Six honored at 2009 Alumni Reunion












Reunion images



Above is a photo slideshow with images from the recent UNMC Alumni Reunion. (Photos by Andrew E. Nelson and Tom O’Connor, UNMC public relations)




Six individuals were honored for their contributions to their respective professions during the 2009 Alumni Reunion Weekend.

In all, the Oct. 2-3 event drew more than 400 alumni, friends and family to UNMC to reminisce with classmates, attend educational sessions and explore the medical center campus and Omaha.

“The Alumni Reunion Weekend is always a special time and this year was no exception,” said Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs. “There was a fantastic turnout both Friday and Saturday. It was wonderful to see our health care professionals converge on Omaha and enjoy a fantastic weekend with friends, colleagues and faculty.”

The six individuals honored at the Alumni Celebration and Awards Dinner were:

  • Kathleen Chavanu Gorman — College of Nursing (CON) Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Award;
  • Charles Wilson, M.D. — CON Alumni Association Honorary Alumnus Award;
  • Lee Handke, Pharm.D. — College of Pharmacy Alumni Association Early Career Achievement Award;
  • Scott Hofmann, M.D. — College of Medicine (COM) Alumni Association Early Career Achievement Award;
  • Michael Sorrell, M.D. — COM Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Award; and
  • Jesse Edwards — Physician Assistant Founder’s Award from the School of Allied Health Professions.

Honor classes for this year’s reunion included: 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004 and those who graduated more than 50 years ago.

The Oct. 2 activities included:

  • A tour of the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education and the UNMC campus;
  • A luncheon with five college deans at the Truhlsen Events Center and the Excellence in Education and New Discoveries tour; and
  • A series of short historical and advancement presentations.

Class parties and dinners capped the day at sites throughout Omaha.

On Oct. 3, several alumni attended the “Prescription for a Legacy” brunch hosted by the University of Nebraska Foundation in which Nick Taylor, J.D., discussed philanthropic tax advantages.

Other Oct. 3 activities included:

  • A trolley tour of Omaha;
  • Complimentary admission to the Joslyn and Durham art museums;
  • Guided walking tours of the UNMC campus; and
  • The College of Pharmacy Preceptor & Alumni Fall Seminar.

Visit the alumni Web site to see more about the reunion and the award winners.

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