Lookin’ at U – Ann Kraft

Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee.

This week, we learn more about Ann Kraft, program associate in the College of Public Health’s Rural Health Education Network (RHEN).









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Ann Kraft
  • Name: Ann Kraft
  • Hometown: Born in Denver, but grew up in Omaha
  • No. of years at UNMC: 26

What is your best memory from your time at UNMC?

Not the best, but the memory that stands out above all the others was a day, many years ago, when I was walking down the hallway worrying about how much work I had to do and how many phone calls I had to return, and I came across a pediatric cancer patient. She was about 4 or 5 years old, pushing her IV pole and walking with her mother. Suddenly, my “problems” didn’t seem so bad. That was a very humbling moment and one I will never forget.

Our four brand values are leadership, commitment to excellence, working together and being a trusted resource. Pick one and tell us a time you witnessed it embodied at UNMC.

Working together is something I experience every day at UNMC. … One of the best examples of this was when I worked in public affairs and I received a call from a local school that wanted to have a surgeon come and talk to their students. I called Dr. Bud Shaw, who was chairman of the department of surgery at the time. I was hoping he’d give me the name of a resident who could give the presentation. Can you imagine my complete surprise when Dr. Shaw, one of the top transplant surgeons in the country, checked his calendar and agreed to speak to 12- and 13-year-olds about surgery? I think that is a great example of UNMC leadership, commitment to excellence, working together and being a trusted resource to the community.

List three things people may not know about you.

  • The curl is natural.
  • My favorite vacation activity is tent camping at about 10,000 feet in the mountains of Colorado.
  • Eighteen years ago, Tom O’Connor said to me: “There’s a guy in my golf league I think you should meet.” My husband and I will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary this summer.

6 comments

  1. sue anson says:

    Natural curl is the best! My husband & I LOVE camping (we have a tent, but plan on someday getting a pop-up camper) in the Rocky Mountains! The hikes we took last year were incredible! I love the bit about how you met your hubby! Congratulations on your 15th anniversary!

  2. Tom O'Connor says:

    Glad that it worked out with your husband, Ann. Sometimes you get lucky. I just wish I could hit a golf ball like Steve does.

  3. Elizabeth Fiala says:

    Ann is a great asset to UNMC! Her and the RHEN department are some of the nicest people to work with. Congrats on your 15th anniversary!

  4. Aleta Gaertner says:

    Ann, I enjoy our friendly chats when our paths cross in the COPH building. It is great to learn a little more about you!

  5. Heidi Kaschke says:

    Great to see you featured, Ann! Those were wonderful, insightful stories.

  6. Cindy Skarda says:

    Always great talking to you Ann. Nice to know more about you.

Comments are closed.