
With much respect, Regent Bob Whitehouse…
Congratulations on your retirements! It has been a pleasure knowing you both and I especially appreciate the time and service that you give to your community. Thank you for being there for me when I needed it. I wish you many Blessings and much happiness as you continue your journey!
Warmest Regards,
Traci Clemons
Incredible amount of service and dedication, thank you John and Chris for ALL you have done for UNMC!
Chris and John have served UNMC admirably through decades of growth. They are the go-to and the 'get 'er done' people. It has been an honor to know and work with them through the years. Congratulations on your retirement. I know you'll be busy with the kids and grandkids! Enjoy!
Best Wishes Chris & John!
Congratulations John and Chris on this new adventure. Pilamayaye! for all your years of service to UNMC, but more importantly thank-you for your kind hearts and friendship. May God bless you with a very happy retirement!
Congratulations and good luck to you on your new adventure! UNMC will miss seeing you both around.
Chris and John, I wish you many, many happy years of retirement. Thank you for your tremendous service to UNMC. Enjoy, enjoy, ENJOY this next chapter!
Congrats and best wishes on your next ventures !
Congratulations Chris and John! Thank you for your great service to UNMC, your kind and generous hearts and your friendship. Blessings to you both in retirement. See you at Costco 🙂
– Jo Giles
Congratulations! Wishing you a happy and rewarding retirement.
Congrats! I wish you many wonderful years of retirement with your kids and grandkids and most important with each other. It's been great knowing and working with you over the years.
Congratulations to both of you! Enjoy the next chapter of your life.
The Larsons are the face of UNMC. They epitomize what this great institution is all about. Their dedication to this place is off the chart. I can't thank them enough for all they've done for me over the years. They represent quality in every possible way. Enjoy retirement — you deserve it! You will never be forgotten. You truly made a difference. Best, TO
Congratulations on your retirements from UNMC. Your contributions to UNMC's growth 'behind the scenes' over the years have been immense and immeasurable. Now is the time to have some real; 'fun'! Good luck and best wishes always.
BRAVO! I have enjoyed seeing you occasionally- always so positive and a warm welcome hello. All the best to you both, Vik
Chris and John,
WOW!! I will miss your smiling faces at UNMC events! I will not be able to attend the retirement festivities, but wanted to send my congratulations on another journey. Hope to see you around. GO BUNNIES!!
Chris and John,
Thank you for your dedicated service to UNMC. Your work truly made a lasting impact and you will be missed. Hope you'll enjoy every minute of your retirement. Best wishes!
Congratulations to both of you! You will both be missed at UNMC.
Congratulations John and Chris! Thank you for your Service to UNMC. You are both an inspiration. Enjoy the kids and grandkids.
Wishing you the best!
What a wonderful story! Congrats and good luck into your new life journey!
Congratulations to you both! Thank you, Chris, for being a wonderful co-worker. May Gold continue to bless you both!
Congratulations John and Chris! What a fantastic story of love, hard work and lessons learned. I know you praise God everyday for bringing you together and it sounds like the University is pretty glad he brought you into the UNMC community also. I'm so proud to be your sister John and so thankful you found Chris 26 years ago. Both of you are a testament of steadfastness and courage. I love you and I'm looking forward to seeing you more in South Carolina now that you're retired.
John is the kindest and most compassionate person I have ever met. Always with a positive outlook at everything. Always ready to mentor and/or help any one. We will miss this familiar go to person in Facilities. Chris always supported John with his commitment and dedication to his job. She was positive and ready to help when you stopped by the Chancellor Office or called her. We will miss Chris too. Wishing both many adventures in their motorcycle and many days filled with family activities. Carmen
74 years, what an incredible accomplishment to a fantastic organization. You both will truly be greatly missed but you have earned many times over the adventures you now get to experience. Wishing you the best, hope to see you around, keep those wheels down, and God continue to Bless
Congratulations to two great people
Love you both!! Amazing story, with a much needed retirement!! Congrats!!
Chris and John, Thanks for your dedication to UNMC and your kind-heartedness to everyone here. You will be missed immensely!
What a wonderful dedication of service! Enjoy your retirement!
Best wishes John and Chris as you begin your retirement! Enjoy all of the moments spent with your family. God bless!
Really happy and excited for you, Chris! I always enjoyed working with you and know you will enjoy your new adventures. Congratulations!
Jayne Sutton