Time out with T.O. – The unsung hero

Betty Revers is one of UNMC’s true unsung heroes.

For the past 40 years, she has served as a husbandry care technician in the UNMC Department of Comparative Medicine. Her job — taking care of animals used in UNMC’s research enterprise.

Working mostly with rodents, Revers makes hundreds of animal checks every day.

“She’s been a wonderful employee,” said John Bradfield, D.V.M., director of comparative medicine. “Think of someone who does animal care for 40 years. It’s hard work — you’re on your feet all day. She’s extremely dedicated.”

As if her job isn’t challenging enough, Revers has had to deal with another obstacle her entire career — she’s deaf.

When Revers was 18 months old, she developed a high fever, and it resulted in her losing her hearing.

She’s made the most of her situation, graduating from the Nebraska School for the Deaf (which no longer exists) prior to joining the medical center in 1978. Her first three months, she worked in the cafeteria before moving over to animal care.

Revers, who will officially retire from UNMC on Jan. 2, looks back on her career with fond memories.

It allowed her to meet her husband, Danny, who worked in comparative medicine for several years before transferring to the University of Nebraska at Omaha 17 years ago. Danny also is hearing impaired and has to wear hearing aids. His hearing loss occurred when he experienced a high fever when he was 2.

The couple will celebrate their 35th anniversary in April by going on an Atlantic Ocean cruise. They have one son, Joey, 32, who works as an adaptive therapy specialist in the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s recreation program and has normal hearing.

Danny, who is 66, is retiring this month from his position at UNO. Betty, who is 59, has decided to follow suit.

One of her colleagues in comparative medicine is Tricia Rump, business manager, who has worked in the department for 24 years.

“I don’t know how to use sign language,” Rump said, “but Betty and I communicate pretty well. We’re really going to miss her. Her entire career has been devoted to animal care. She does it every day. It’s quite noble.”

In retirement, Revers will continue her animal work — she has a dog at home named Scout, who she loves to pamper.