The University of Nebraska Omaha community is mourning the loss of long-time Chancellor Emeritus Del Weber. He died Friday after a long battle with cancer. He was 86.
Weber served as chancellor from 1977 to 1997. “It is hard to put into words the transformative impact that Del Weber has had on UNO and, as a result, the lives of countless individuals, whether they were students, faculty, staff or just supporters of his vision that UNO could be a leading metropolitan institution," says UNO Chancellor, Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold. "In my time as UNO’s chancellor, Del has been a truly valued friend and advisor. Our campus and our community have suffered a huge loss with his passing, but we continue to be reminded each day of his legacy and his incredible Maverick spirit. We will continue to build upon his remarkable legacy.”
There was tremendous growth and achievement at the university during Weber's decades of leadership. In 1985, UNO opened its first parking garage south of the Arts and Sciences Building. In 1993 and 1994, UNO officially launched its first solo doctoral degree programs in Criminal Justice and Public Administration. In 1996, men's hockey was announced as the university's first sport at the Division I level and a year later, just prior to his retirement, Weber received approval to build UNO's first-ever on-campus housing units, which would go on to be called University Village.
The UNO flag will be lowered in his honor on Monday.
(Photo: UNO)