Eric Matteson, MD, will join UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, and UNMC graduates at commencement this week, when he will be awarded the honorary Doctor of Science degree for achievement in science and his service to our nation, as a physician, educator, researcher and humanitarian.
The December graduation ceremony will be held at the Baxter Arena on Friday, Dec. 19, and will begin at 7 p.m.
Dr. Davies said he was excited to celebrate graduation with 427 UNMC students from the graduate college, college of nursing, college of allied health professions and college of public health.
“One of the things I most enjoy about my role at commencement is joining our deans, directors and faculty, as well as the students’ families, friends and loved ones, as we mark our graduates’ hard-earned accomplishments,” Dr. Davies said. “I also appreciate the opportunity to celebrate and honor distinguished alumni who have gone on to accomplish extraordinary things and impact lives everywhere.”
Dr. Davies continued, “I am proud to have Dr. Matteson join us at this commencement ceremony as we recognize him for all that he has accomplished in the course of a remarkable career.”
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln alumnus, Dr. Matteson is emeritus John F. Finn Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic and was chair of its rheumatology division for 10 years. Mayo Clinic’s rheumatology division returned to national and international prominence under his leadership, tripling in size and academic productivity during this time. Dr. Matteson’s own scholarship has produced more than 500 journal articles and 60 book chapters. He’s delivered lectures and presentations at meetings, conferences and symposia around the world.
He’s also advanced the field through his study of medical history. Dr. Matteson, fluent in German, has made a worldwide impact through his examination of original medical manuscripts, some of which were the result of medical experimentation upon prisoners in concentration camps during World War II.
“This speaks volumes of his leadership, persistence and his humanity,” said James O’Dell, MD, who was among those who nominated Dr. Matteson for this honor. “He has made giant contributions to the rheumatological world but also has a profound dedication to righting past wrongs and contributing to the overall good.”