Board of Regents Corporation Secretary

WHEREAS, Dr. Donal Burns has distinguished himself across a 43- year career at the University of Nebraska; and

WHEREAS, his career has included award-winning teaching, research in atomic and molecular physics, and service in the administration of the University of Nebraska; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Burns has ably served the Board of Regents as Corporation Secretary since 2004, managing meetings of the Board and its committees with professionalism and precision; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Burns has been the embodiment of global engagement since being recruited in St. Petersburg, Russia, to move from his home in Northern Ireland to teach at the University of Nebraska, and

WHEREAS, in 43 years he has never lost his Irish brogue or his sense of humor … though, on occasion, his temper; and

WHEREAS, Donal can always be relied upon for a proper Irish toast, melody, joke or poem; and

WHEREAS, Donal and his wife Ileana have been beloved by students, faculty members and a host of friends and colleagues across the University;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Regents expresses its gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Burns for his years of service to the University, and wishes him a long and happy retirement and the opportunity to play every golf course in Ireland.

Think where man's glory most begins and ends, And say my glory was I had such friends. – William Butler Yeats