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A Message from President Hank Bounds

An end-of-the-year thank you message from University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds.

  • published: 2018/05/04
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May 4, 2018

To the Faculty, Staff and Students of the University of Nebraska:

This week I had the pleasure of honoring six University of Nebraska faculty members who represent the very best in teaching, research and engagement.

Meeting these faculty, learning about their work, and hearing stories of how they’ve impacted people in Nebraska and around the world was a powerful reminder of our vital role in the quality of life and economic competitiveness of our state. These faculty come from diverse disciplines – English, law, psychology, chemistry, biomechanics – but they share a deep commitment to transforming the lives of our students and fellow citizens.

"It's because of all of you that I could not be more proud or excited about the future of the University of Nebraska."

 Hank Bounds, President, University of Nebraska

It’s because of these faculty – and all of you – that I could not be more proud or excited about the future of this institution. As the academic year draws to a close, and we celebrate our newest class of graduates, I want to say thank you for everything you do to make the University of Nebraska one of America’s great universities.

This year saw challenges, as any does. There is no question we have hard work ahead, as we always do. Yet amid challenges we also celebrated remarkable successes: record-breaking enrollments, new heights in student success, research breakthroughs that save lives and make our communities better.

One of the faculty members honored this week, UNL’s Dr. Dennis Molfese, is among the foremost experts in concussion and brain research. Another, UNO’s Dr. Nick Stergiou, is a pioneer in biomechanics, the science of human movement. A few miles down the road, at UNMC, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center has given new hope to patients and their loved ones, and a new home for the study and treatment of infectious diseases will rank us among the elite facilities in the world. And I won’t soon forget the story of Robert Messbarger, who is graduating from UNK today only three years after a car accident nearly claimed his life. Robert will earn his degree in criminal justice and is preparing for a career of service to others.

There are tens of thousands of stories like these, across all our campuses, unfolding daily in our classrooms, laboratories and Extension sites. These are the stories that tell me that as our 150th anniversary approaches next year, our best days are absolutely ahead of us. These stories are possible because of you – the faculty, staff and students who make up the University of Nebraska family.

Congratulations to each new University alum, and to every staff and faculty member who helps our students along the way. I am humbled to serve with you.

Sincerely,

Hank M. Bounds, Ph.D.
President, University of Nebraska
http://nebraska.edu/president
@hankbounds

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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