The sun glistened brightly on the bronze sculpture and glass panels of the Tribute to Caregivers Plaza during the dedication ceremony Tuesday, May 23.

More than 500 people attended the day’s events which began with an invitation-only recognition luncheon, followed by the dedication ceremony for employees and staff.

The exclamation point of the Tribute to Caregivers Plaza is the bronze "Tribute to Caregivers" sculpture. The 1,500-pound piece of art is the work of John Lajba. The Omaha sculptor was among those in attendance during the unveiling of the piece. He says he hopes the "Tribute to Caregivers" will allow people to understand the relationship between caregiver and patient.

"We are so fortunate to have an artist of John’s caliber in Omaha," says Mike Geis, director of the Office of Development and emcee for the day’s events. "We’d like to thank him for all the time, as well as heart and soul that he’s put into creating this sculpture."

Also included in the plaza are a three-glass panel display with the names of those that made the plaza possible, and a flag pole display made possible through a gift from Fred and Sally Bekins . Two of the Bekins’ grandsons, Andy Anderson and T.J. VonRiesen, took part in the flag-raising ceremony.

William Carter, M.D., a retired ENT now living in California, returned for the dedication. Dr. Carter was one of the driving forces in advancing the Tribute to Caregivers Plaza from concept to reality. He has spent many hours over the last several years working with Rosemary Lebeda, development coordinator, on the project. Dr. Carter practiced at Clarkson Hospital for nearly 30 years and during his retirement served as leader of the retired physicians group.

"Why do caregivers do what they do," asks Dr. Carter? "Because they love what they do. Caregivers are very giving people. It’s the most rewarding thing anyone can do."

Following the luncheon, the dedication of the plaza got underway. Hospital President and CEO Glenn Fosdick spoke during the dedication. Fosdick paid tribute to all caregivers, past and present, that have made The Nebraska Medical Center the leading healthcare facility in the region.

"Our new Tribute to Caregivers Plaza is a way for all of us to thank the wonderful people who each and every day care for the citizens of our community and our region," Fosdick says. "Patients who visit our hospital will look to the Tribute to Caregivers Plaza as a source of inspiration, a provider of hope and a place of comfort in knowing they truly are in the best hands possible."

Rita VanFleet, vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer, also spoke during the dedication ceremony. "As we contemplate healthcare and what might happen over the next several years it is uncertain what the future holds," VanFleet says. "We will see many changes. However, there is one thing that is certain, regardless of the changes, at the very heart of healthcare are two very important components: those who are in need of care; and those who are dedicated to providing care for them. This beautiful tribute to the healthcare team is truly a reflection of the dedication and compassion shared by them as they care for those who come to us for their healthcare needs."