“On behalf of the board, staff, and supporters of the Coalition for Lifesaving Cures and Research Nebraska Inc. we are deeply saddened by the passing of former Speaker of the Legislature Ron Withem. We extend our love and support to his family and we pledge to honor his legacy. During his time in the legislature and later as a leader at the University of Nebraska, he was an avid supporter of academic freedom and medical research. He was instrumental in bringing together the top minds in medicine, science, and public policy to stop political attempts to stifle this lifesaving work and worked with policymakers across the political spectrum to ensure they understood the positive impact of research in our institutions of higher learning and for our state.”
Photo Credit: Sen Ron Withem speaks during the legislative session in 1997. Journal Star file photo