Peeking ahead to the dedication of DRC II

A dedication ceremony for the Durham Research Center II, right, will be held on campus on Wednesday morning. The tower is a twin to the Durham Research Center, left, which opened in 2003.

UNMC will take another important step on its trek toward world-class status next week when it dedicates the Durham Research Center II.

The new research tower is named in honor of the late Charles (Chuck) Durham, the former CEO and chairman of the engineering and architectural firm, HDR, Inc.

Wednesday’s dedication ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on the plaza in front of DRC II and its twin, the Durham Research Center, which opened in 2003.

Dr. Maurer will emcee the event and other speakers will include:

• Gov. Dave Heineman;
  
• Roger Bulger, M.D., former president of the Association of Academic Health Centers;
  
• Kent Schroeder, J.D., chairman of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents;
  
• University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken, J.D.; and
  
• Members of the Durham family.

The DRC II cost $76.4 million, has 10 levels, 95 laboratories and 252,179 gross square feet. Durham provided the lead gift for both research towers.

The new tower sits directly south of the original DRC at the northwest corner of Emile Street and Durham Research Plaza.

Read UNMC Today next week for more about the new research tower.