Life at UNMC for 40, 30 years













































picture disc.

Anthony Yonkers, M.D.

picture disc.

Larry Haisch, D.D.S.

picture disc.

Steve Pitkin

picture disc.

Thomas McDonald, M.D.

picture disc.

Robert Binhammer, Ph.D.

picture disc.

James Campbell, M.D.

picture disc.

Janice Twiss, Ph.D.
One is a flying enthusiast. Another is nicknamed “The Hammer.” Still another found inspiration from a TV show on nurse anesthesia.

These are a few of the characteristics of the seven faculty members who celebrate service milestones of 40 and 30 years this year. They will be recognized during today’s Annual Faculty Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Durham Research Center Auditorium. Employees with 20 years and 10 years of service also will be recognized. (Download a complete list. View the ceremony online.)

Here, our honorees reflect on their years at UNMC.

What kept you engaged at UNMC these many years?

  • Anthony Yonkers, M.D. — College of Medicine (COM) — 40 years of service — “The opportunities provided by UNMC and the Department of Otolaryngology have made my professional life challenging and enjoyable. The people are the finest and it is rewarding to train new residents.”

  • Larry Haisch, D.D.S. — College of Dentistry — 30 years — “The variety of experiences and challenges of academics was so rewarding that I did not pursue my original plan to join a practice. Working with many varied and talented students, staff and faculty has been the recurring highlight of my career.”

  • Steven Pitkin — College of Nursing (CON) — 30 years — “The richness of dialogue and depth of interactions with my coworkers and the opportunity to stretch the thinking of students has contributed to a life well lived.”

  • Thomas McDonald, Ph.D. — COM — 30 years — “Simply put: the people, the culture, the openness and the opportunities.”

Describe a moment when you realized you had picked the right occupation.

  • Robert Binhammer, Ph.D. — COM — 30 years — “It happens and has happened every day for 50-plus years. There is so much satisfaction in helping students mature and develop.”

  • James Campbell, M.D. — COM – 30 years — “A physician is blessed with not one moment but many. Those have been a recurring source of personal satisfaction, and they are reflected in the comfort and assurance voiced by my patients every day.”

  • Janice Twiss, Ph.D. — CON — 30 years — “I knew woman’s health was for me the moment I first saw a baby being born. That excitement continues in my care for women as a nurse practitioner. Sharing that love for woman’s health with students is just icing on the cake.”