Merger Ceremony: UNO joins NU

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July 1, 1968 ceremony marks the creation of the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

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[00:00:04.493]- [Narrator] July 1st, 1968.
[00:00:07.521](triumphant music)
[00:00:20.505]Today marks the creation
[00:00:21.692]^of the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
[00:00:24.832]The Nebraska Educational Television Network
[00:00:26.771]now presents special coverage of this event.
[00:00:32.420]Here is your host, Bob Van Neste.
[00:00:37.792]- The administration building at what has been known
[00:00:39.216]for many years as the Municipal University of Omaha.
[00:00:43.310]But today, this institution has a new name,
[00:00:46.488]the University of Nebraska at Omaha,
[00:00:49.405]by virtue of its merger with the University of Nebraska.
[00:00:54.298]When the University of Nebraska at Omaha
[00:00:56.490]officially came into being at one minute
[00:00:58.730]after midnight this morning,
[00:01:00.864]it was the culmination of months of discussions
[00:01:03.501]and planning and also a historic milestone
[00:01:06.824]in the growth of higher education in the state.
[00:01:09.824]Classes were dismissed on the Omaha campus
[00:01:12.249]for a special convocation in observance of the merger
[00:01:15.916]and during the next hour you'll see that ceremony
[00:01:18.527]which was recorded this morning as well as the live meeting
[00:01:21.544]of the University of Nebraska's Board of Regents,
[00:01:24.060]as the board accepts the transfers and conveyances,
[00:01:26.999]the final step in the completion
[00:01:29.407]of the merger of the two schools.
[00:01:32.319]University systems are not uncommon in the United states,
[00:01:35.824]in our own big eight conference
[00:01:37.512]within the University of Missouri
[00:01:39.433]there are campuses at Columbia,
[00:01:41.339]which we usually think of as MU,
[00:01:44.249]and there's also a University of Missouri at St. Louis,
[00:01:47.608]a University of Missouri at Kansas City,
[00:01:49.989]and a University of Missouri at Rolla.
[00:01:53.207]Now the first step in the creation
[00:01:55.300]of a state university system in Nebraska
[00:01:58.422]came well over a year ago when the Board of Regents
[00:02:00.951]of the Municipal University of Omaha
[00:02:03.585]initiated merger talks with the Board of Regents
[00:02:05.999]of the University of Nebraska,
[00:02:07.905]and with leaders of the Nebraska legislature.
[00:02:10.860]Then shortly after the 1967 legislature convened
[00:02:14.558]a bill was introduced, LB736 which
[00:02:18.715]authorized the merger of the two institutions
[00:02:21.199]on July 1st, 1968, today, contingent of course,
[00:02:25.945]upon a favorable vote of the people of Omaha.
[00:02:29.417]The introducers of that bill
[00:02:30.835]were Senator Terry Carpenter of Scottsbluff,
[00:02:33.172]Senator Harold Simpson of Lincoln,
[00:02:35.123]Senator Dale Payne of Belleview,
[00:02:37.738]Senator George Syas, Senator C.F. Pat Moulton,
[00:02:41.358]Senator Richard Cogg, Senator William Skarda,
[00:02:44.160]Senator Bill K. Bloom, Senator Edward Danner,
[00:02:47.345]Senator Florence Reynolds,
[00:02:49.035]and Senator Sam Klaver, all of Omaha.
[00:02:52.487]LB736 called for the institution to be known
[00:02:55.271]as the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
[00:02:58.332]All properties were to be turned over
[00:03:00.050]to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents
[00:03:02.328]which would then be responsible for its operation.
[00:03:06.025]On December 12th of last year,
[00:03:08.193]the Omaha voters overwhelmingly approved the proposal.
[00:03:11.549]Here's the invocation now for the convocation.
[00:03:16.680]- Let us pray.
[00:03:19.275]Oh mighty and eternal God,
[00:03:21.209]source of all truth and knowledge,
[00:03:23.522]who has granted us place and part
[00:03:25.096]in the life of this great university.
[00:03:27.779]Hallow to us now this hour when we dedicate
[00:03:30.188]ourselves anew to the life and work
[00:03:32.683]to which thou hast here called us.
[00:03:35.351]We give thee thanks for the memorable
[00:03:36.981]past life of this institution,
[00:03:39.398]for its leaders, faculty, and the countless students
[00:03:42.309]whose lives have met in its halls
[00:03:44.508]and classrooms of learning.
[00:03:46.653]We give thee thanks also for the visionary leadership
[00:03:49.086]and wisdom of educators and administrators
[00:03:52.118]who have labored to fulfill dreams
[00:03:54.228]made possible in our time.
[00:03:57.314]In a day in which higher education
[00:03:58.774]is making great and lasting impact
[00:04:00.709]on our common communities.
[00:04:03.152]Grant us the willingness to continue to dream
[00:04:05.891]and to plan, and the strength that comes
[00:04:08.453]through our common endeavor.
[00:04:10.149]Vouchsafe to prosper with thy blessing
[00:04:12.495]the new life of the University of Nebraska at Omaha,
[00:04:16.314]that they who serve thee therein
[00:04:18.678]administrators, faculty, and students
[00:04:22.083]may be led to even higher paths of service to thee
[00:04:24.899]and to their fellow man, that in thee
[00:04:27.413]we may gain stature as sons of God.
[00:04:30.545]Amen.
[00:04:35.004]- The invocation at this special merger convocation.
[00:04:39.951]Since that day in December when Omaha voters
[00:04:42.250]approved the merger proposal, the regents,
[00:04:45.483]the administrative staff, and the members
[00:04:48.653]of the faculty from both universities
[00:04:50.353]have met too, and we quote from LB736,
[00:04:53.524]"To provide for an orderly transition
[00:04:55.632]"and assumption by the state Board
[00:04:57.863]"of the Activities and the Operations
[00:04:59.789]"at the University of Omaha."
[00:05:02.120]It is significant and a coincidence maybe
[00:05:05.490]that this merger comes just as the University
[00:05:07.987]of Nebraska is completing it's 100th
[00:05:10.353]year of service to Nebraska.
[00:05:13.201]The special merger convocation has just begun,
[00:05:16.432]we'll go now to the rostrum and Mr. Robert Spire
[00:05:19.639]who has served as a President of the Board of Regents
[00:05:21.597]of the Municipal University of Omaha.
[00:05:25.486]- Intellectual environment, and a deep
[00:05:27.632]and abiding interest in all that goes
[00:05:30.180]into education at all levels.
[00:05:33.647]Our governor has been a constant source,
[00:05:35.697]not only of good counsel, but of distinguished
[00:05:38.613]help and aid in developing educational
[00:05:41.697]programs in the state of Nebraska.
[00:05:44.782]In terms of higher education,
[00:05:46.502]he has given all of us concerned with higher education
[00:05:49.240]strong and effective leadership.
[00:05:52.203]We are proud that he is with us here today.
[00:05:54.805]We are honored to have him.
[00:05:56.730]I take great pleasure in introducing
[00:05:58.392]to you the Governor of the great state of Nebraska,
[00:06:00.954]the Honorable Norbert Tiemann.
[00:06:02.932](crowd applauds)
[00:06:14.081]- Thank you very much Regent Spire,
[00:06:16.794]Chancellor Hardin, President Naylor,
[00:06:19.043]members of the Board of Regents, faculty members,
[00:06:22.835]staff members, ladies and gentlemen.
[00:06:26.541]We gather on this very important
[00:06:28.032]occasion to mark a beginning.
[00:06:31.886]Beginning of this merger took root
[00:06:33.426]many, many months ago.
[00:06:36.534]And through the legislative crucible
[00:06:39.168]now has come to fruition.
[00:06:42.349]The merger is solidly based,
[00:06:44.272]it's based not only on sound people,
[00:06:48.514]but on a sound fiscal system
[00:06:51.403]for what is good education,
[00:06:54.364]and all of the programs and ideals that we all have,
[00:06:57.490]if first we do not have the fiscal means
[00:07:00.160]and the capabilities of handling these ideas.
[00:07:05.742]We enter a great new era of education
[00:07:07.808]in the state of Nebraska.
[00:07:10.003]This is the benchmark in the beginning
[00:07:12.782]of our second century of history in our wonderful state.
[00:07:17.204]This merger provides for a training ground
[00:07:20.279]for the training of men's minds,
[00:07:23.534]for research, for industrial growth and development,
[00:07:27.923]and perhaps someday soon, will come from this merger,
[00:07:32.823]from this campus, from this university,
[00:07:36.149]the idea that will make for peace in our world.
[00:07:44.988]Today is a beginning.
[00:07:47.057]Not only of a great university,
[00:07:49.764]but of a growth industry for the city of Omaha,
[00:07:52.632]for the state of Nebraska,
[00:07:54.626]but more important, here is tangible evidence
[00:07:59.288]of a spirit of unity that binds our entire state,
[00:08:04.225]for of what value is a great educational system
[00:08:07.172]at any level if our state is marked by divisiveness,
[00:08:11.450]bitterness, community against community.
[00:08:14.982]This is not true in Nebraska,
[00:08:17.250]and today the merger marks the tangible evidence
[00:08:20.593]that of the success of this spirit of unity.
[00:08:24.689]I challenge you today ladies and gentlemen,
[00:08:26.612]to join with me and with others in this state
[00:08:30.192]that this great merger shall stand
[00:08:33.099]as the beginning of educational, academic excellence
[00:08:35.844]in our state, and this great university will not only enrich
[00:08:39.155]the lives of Nebraskans but of all Americans,
[00:08:43.467]and of all people in the free world.
[00:08:45.805]Thank you.
[00:08:46.792](crowd applauds)
[00:08:54.932]- Governor Tiemann, all of us here pledge
[00:08:56.834]ourselves to stand with you and go with you
[00:08:59.629]in this great endeavor, we thank you
[00:09:01.416]for your challenging remarks,
[00:09:03.255]we subscribe to them completely,
[00:09:04.880]and we look forward to working with you
[00:09:06.928]in this great challenge.
[00:09:09.289]The University of Nebraska at Omaha,
[00:09:12.340]truly our greatest product is our students.
[00:09:15.815]We have a wonderful student body,
[00:09:17.189]and after all that's why we're all here,
[00:09:19.691]to promote the welfare of this student body.
[00:09:22.617]It is a great pleasure for me to introduce
[00:09:24.153]to you one of our very fine students,
[00:09:26.488]the President of the University of Nebraska
[00:09:28.599]at Omaha Student Senate, Mr. Randy Owens, Randy.
[00:09:31.960](crowd applauds)
[00:09:40.701]- Governor Tiemann, Chancellor Hardin,
[00:09:43.203]President Naylor, and regents,
[00:09:44.847]and other honored guests today,
[00:09:48.467]this morning (audio cuts out)
[00:09:52.276]across out nation, is resounding
[00:09:53.995]from the assemblage gathered here
[00:09:55.860]on the front lawn of our administration building.
[00:09:58.310]This note reverberates change,
[00:10:01.140]for today a decision arrived at by legislator,
[00:10:03.942]administrator, faculty member,
[00:10:06.170]citizen, and student becomes a part of what we know
[00:10:10.138]will be a long and successful history
[00:10:12.406]in Nebraska higher education.
[00:10:14.746]Today, we become the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
[00:10:18.733]Today, our 60th and Dodge Street campus
[00:10:20.875]resounds a note of significant change,
[00:10:23.445]but the change seen this morning
[00:10:25.007]came not through mass sit-ins
[00:10:26.373]and administration building takeovers,
[00:10:28.384]not through car burnings and coercion,
[00:10:30.652]not through boycotts and demonstrations.
[00:10:32.809]No, today's transition and tomorrow's progressive future
[00:10:36.081]was a result of a result of reasonable,
[00:10:39.116]rational, thoughtful thinking.
[00:10:40.941]The merger of our university was not a decision
[00:10:43.131]made by one man, by one legislative body,
[00:10:46.126]it was a decision made by the people for the people.
[00:10:48.888]It was a democratic decision,
[00:10:50.993]and a significant part of the change occurring today
[00:10:54.054]was due to student concern and participation,
[00:10:56.870]and rightfully so it should be.
[00:10:59.003]This is an institution of higher learning,
[00:11:01.149]this is a classroom for the student.
[00:11:03.453]Today, a triumphant note bells
[00:11:05.368]from the University of Nebraska at Omaha student's trumpet.
[00:11:08.938]Today, the academic walls of this institution
[00:11:11.477]are strengthened and lengthened by the reverberation
[00:11:14.111]of their powerful trumpet's notes.
[00:11:16.728]Today, many young Nebraskans may feel
[00:11:18.410]the trumpet's strong, positive note
[00:11:20.565]resounding outward from our Omaha campus,
[00:11:22.996]and they may feel assured of their own educational futures,
[00:11:25.854]for this morning, let us take pride
[00:11:28.577]in our accomplishment, yet be cognizant
[00:11:30.850]of the work in progress yet ahead for our institution.
[00:11:34.998]And those of us who are students
[00:11:36.494]gathered here this morning, let us continue
[00:11:38.528]playing our triumphant note.
[00:11:40.357]It is really we who are achieving the accolades
[00:11:42.715]of victory today.
[00:11:44.543]We have won our future and perhaps the future
[00:11:46.539]of many other Nebraskans, thank you.
[00:11:48.787](crowd applauds)
[00:11:57.125]- I'm sure all of you know now after hearing from Randy
[00:11:58.931]why we are so proud of our students
[00:12:01.583]and of you as our representative, Randy.
[00:12:05.406]At the university here, we're very proud
[00:12:06.239]of a new organization we have, the University Senate,
[00:12:09.502]which is an elected group made up of representatives,
[00:12:12.120]primarily from our academic faculty,
[00:12:14.878]with some administrative personnel.
[00:12:17.548]The President of our University Senate
[00:12:19.836]is Dr. John D Blackwell, who is head of our Art Department,
[00:12:22.997]and whom I am pleased to present
[00:12:24.388]at this time, Dr. Blackwell.
[00:12:26.071](crowd applauds)
[00:12:32.816]- Mr. Spire, Governor Tiemenn, most distinguished guests,
[00:12:37.847]ladies and gentlemen.
[00:12:39.931]It is indeed an honor to have this opportunity
[00:12:42.272]to speak on behalf of the faculty and staff
[00:12:45.233]at this memorable occasion.
[00:12:47.679]For it is today officially,
[00:12:49.595]the Municipal University of Omaha
[00:12:51.577]becomes the University of Nebraska at Omaha,
[00:12:55.655]and in so becoming, reflects the pattern
[00:12:58.159]flourishing in American institutions of higher education.
[00:13:02.636]Change is the order of the day.
[00:13:05.165]The Municipal University of Omaha
[00:13:07.699]is of course no stranger to this order,
[00:13:11.600]and it is to be expected that the University of Nebraska
[00:13:15.294]at Omaha will accept the challenge offered today,
[00:13:19.719]to work toward an ever-expanding
[00:13:21.473]and ever-changing community of scholars.
[00:13:25.294]It has been my privilege to have witnessed
[00:13:28.019]some of the preliminary planning,
[00:13:30.215]which has occurred prior to today,
[00:13:33.673]and I can say without reservation,
[00:13:36.322]that if the spirit of cooperation,
[00:13:38.790]the evidence of outstanding leadership
[00:13:41.406]which has characterized the initial efforts,
[00:13:44.295]are continued in the years ahead,
[00:13:46.964]the University of Nebraska, and all its complexities,
[00:13:50.658]will rank among the top in American institutions
[00:13:53.547]of higher education.
[00:13:55.996]It is to be expected that this university
[00:13:58.777]will not ignore an examination of its role
[00:14:02.199]as a university situated in an urban environment.
[00:14:07.188]A university in an urban environment
[00:14:09.163]with sufficient material to establish
[00:14:11.722]meaningful levels of participation by all segments.
[00:14:16.091]It is to be equally expected
[00:14:18.632]that the challenge offered today
[00:14:21.180]by this joining of institutions,
[00:14:23.865]so willingly and eagerly accepted
[00:14:26.482]by the faculty and staff, will result
[00:14:29.262]in the best possible educational environment,
[00:14:32.327]ruled by freedom and order, where the only power
[00:14:36.388]recognized is that of truth, thank you.
[00:14:38.925](crowd applauds)
[00:14:45.363]- Thank you very much, Vic.
[00:14:47.725]We are indeed proud of the faculty and staff
[00:14:50.006]that we have here at the university,
[00:14:51.674]and we appreciate your thoughtfulness
[00:14:53.116]in being with us on this occasion, Vic.
[00:14:55.804]We're also very proud of our Alumni Association.
[00:14:59.574]University of Omaha, the Municipal University of Omaha,
[00:15:02.479]and now the University of Nebraska at Omaha
[00:15:04.631]has a tradition of a very strong
[00:15:06.867]and growing Alumni Association.
[00:15:08.915]Our Alumni Association currently is led
[00:15:10.963]by a very fine, dynamic, young attorney in Omaha,
[00:15:15.096]who has done a wonderful job in his past year,
[00:15:17.985]and not only the normal duties of the Alumni Association
[00:15:21.257]President, but in working with all of us
[00:15:23.345]on this great endeavor that we celebrate today.
[00:15:25.874]It is a great pleasure to present to you,
[00:15:27.907]Mr. Nick Capparelli, President
[00:15:30.164]of our Alumni Association, Nick.
[00:15:32.527](crowd applauds)
[00:15:37.885]- Governor Tiemenn, Chancellor Hardin,
[00:15:40.504]President Naylor, Regent Spire,
[00:15:42.812]ladies and gentlemen all.
[00:15:44.567]We commemorate today, a happy event.
[00:15:48.094]University of Omaha has not ended its existence,
[00:15:51.239]except in a bare legal sense.
[00:15:54.494]We mark only the beginning of a new phase
[00:15:57.748]in its continuing life.
[00:16:00.417]A university is not only a creature of law,
[00:16:04.218]it is perhaps first and foremost an attitude.
[00:16:08.683]For 60 years, the attitude of this campus
[00:16:11.426]has been one of sensitivity and responsiveness
[00:16:15.010]to the needs, the hopes, and the aspirations
[00:16:18.922]of the place in which it sits.
[00:16:22.990]Because its roots are deeply embedded in Omaha soil,
[00:16:27.664]it will remain cognizant of the needs
[00:16:31.194]of those people as well as the needs
[00:16:34.487]of the people in the entire state, which it now serves.
[00:16:40.244]Because of its merger, its horizons and its facilities
[00:16:43.935]will have been broadened, its scope of its service
[00:16:47.195]has been immeasurably enlarged.
[00:16:52.261]Because the future of any human institution
[00:16:55.040]must, in part at least, be measured
[00:16:58.114]in the terms of its history,
[00:17:02.210]those of us who are a part of the past
[00:17:06.049]owe the obligation of continued support in the future.
[00:17:12.576]We owe the future of the University of Nebraska at Omaha
[00:17:17.137]a deep conviction in its desire
[00:17:20.795]and in its ability to serve us.
[00:17:24.435]We owe it the financial and moral support
[00:17:28.419]that all human institutions
[00:17:30.579]which have served well in the past deserve.
[00:17:35.021]And we owe it to the obligation
[00:17:36.724]to let it show us and our children
[00:17:40.710]the way to a fuller and richer life
[00:17:43.939]through higher education.
[00:17:47.366]To these things then, the alumni of the past
[00:17:51.184]dedicate their efforts of the future.
[00:17:55.595](crowd applauds)
[00:18:02.068]- To you Nick, and to all of our alums,
[00:18:03.912]and our many more alums of the future
[00:18:05.558]who are the students today, I thank you.
[00:18:09.962]It is a distinct honor for me to present
[00:18:11.336]the gentleman who has led this institution
[00:18:14.100]for the past year and a half,
[00:18:16.916]in development toward the day that we see now.
[00:18:20.720]President of the University of Omaha,
[00:18:22.548]now the President of the University of Nebraska at Omaha,
[00:18:24.941]Dr. Kirk E. Naylor is a dedicated, devoted,
[00:18:28.363]very effective leader of this institution.
[00:18:32.255]The job that we now commemorate,
[00:18:34.141]and the new beginning that we establish,
[00:18:36.921]is due in large part to his untiring, devoted,
[00:18:40.285]and very effective efforts.
[00:18:42.934]It is indeed an honor for me to present to you,
[00:18:45.273]the President of the University of Nebraska at Omaha,
[00:18:48.126]Dr. Kirk E. Naylor, Dr. Naylor.
[00:18:50.160](crowd applauds)
[00:19:09.950]- Thank you Regent Spire, Governor Tiemenn,
[00:19:11.925]Chancellor Hardin, Regent Greenberg, Chaplin Barry,
[00:19:15.228]distinguished platform guests,
[00:19:17.699]members of the faculty and staff
[00:19:19.706]of the University of Nebraska at Omaha,
[00:19:21.722]and ladies and gentlemen.
[00:19:23.896]This is a memorable occasion
[00:19:25.233]in the life of this university.
[00:19:27.866]There have been many memorable occasions
[00:19:29.841]in the life of this university,
[00:19:31.560]such as the establishment of the University of Omaha,
[00:19:35.071]the first buildings on our campus,
[00:19:37.558]the creation of the Municipal University of Omaha,
[00:19:40.963]the move to this splendid location
[00:19:43.453]at 60th and Dodge Street,
[00:19:45.778]the increase in tax support for the university,
[00:19:48.702]the development of programs, the 50th anniversary,
[00:19:52.690]the awarding of state aid by the last session
[00:19:57.021]of the state Legislature, the approval of the merger,
[00:20:00.297]and now the culminating activity.
[00:20:04.006]But in a larger sense, we are here to dedicate
[00:20:06.584]the efforts of this university
[00:20:08.050]in the totality of higher education.
[00:20:12.071]The state of Nebraska can justifiably
[00:20:14.064]be proud of the educational institution
[00:20:16.320]which it supports, and today represents
[00:20:19.584]a leap forward in educational endeavors.
[00:20:23.431]Already possessing in a great university complex,
[00:20:28.565]a great land grant institution,
[00:20:30.944]and rapidly expanding medical center,
[00:20:33.796]today the state is witnessing the birth
[00:20:36.471]of an urban grant university,
[00:20:39.190]one that is dedicated to complementing the area it serves.
[00:20:44.298]This university will have a three-fold dedication,
[00:20:48.136]first to higher education generally.
[00:20:51.608]Secondly to the metropolitan area of Omaha,
[00:20:54.809]and third to the society
[00:20:56.967]of which it must become a vital and vibrant part.
[00:21:03.628]At times the scenes on our campus are ones of confusion
[00:21:08.304]and turmoil, but the confusion is a derivation
[00:21:11.684]of abundance, not disorder.
[00:21:14.124]No one disagrees with the general goal
[00:21:16.245]of improving education, and giving it greater relevance
[00:21:20.122]to the contemporary movement.
[00:21:22.593]The source of disagreement is one troublesome question,
[00:21:26.543]how do we get there from here?
[00:21:30.212]The answers all have a somewhat provisional look,
[00:21:33.821]the reason is that no one knows for sure
[00:21:35.940]what will happen.
[00:21:38.685]That is a judgment that history must render
[00:21:41.558]and render it will, in due season.
[00:21:45.414]The university cannot, yes it must not,
[00:21:48.738]wait for history's answer.
[00:21:51.030]Common sense is telling us today
[00:21:53.533]that the old ways don't work so well anymore,
[00:21:56.857]and it is time to try something new.
[00:22:00.774]The University of Nebraska at Omaha
[00:22:02.639]is not frightened because it does not have certification
[00:22:05.674]of success in the future.
[00:22:08.377]It is no novice at this task
[00:22:10.925]for this university has been doing its task for 60 years,
[00:22:15.145]and in that time it has learned as well as taught,
[00:22:18.605]learned continuously about the hazardous,
[00:22:21.254]delicate business that teaching and learning is.
[00:22:25.627]This accumulated experience gives
[00:22:27.601]the University of Nebraska at Omaha
[00:22:29.592]a buoyant confidence, as well as a sober perspective
[00:22:33.174]on men and events, so that where some
[00:22:37.016]would only see threats and perils,
[00:22:39.722]today the university sees only opportunities in the future.
[00:22:45.558]The opportunities are multiple,
[00:22:47.731]linking together three main strings,
[00:22:51.080]the education of youth,
[00:22:52.872]the humanizing of the great metropolitan colossus,
[00:22:57.428]the mediating of the difficulties
[00:22:59.586]when our society and the world
[00:23:01.630]challenges each other, face to face.
[00:23:05.051]The 20th century for this university
[00:23:07.339]is the epicenter of problems and opportunities.
[00:23:11.597]The University of Nebraska at Omaha
[00:23:13.608]is today in the mainstream of higher education,
[00:23:17.631]and is confident it will acquit itself well
[00:23:20.301]in the responsibilities it now goes forth to meet,
[00:23:25.127]and now it is my privilege as President
[00:23:27.211]of the University of Nebraska at Omaha,
[00:23:29.830]to present the necessary contracts
[00:23:32.208]and conveyances to Mr. Spire, who is the President
[00:23:35.363]of the Municipal University of Omaha Board of Regents,
[00:23:40.375]in order that these conveyances and contracts
[00:23:43.503]may be properly passed to the Board of Regents
[00:23:46.307]of the University of Nebraska
[00:23:48.098]for their consideration at our meeting
[00:23:50.214]at 2:30 this afternoon.
[00:23:52.791]And so I must say to you that it is a personal privilege
[00:23:56.269]that I have of handing this envelope
[00:23:59.377]to the President of the Board of Regents
[00:24:01.812]of the Municipal University of Omaha,
[00:24:03.897]in order that proper attention might be given
[00:24:06.164]to these conveyances and contracts
[00:24:08.452]by the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.
[00:24:13.013](crowd applauds)
[00:24:21.174]- Dr. Naylor, I accept these instruments
[00:24:22.788]on behalf of our board, and for that reason
[00:24:25.636]I want to introduce at this time
[00:24:27.469]our University of Omaha Board of Regents,
[00:24:29.773]who are seated right behind me,
[00:24:31.858]the Vice President of our Board, Mr. Sam Greenberg.
[00:24:34.716](crowd applauds)
[00:24:40.238]A member of our board who has also served
[00:24:42.739]in the past for many years
[00:24:44.109]as Head of the Department of Surgery
[00:24:45.740]at the College of Medicine at the University of Nebraska,
[00:24:48.446]Dr. Herbert Davis, Dr.
[00:24:50.533](crowd applauds)
[00:24:54.841]Mr. Robert Fraser.
[00:24:57.385](crowd applauds)
[00:25:01.100]Mr. Richard Nestle.
[00:25:02.904](crowd applauds)
[00:25:06.162]Dr. AB Pittman.
[00:25:07.985](crowd applauds)
[00:25:12.050]And our revered university attorney, W Ross King, Ross.
[00:25:15.728](crowd applauds)
[00:25:20.113]Speaking for these six gentlemen,
[00:25:22.092]I accept these documents and I now, in a symbolic manner,
[00:25:26.076]want to transfer them to the President
[00:25:28.450]of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
[00:25:31.013]All of you are familiar with the many accomplishments
[00:25:33.554]in higher education of Dr. Ben Greenberg.
[00:25:36.025]He not only has served this state
[00:25:38.000]as President and Regent of the University of Nebraska
[00:25:41.396]Board of Regent, but he has served
[00:25:43.486]the entire nation in higher education
[00:25:45.398]as a President, in past years,
[00:25:47.509]of the Association of Colleges and Universities.
[00:25:50.666]It is indeed an honor for me
[00:25:52.117]to present to Dr. Ben Greenberg,
[00:25:53.924]symbolic transfer of these documents,
[00:25:56.228]for presentation to his meeting this afternoon, Dr. Ben.
[00:25:59.333](crowd applauds) - Thank you very much.
[00:26:05.791]Thank you Mr. Spire, Governor Tiemenn,
[00:26:08.623]distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
[00:26:11.808]On behalf of the Board of Regents
[00:26:13.621]of the University of Nebraska,
[00:26:15.230]I hereby accept these transfers and conveyances,
[00:26:20.277]which will be presented to the Board of Regents
[00:26:23.068]at the University of Nebraska
[00:26:24.519]at the official meeting this afternoon
[00:26:26.055]for their consideration.
[00:26:27.884]Today culminates a significant mark
[00:26:30.898]on the history of education in Nebraska.
[00:26:34.064]Through the prodigious efforts of Chancellor Hardin,
[00:26:36.859]Dr. Naylor, the respective Boards of Regents,
[00:26:39.090]their staffs, the good people of the state of Nebraska,
[00:26:42.543]we have reached a new milestone in education.
[00:26:46.221]This will make available to a greater number of students
[00:26:49.078]quality education which heretofore
[00:26:51.126]has not been available to them.
[00:26:54.016]Also I would like to commend the boards
[00:26:56.684]of both universities for their effort
[00:27:00.066]on behalf of this amalgamation.
[00:27:03.604]Today is the fulfillment of a dream,
[00:27:06.124]a dream which is signifcant in higher education,
[00:27:09.874]and pertains auspiciously for things in the future
[00:27:13.155]for higher education in Nebraska,
[00:27:15.898]and I am indeed proud that I have had this opportunity
[00:27:18.860]to participate in such a monumental effort.
[00:27:22.387]Thank you very much.
[00:27:23.594](crowd applauds)
[00:27:30.030]- Thank you very much, Dr. Greenberg.
[00:27:32.479]We appreciate so much your being here
[00:27:34.403]and I assure you that we shall continue
[00:27:36.211]to work with you in this endeavor.
[00:27:40.068]The gentleman I am about to present
[00:27:41.843]at this time is well-know to all of you.
[00:27:43.619]He has served the state of Nebraska,
[00:27:45.592]in higher education in particular, for over a decade.
[00:27:49.763]He has brought the University of Nebraska
[00:27:52.062]to its greatest period of prominence
[00:27:54.904]and service to this state and to the country.
[00:27:58.614]He now takes over the additional responsibilities
[00:28:01.626]incumbent upon him as Chief Administrative Officer
[00:28:05.027]of the entire University of Nebraska system.
[00:28:08.520]It is indeed a privilege and a pleasure
[00:28:10.349]to bring to you, our Chancellor,
[00:28:12.487]Chancellor Clifford M Hardin.
[00:28:14.410](crowd applauds)
[00:28:25.946]- Thank you Regent Spire, Governor Tiemenn,
[00:28:29.514]Dr. Greenberg, President Naylor, President Bale,
[00:28:33.772]members of the university faculties,
[00:28:37.758]representatives of other institutions
[00:28:39.916]of higher education, and good friends.
[00:28:43.573]You know we've been discussing this merger
[00:28:46.901]for so long and so intensively,
[00:28:50.689]there have been so many meetings,
[00:28:53.395]that it hardly seems possible that this day,
[00:28:56.117]July 1, is finally here.
[00:28:59.335]And I suspect that some of my colleagues,
[00:29:02.996]old and new are experiencing some mixed emotions, as am I.
[00:29:09.889]A soberness that comes from sudden realization
[00:29:14.241]of greatly enlarged responsibilities,
[00:29:18.285]and the exhilaration that arises
[00:29:20.933]from a knowledge of the multitude of new opportunities
[00:29:26.806]that lie before us.
[00:29:31.173]Yet we all look forward with great optimism,
[00:29:35.802]and especially so when we review the activities
[00:29:38.106]of these past months.
[00:29:40.813]As President Naylor has said on many occasions,
[00:29:44.565]and so appropriately, "The faculties, staff, and students
[00:29:48.569]"of all the campuses have entered into the planning
[00:29:51.258]"for a merger with enthusiasm, friendliness
[00:29:53.896]"and desire that is almost unbelievable,
[00:29:56.674]"and certainly this harks well for the future."
[00:30:03.748]This is a most significant day,
[00:30:05.892]as has been said many times this morning,
[00:30:09.732]in the history of this university,
[00:30:11.792]this campus, and the state.
[00:30:15.620]Even though it was not a consideration in merger,
[00:30:20.724]it is symbolic that this merger is being effected
[00:30:23.942]in the 100th year since the founding
[00:30:27.323]of the University of Nebraska.
[00:30:30.233]We will begin our second century
[00:30:32.166]of service to the state next February
[00:30:36.612]with a new look, a new enthusiasm,
[00:30:39.226]and a new confidence.
[00:30:42.834]In America, we use anniversaries,
[00:30:45.920]and especially events like centennials,
[00:30:48.487]not only as occasions for celebration,
[00:30:50.793]but also as times
[00:30:52.735]for restudy, reappraisal, and rededication.
[00:31:00.854]President Spire, President Greenberg,
[00:31:03.941]Governor Tiemann, speaking if I may,
[00:31:07.471]for the first time officially,
[00:31:10.235]for the combined administrative officers,
[00:31:13.053]faculties, staff and students
[00:31:16.067]of all our campuses, we pledge you
[00:31:18.554]that we will reexamine, we will reappraise,
[00:31:21.611]reorganize, and rededicate ourselves
[00:31:24.756]to the task of providing
[00:31:27.483]the best possible learning environment
[00:31:29.249]for the young people of this state,
[00:31:31.408]and of utilizing the resources of this great institution,
[00:31:35.889]for the benefit of all our citizens.
[00:31:38.893](crowd applauds)
[00:31:48.841]- Our students, our faculties, our staffs,
[00:31:51.380]indeed the entire state of Nebraska
[00:31:53.485]is fortunate that we have a man
[00:31:55.460]of Clifford Hardin's stature, ability, and talents,
[00:31:58.036]who is not only serving this state
[00:31:59.937]but is willing to take on and assume
[00:32:01.897]the additional responsibilities which he takes on today,
[00:32:05.057]Chancellor Hardin, thank you.
[00:32:07.967]At this time, now that we have met our Chancellor,
[00:32:11.405]I want to bring to you our Board of Regents,
[00:32:13.815]and when I say our Board of Regents,
[00:32:15.371]I now mean the very fine gentlemen
[00:32:17.638]that make up the state Board
[00:32:19.632]of the University of Nebraska Regents.
[00:32:21.718]Before introducing them I would like to say this,
[00:32:25.191]that when the University of Omaha
[00:32:26.558]Board of Regents first approached
[00:32:28.115]the University of Nebraska Board of Regents
[00:32:30.020]and asked them, "If it would be possible
[00:32:31.932]"to discuss a merger or something of this kind."
[00:32:34.667]From that moment on, the University of Nebraska
[00:32:36.081]Board of Regents has been completely helpful,
[00:32:39.629]cooperative in all ways.
[00:32:41.694]Never in my life have I known such a fine group of men
[00:32:44.762]who have been completely unselfish
[00:32:46.835]in their efforts and devotion
[00:32:49.724]to the ideas that we here in Omaha had,
[00:32:51.626]and for the benefit of the whole state.
[00:32:54.039]One of the things that I will miss very much
[00:32:55.758]as our board goes out of existence
[00:32:57.367]is this constant, steady, working
[00:32:59.635]with the fine University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
[00:33:02.705]It is my pleasure and privilege
[00:33:04.572]to introduce them to you now at this time,
[00:33:07.057]Mr. Dick Atkins.
[00:33:08.135](crowd applauds)
[00:33:13.692]Mr. Richard Herman.
[00:33:14.958](crowd applauds)
[00:33:18.979]Mr. Ed Schwartzkopf.
[00:33:20.951](crowd applauds)
[00:33:24.833]Mr. Robert Ron.
[00:33:25.872](crowd applauds)
[00:33:29.549]And Mr. Jack Elliot.
[00:33:31.449](crowd applauds)
[00:33:36.734]We particularly appreciate the fact
[00:33:37.977]that the entire Board of Regents
[00:33:39.439]from the University of Nebraska
[00:33:41.267]is with us today to commemorate this occasion.
[00:33:44.797]At this time, we do have a new name
[00:33:47.373]for the university, which we've used many times today,
[00:33:50.025]and we are about to unveil it.
[00:33:52.200]Now we think that when we unveil this,
[00:33:54.032]at a certain appropriate moment,
[00:33:55.897]the new name will be forthcoming.
[00:33:58.238]We're going to do it, we want you to bear with us,
[00:34:00.453]but the building and groundspeople have set that up
[00:34:02.609]and we have complete confidence in them,
[00:34:04.511]the question now is whether those officiating
[00:34:06.430]can do what they told us to do.
[00:34:09.130]At this time we will actually unveil,
[00:34:11.498]on the (mumbles) behind me,
[00:34:13.436]the new name for this fine institution,
[00:34:15.484]the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
[00:34:17.877]Chancellor Hardin, Dr. Naylor,
[00:34:19.742]Mr. Greenberg, Dr. Greenberg.
[00:34:24.905](crowd murmurs)
[00:35:13.486](crowd applauds)
[00:35:51.103]I was right when I said the building
[00:35:52.310]and groundspeople would have to do the job for us.
[00:35:54.407](crowd laughs)
[00:35:55.358]As always, they did a real competent job
[00:35:57.260]in spite of our mistakes.
[00:36:00.421]This is a significant event,
[00:36:01.847]the unveiling that just took place
[00:36:03.221]however, and I do want to emphasize
[00:36:04.830]that today we look at a grand awakening
[00:36:07.939]in higher education in the state,
[00:36:10.791]You know a lot of small things
[00:36:12.782]go into make a wonderful total.
[00:36:15.305]It's hard to put one's finger
[00:36:16.612]on any individual event, but I do want to say
[00:36:19.384]that the many courtesies form the University of Nebraska
[00:36:21.355]to us are continually evident.
[00:36:23.808]For example, I look out at the group this morning
[00:36:25.544]and I see many faculty and staff people
[00:36:28.565]from the University of Nebraska
[00:36:30.042]who have come here from Lincoln this morning.
[00:36:32.442]For example, I see Mr. Harry Allan,
[00:36:33.978]Dean Jack Davis, and many others,
[00:36:36.334]and we appreciate the fact that you good people
[00:36:38.490]have taken the time and effort
[00:36:40.538]to come and be with us today
[00:36:41.743]and we think this is simply typical
[00:36:43.523]of the wonderful feeling
[00:36:44.745]of coordination and cooperation
[00:36:46.611]which is taking place in this wonderful endeavor.
[00:36:51.151]At this time, I would like to call
[00:36:53.086]upon Chaplin Barry, who will give a benediction
[00:36:57.039]and after Chaplin Barry,
[00:37:00.087]if we would stand and bow our heads
[00:37:01.526]after he gives a benediction,
[00:37:02.940]if you would be seated for just a moment,
[00:37:04.350]I have two further announcements, Chaplin Barry.
[00:37:13.276]- Vouchsafe to bless oh Lord the labors of this day,
[00:37:16.758]and granted to thy servants grace and strength
[00:37:19.005]necessary for tomorrow's tasks and challenges
[00:37:21.894]in the rising generation, amen.
[00:37:27.087]- If you would be seated, please.
[00:37:30.196]Governor Tiemann, Dr. Greenberg,
[00:37:34.349]Chancellor Hardin, Dr. Naylor, Mr. Capparelli,
[00:37:39.135]Mr. Owens, Dr. Blackwell, Reverend Barry,
[00:37:43.675]you have all honored us by your participation
[00:37:46.286]in this grand occasion.
[00:37:48.978]We are thrilled with everything that is happening here,
[00:37:52.017]but the task, as the Chancellor said yesterday,
[00:37:54.285]is ahead of us.
[00:37:56.113]We here at the university family have pledged
[00:37:59.347]our best efforts to continue to do everything we can
[00:38:02.675]for higher education, not only in the city of Omaha,
[00:38:04.979]but for the entire state of Nebraska.
[00:38:07.962]This we shall do, we are pledged to the Governor,
[00:38:10.191]to the Chancellor, to the University of Nebraska
[00:38:12.445]Board of Regents, and to our own students,
[00:38:14.608]faculties, and staff.
[00:38:16.802]Thank you so much for being with us,
[00:38:18.389]you honor us by your presence.
[00:38:20.109]We are now adjourned.
[00:38:21.314](crowd applauds)
[00:38:32.511](triumphant music)

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Merger Ceremony: UNO joins NU

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