Reflections in Time: Kirk Naylor
NU Merger
<a href="https://library.unomaha.edu/_video/rfit-kirk-naylor.html" title="Streaming Video: Reflections in Time: Kirk Naylor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Streaming Video of Full Episode.</a>
Interview with Dr. Kirk E. Naylor, President of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1967-1971. Producer/host, Paul Borge. Produced in cooperation with the UNO Alumni Association, College of Arts and Sciences, University Television.
<a href="https://library.unomaha.edu/_video/RFIT-Kirk-Naylor-excerpt1.html" title="Streaming Video: Reflections in Time: Kirk Naylor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Streaming Video of First Excerpt.</a>
The first excerpt from Kirk Naylor's interview, which can be found at timestamp 07:43:11-8:10:00 in the full episode of Reflections in Time, features a key passage from Dr. Naylor, "We had a choice at that point, of remaining a good, strong four-year liberal arts institution, with perhaps programs in some of the other areas--business administration, education, engineering--but really, not really going heavily into graduate work and expanding programs. So we had a decision. Either to do that, or to find some other way to finance the university." This didn't immediately lead to the merger, but circa 1966-1968 it did lead to the first state aid that OU ever had, in the form of some funds the legislature approved for the state's junior colleges, including OU. This bought OU some time to evaluate other options, namely, the merger.
<a href="https://library.unomaha.edu/_video/RFIT-Kirk-Naylor-excerpt2.html" title="Streaming Video: Reflections in Time: Kirk Naylor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Streaming Video of Second Excerpt.</a>
The second excerpt from Kirk Naylor's interview, which can be found at timestamp 10:08:14-25:08:05 in the full episode of Reflections in Time, features Dr. Naylor's extended account of how the merger took place, from the first meeting between Dr. Naylor, Regent Bob Spire, and Nebraska Senator Terry Carpenter, through the legislative bill and ratification by the voters of Omaha, through post-merger growth at UNO, and through creation of a Central Administration not located on any of the campuses. Dr. Naylor also touches on the creation of UNMC, describing it as a "spin-off" of the OU-NU merger and commenting on his conversations with then UNMC President Cecil Wittson.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
UNO Media Collection
Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska at Omaha Libraries
1981
<p>UNO Media Collection finding aid available at <a href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/216" title="Finding Aid: UNO Media Collection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/216</a></p>
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Reflections in Time: Robert Spire
NU Merger
<a href="https://library.unomaha.edu/_video/rfit-robert-spire.html" title="Streaming Video: Reflections in Time: Robert Spire" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Streaming Video of Full Episode.</a>
Interview with Attorney General of Nebraska, Robert Spire, former student, night school faculty member in the College of Education (1955-1963), and member (1963-1968) of the Board of Regents of the University of Omaha. Producer/host, Paul Borge. Produced in cooperation with the UNO Alumni Association, College of Arts and Sciences, University Television.
<a href="https://library.unomaha.edu/_video/rfit-robert-spire-excerpt.html" title="Streaming Video: Reflections in Time: Robert Spire, excerpt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Streaming Video of Excerpt.</a>
In this excerpt, which can be found at timestamp 43:30:09-56:52:26 in the full episode of Reflections in Time, Robert Spire, then president of the OU Board of Regents, provides considerable detail on the Regents' role in the merger. Unanimously in fall 1966, the Regents decided that mission of the university was to serve students in Omaha who couldn't afford to go to school elsewhere. With the failure of both mil levy elections, the Regents felt that OU simply could not finance their mission. OU income came only from student fees and the mil levy; by law, OU could not borrow money. Fear of pricing their students out of their education drove the Regents to the State for funds. Nebraska was just then in the process of creating its first sales and income tax, so it seemed like a prudent move to have OU become a state institution, so some state tax money from Omaha residents would come back to Omaha. The Regents driving force through the process was a desire to ensure that students continued to have quality instructors at convenient times and affordable prices.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
UNO Media Collection
Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska at Omaha Libraries
1985
<p>UNO Media Collection finding aid available at <a href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/216" title="Finding Aid: UNO Media Collection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/216</a></p>
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NETV UNO Merger Ceremony
Universities and colleges--Mergers
NU-OU Merger
Clip from a 16 mm file showing the ceremony recognizing the merger of Municipal University of Omaha with the University of Nebraska. ilm
<p>The merger ceremony announcing the University of Nebraska at Omaha occurred on July 1, 1968, on the steps of the Arts & Sciences Hall and included the "official" transfer of the institution to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Municipal University of Omaha speakers included Randall Owens, President of the Student Senate, President Kirk Naylor, and Robert Spire, chair of the Board of Regents. Merger festivities also included social occasions for university officials, including a lawn party on the grounds north of ASH and a luncheon in the student union building. Classes were dismissed for the event.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Nebraska Educational Television Network filmed the merger ceremony that took place in front of the Arts & Sciences Hall, which at midnight on July 2, 1968, became the UNO campus. Bob Van Neste provided commentary on the process and speakers to those who watched the ceremony.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Robert Spire, President of the Board of Regents of the Municipal University of Omaha, introduced each of the speakers. Governor Norbert Tiemann, provided the first remarks following an invocation. Tiemann noted: "Today is a beginning. Not only of a great university, but of a frowth industry for the city of Omaha, the state of Nebraska, but more important, here is tangible evidence of a spirit of unity that binds our entire state…." He focused on academic excellence in the state. (View streaming video clip: <a href="https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9350" title="Merger Ceremony: Governor Norbert Tiemann" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9350</a>)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Represented university students, Randall Owens, President of the University of Nebraska at Omaha Student Senate discussed change: "It was a democratic decision and a significant part of the change occurring today was due to student concern and participate, and rightfully so it should be. This is an institution of higher learning, this is a classroom for the student…" (View streaming video clip: <a href="https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9346" title="Merger Ceremony: Randy Owens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9346</a>)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>John D. Blackwell, head of the Art Department, and President of the University Senate noted in his speech that "if the spirit of cooperation, the evidence of outstanding leadership which has characterized the initial efforts, are continued in the years ahead, the University of Nebraska, and all its complexities, will rank among the top in American institutions of higher education." (View streaming video clip: <a href="https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9467" title="Merger Ceremony: John D. Blackwell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9467</a>)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Alumni Association President Nick Capparelli, saw the merger as an opportunity to broad the horizons and facilities of the university. (View streaming video clip: <a href="https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9468" title="Merger Ceremony: Nick Capparelli" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9468</a>)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>President of the University of Nebraska at Omaha Kirk E. Naylor, spoke on the many "memorable occasions" associated with the University in Omaha. He stated "The state of Nebraska can justifiably be proud of the education institution which it supports, and today represents a leap forward in education endeavors. Already possessing in a great university complex, a great land grant institution, and rapidly expanding medical center, today the state is witnessing the birth of an urban grant university, one that is dedicated to complementing the area it serves." (View streaming video clip: <a href="https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9347" title="Merger Ceremony: Kirk Naylor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9347</a>)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ben Greenberg, Board of Regents, University of Nebraska, received and accepted the symbolic transfer of documents to the University of Nebraska at the outdoor ceremony. At a meeting of university boards and administrators later in the day, the formal transfer and receipt of documents took place. (View streaming video clip: <a href="https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9348" title="Merger Ceremony: Ben Greenberg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9348</a>)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The final speaker of the ceremony, University of Nebraska Chancellor Clifford Hardin, chief administrative officer of the entire system of the University, rather than only the position of Chancellor at UNL, and spoke of an opportunity "of providing the best possible learning environment for the young people of this state and utilizing the resources of the great institution for the benefit of all our citizens." (View streaming video clip: <a href="https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9349" title="Merger Ceremony: Clifford Hardin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9349</a>)<br /><br /> <br /><br />After the speakers had finished, the banner was lowered, revealing the University of Nebraska at Omaha lettering upon Arts and Sciences Hall. (View streaming video clip: <a href="https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9466" title="Merger Ceremony: UNO Sign Unveiled" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/9466</a>)</p>
NETV
UNL RG 36-12-00
Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries
July 1, 1968
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Reflections in Time: Robert Ruetz
NU Merger
<a href="https://library.unomaha.edu/_video/rfit-robert-ruetz.html" title="Streaming Video: Reflections in Time: Robert Ruetz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Streaming Video of Full Episode.</a>
Interview with Dr. Robert Ruetz, retired member of music faculty (1965-1990), Dept. of Fine Arts, University of Nebraska at Omaha. Producer/host, Paul Borge. Produced in cooperation with the UNO Alumni Association, College of Arts and Sciences, University Television.
<a href="https://library.unomaha.edu/_video/RFIT-Robert-Ruetz-excerpt.html" title="Streaming Video: Reflections in Time: Robert Ruetz, excerpt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Streaming Video of Excerpt.</a>
In this excerpt, which can be found at timestamp 28:27:02-30:19:01 in the full episode of Reflections in Time, Robert Ruetz asserts that the merger was good for the State of Nebraska and the City of Omaha. The merger resulted in a bigger budget for the university, which improved programs for Omaha students. He notes that, even in 1990, UNO was "still the step-child of Lincoln."
University of Nebraska at Omaha
UNO Media Collection
Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska at Omaha Libraries
1990
<p>UNO Media Collection finding aid available at <a href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/216" title="Finding Aid: UNO Media Collection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/216</a></p>
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Reflections in Time: Vic Blackwell
NU Merger
<a href="https://library.unomaha.edu/_video/rfit-vic-blackwell.html" title="Streaming Video: Reflections in Time: Vic Blackwell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Streaming Video of Full Episode.</a>
Interview with Dr. Vic Blackwell, faculty member in the Art Department (1958-1985), Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (1972-1975), and Acting Chancellor (1971/72) of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Producer/host, Paul Borge. Produced in cooperation with the UNO Alumni Association, College of Arts and Sciences, University Television.
<a href="https://library.unomaha.edu/_video/RFIT-Vic-Blackwell-excerpt.html" title="Streaming Video: Reflections in Time: Vic Blackwell, excerpt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Streaming Video of Excerpt.</a>
In this excerpt, which can be found at timestamp 40:33:13-41:38:12 in the full episode of Reflections in Time, Vic Blackwell, who was appointed interim chancellor of UNO after Kirk Naylor was fired, discusses that the irony of the merger was that OU merged with NU in an attempt "to remain independent," but after the merger, the push from President Varner was unity. It wasn't until the 1980s that UNO started to shift back into some independence.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
UNO Media Collection
Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska at Omaha Libraries
1983
<p>UNO Media Collection finding aid available at <a href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/216" title="Finding Aid: UNO Media Collection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/216</a></p>
streaming video
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Reflections in Time: Paul Borge
NU Merger
<a href="https://library.unomaha.edu/_video/rfit-paul-borge.html" title="Streaming Video: Reflections in Time: Paul Borge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Streaming Video of Full Episode.</a>
Interview with Paul Borge, Faculty, Dept. of Communication, University of Nebraska at Omaha. Host, Tim Fitzgerald. Produced in cooperation with the UNO Alumni Association, College of Arts and Sciences, University Television.
<a href="https://library.unomaha.edu/_video/RFIT-Paul-Borge-excerpt.html" title="Streaming Video: Reflections in Time: Paul Borge, excerpt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Streaming Video of Excerpt.</a>
In this excerpt, which can be found at timestamp 45:53:02-47:14:04 in the full episode of Reflections in Time, Paul Borge speculates that if OU hadn’t merged with NU system, we would have become a small-medium private liberal arts college, or we’d have gone out of business. In 1987, considered the merger with Lincoln to still be ongoing.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
UNO Media Collection
Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska at Omaha Libraries
1987
<p>UNO Media Collection finding aid available at <a href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/216" title="Finding Aid: UNO Media Collection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/216</a></p>
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