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Commencement Awards
Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is given to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding support for UNMC through personal service, private contributions, or other meritorious advocacy for the campus mission.
2021
Nebraska's Public Health Directors2020
Anne Hubbard, MD2015
Senator Mike JohannsSenator Ben Nelson
2014
Duane and Phyllis Acklie2013
Bruce R. Lauritzen, MBA2012
Fred and Eve SimonHonorary Degrees
An honorary degree is the highest award the University of Nebraska can bestow. Candidates do not need to have a former connection to UNMC or the state of Nebraska to qualify, but rather meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Distinguished service to UNMC or the University of Nebraska.
- Distinguished service to the state.
- Graduates, former students, or former employees who have achieved high distinction.
- Persons of high distinction, distinguished achievement, and national recognition.
2023
Iftikher Mahmood, MD2022
Robert Kadlec, MD2021
William Mobley, MD, PhD2020
Doyt L. Conn, MD2019
Darrell Kirch, MD
Jordan Cohen, MD
2018
Lois Nora, MD, JD
J. G. Elliott Award
The J. G. Elliott Award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to medicine and health programs in Nebraska. The award was established in 1978 and supported by Mr. and Mrs. James Massey in memory of John (Jack) Elliott, a former Scottsbluff resident who served on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents for 20 years. Nominations are submitted to the UNMC Chancellor for recommendation to the President of the University of Nebraska and Board of Regents. Nominees are evaluated on the following criteria:
- A Nebraska resident who has made a significant contribution to the health of the state through his or her actions.
- Statewide impact with contributions in the areas of education, research, and community outreach.
- The individual's actions improve individual and community health.
The health contributions are beyond the scope of work-related activities.
2023
Bob Bartee, MA
2022
Shannon Engler, MS2021
Gary Anthone, MDPhilip W. Smith, MD
2020
Roger Reamer, MBA2019
Catherine Jones-Hazledine, PhDJames Smith, MD