As a child, Don Dickmeyer had tuberculosis. His parents took him to the University Hospital where he received life-changing care. Years later, the hospital system that served him was also where he spent over 40 years of his career in UNMC Facilities Management and Planning.
Recently, Don and his family returned to campus… for pleasure. A long-time friend of the College of Allied Health Professions (CAHP), Don wanted to see what was new in the college. Dean Kyle Meyer, PhD, and Kate Minnich, CAHP director of development with the University of Nebraska Foundation, gave Don and his family a tour of the Wigton Heritage Center and Bennett Hall.
Don’s daughter, Cheri, daughter-in-law, Heidi, and Heidi’s mother, Sandy, joined him for the tour but his son, Mike, was unable to make it.
The family enjoyed the historical displays at Wigton. Don reminisced about the number of building renovations he was involved in during his career. They particularly enjoyed the photos of Reba Benschoter, as Don’s late wife, Pat, was Reba’s administrator. After Pat died of colon cancer in 1999, Don helped establish the Patricia A. Dickmeyer Memorial Allied Health Scholarship Fund. He reminisced quite a bit about his relationship with Pat, and how she “got him the job” at UNMC.
Dr. Meyer said, “it was a nice opportunity to connect with Don and thank him again for his generosity to the CAHP and reflect a bit on the great impact of his career serving the campus.”
Don’s many contributions through the years:
- First gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation in 1980.
- 177 individual gifts to the Pat Dickmeyer Memorial Allied Health Scholarship Fund.
- Over $8k in support provided across the University of Nebraska.
- 25 years since inception, and 22 scholarships have been awarded since 1999. $13k+ in scholarships provided
Previous story from 2013 – Don Dickmeyer: Proud to Play a Part