Chancellor Gold: The State of the University is “Maverick Strong” 

Reflecting on a year marked by historic achievement in the face of extraordinary challenges, University of Nebraska at Omaha Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., reported that the state of the university is “Maverick Strong.”

In his final State of the University address as UNO’s chancellor, Chancellor Gold was joined by former U.S. Secretary of Defense and UNO alumnus Chuck Hagel as well as Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Cheryl Logan, Ph.D., in celebrating UNO’s deep roots in the Omaha community and why it serves as fertile ground for Mavericks to learn, teach, research, work, and grow.

During his remarks, Gold recalled a 1920 Gateway yearbook entry in which its editors foresaw their young university growing and evolving to become “a credit not only to Omaha, but to Nebraska and the United States as well.”

“Year after year, we produce thousands of Maverick graduates who go on to have a positive impact on society,” Chancellor Gold said. “As the City of Omaha grows and evolves, we remain at its heartbeat, playing a crucial role in driving it forward into the future. We are, without doubt or hesitation, a ‘Gateway to Knowledge.’ For these reasons I am proud to report to you and in the tradition of the Mavericks of a century ago that indeed the state of the university is strong.”

Hagel, who graduated from UNO in 1971, delivered introductory remarks and applauded the university’s ability to overcome adversity throughout history.

“I think that was very important for our students and our young people to hear ... that we have an unlimited future – unlimited,” Hagel said. “With all the problems we’ve got today, with all of the problems we’ve had in the past, but we’ve adapted, adjusted, we’ve made it better. It’s kind of the story of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s history. That Maverick history over more than 100 years: adapt, adjust, make it better, and keep going forward.”

Logan noted in her remarks the impact the university has had in serving as a pipeline for Omaha educators, and thanked the Mavericks for their positive impact on the university.

“The Maverick Spirit brings critical thinkers with a community focus. Those qualities are especially important as we join together during such challenging times,” she said. “To the Mavericks working throughout the Omaha Public Schools, we are OPS proud of you. To Dr. Gold, your strong, steady leadership and support is deeply appreciated. Go Mavericks!”

In his closing remarks, Gold looked toward a future and offered his own prognostication of what UNO’s future holds.

“I look forward to many years of achievement on this campus and at UNO, and the fulfillment of our mission. I have never been more proud, more humbled and more excited to be your chancellor and to work beside all of the former, the current and the future Mavericks. And yes, ladies and gentlemen, the state of the University is strong – it’s Maverick Strong.”

This year’s State of the University presentation, a full transcript, the annual Points of Pride booklet, and the Know the O fact book are available for viewing.