UNMC opens new College of Public Health building named for visionary Nebraska couple
The college fills a void in UNMC’s broad range of health programs, and more importantly, enhances health care for all Nebraskans.
One of the greatest accomplishments of UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., during his 12 years as chancellor was creating the College of Public Health – the first new college at UNMC since 1968.
The college fills a void in UNMC’s broad range of health programs, and more importantly, enhances health care for all Nebraskans.
Dr. Maurer and his wife, Beverly, will receive the ultimate compliment when the building that houses the College of Public Health has its official grand opening on Wednesday, May 18 at 11 a.m.
The naming of the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health acknowledges the visionary couple who saw a need to improve the public’s health.
Principal donors Ruth and Bill Scott, longtime supporters of UNMC and the University of Nebraska, made the lead gift.
The couple decided to name the building for Dr. and Mrs. Maurer.
“Beverly and I are honored to share in this historic moment for UNMC and our state,” Chancellor Maurer said. “Public health concerns are paramount in our region, and we are grateful to Ruth and Bill Scott for their recognition and resolve to make a difference in the lives of countless Nebraskans.”
Through education, research and collaboration with health care teams and concerned citizens, public health workers seek new ways to prevent disease and improve community health.
From the air you breathe to the safety of your workplace to new ways to promote healthy choices, everything you experience involves public health.
“Our work is in the field, discovering links between populations and disease,” said Ayman El-Mohandes, M.B.B.Ch., M.D., M.P.H., dean of UNMC’s College of Public Health. “We take a multi-disciplinary approach through research and community partnerships to develop interventions.”
The College of Public Health will address a variety of health concerns including:
childhood obesity,
diabetes,
environmental health,
health disparities,
heart disease,
global health; and
on-the-job safety.
Although there are 134 academic medical centers in the United States, only 50 have accredited colleges of public health.
Next week, UNMC’s College of Public Health will welcome members of the national accreditation committee, who will review the college’s application for accreditation. UNMC expects to learn this fall if it receives accreditation.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.
Harold M. and Beverly Maurer
Center for Public Health — What others are saying
“The new College of Public Health is a centerpiece of the University of Nebraska Medical School campus that will play an important role in educating health leaders on issues that are critical to our state and our nation. I particularly want to applaud the donors who made this project possible and the outstanding leadership of Chancellor Harold Maurer. His vision has shaped UNMC and the dedication of the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health is a great way to honor that vision.”
–Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman
“On behalf of the Association of Schools of Public Health, I congratulate the state of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska Medical Center on the important opening of the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health. The College of Public Health is a significant resource to improve the health of the people of Nebraska, to train the public health workforce needed for the state and to provide the evidence base necessary for public health policies. I am confident the college’s faculty, researchers and students will make substantial contributions to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, to the community and state and to global public health through their multidisciplinary education, service and research activities and by working effectively with communities and the state to implement effective public health actions.
–Harrison C. Spencer, M.D., M.P.H., C.P.H., president and chief executive officer, Association of Schools of Public Health
“The opening of UNMC’s College of Public Health is a critical milestone for Nebraska. Developing and educating our public health workforce, providing expertise and working together puts us in a unique position to face challenges, find solutions and promote health and well-being in our communities today, tomorrow and in the years to come.”
–Joann Schaefer, M.D., chief medical officer, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
“The university not only has an exceptional public health faculty, but with a building dedicated to the study of public health, UNMC has created a nucleus that has significantly elevated awareness of the vital importance of public health in Nebraska.”
–Adi Pour, Ph.D., director, Douglas County Health Department
“It will be a special distinction to have the Maurers’ name associated with the College of Public Health building. Hal and Beverly have been a visionary couple and strong advocates for health care for all citizens in Omaha and Nebraska. How appropriate that the building will be named in their honor.”
–Bob Whitehouse, chairman, University of Nebraska Board of Regents
“As the national demand for public health professionals and workers continues to grow, the College of Public Health is an important asset to Nebraska and to the region. Critical public health issues such as childhood obesity, learning disorders, aging-related illnesses, and alcohol and drug abuse have a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals and carry a high cost to the state. The University of Nebraska is well-positioned to help address these challenges for the benefit of Nebraska and its citizens.”
–James B. Milliken, president, University of Nebraska
“The new Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health manifests the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s commitment to our community’s health and healthy living. Nebraskans and others throughout the region will benefit from the work occurring within this new facility and the leadership provided by both Chancellor Maurer and Dean El-Mohandes.”
–Gail and Michael Yanney, principal benefactors, Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health
“The generosity of Ruth and Bill Scott and the other principal benefactors has enabled UNMC to take another step toward its vision of becoming a world-class academic health science center. The Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health will become a hub for advancing public health education and research in this state and beyond. We greatly appreciate our donors’ commitment to UNMC, the College of Public Health and to helping Nebraskans live healthier lives.”
–Clarence Castner, president, University of Nebraska Foundation
