Remembering Chancellor Emeritus Del Weber

Chancellor Emeritus Del Weber, who served as Chancellor for UNO from 1977 to 1997, passed away on Friday, Jan. 11, following a long bout with cancer.

When Weber arrived in the summer of 1977, UNO had just completed construction on the Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library at the western-most edge of campus. Beyond the library was a collection of homes that Weber would spend the next 10 years working with the city and community members to purchase as part of a much-needed expansion. During his tenure, this land would eventually become home to key facilities like the Durham Science Center, Weber Fine Arts Building (named for Del Weber and his life Lou Ann) and the Thompson Alumni Center. Several of the homes purchased in the deal still stand, today, including the UNO's Child Care Center and Hayden House, which is home to UNO's Division of Student Success.

“It is hard to put into words the transformative impact that Del Weber has had on UNO and, as a result, the lives of countless individuals, whether they were students, faculty, staff or just supporters of his vision that UNO could be a leading metropolitan institution," UNO Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., said. "In my time as UNO’s chancellor, Del has been a truly valued friend and advisor. Our campus and our community have suffered a huge loss with his passing, but we continue to be reminded each day of his legacy and his incredible Maverick spirit. We will continue to build upon his remarkable legacy.”

A native of Columbus, Nebraska, Weber stepped into the role of Chancellor in 1977 at just 45 years old. Over the next 20 years, he would oversee a number of important firsts for the campus.

In 1985, under his leadership, UNO opened its first parking garage south of the Arts and Sciences Building; in 1993 and 1994, UNO officially launched its first solo doctoral degree programs in Criminal Justice and Public Administration; in 1996, men's hockey was announced as the university's first sport at the Division I level; and in 1997, just prior to his retirement, Weber received approval to build UNO's first-ever on-campus housing units, which would go on to be called University Village.

“I didn’t have the pleasure of working with Del Weber, but I see evidence of his legacy every time I’m on the UNO campus," NU President Hank Bounds, Ph.D., said. "The growing, thriving UNO we know today is a credit to Chancellor Weber’s leadership, his love of Omaha and our state, and his deep commitment to young people. UNO and the entire University of Nebraska are stronger for his service. Susie and I send our gratitude and prayers to Del and his family.”