KUMC Convocation, August 17, 2004

Remarks from Donald Hagen, MD

Thank you all very much.

I want to thank the Chancellor, not only for being here on this occasion and for his kind remarks, but for the opportunity to be a part of the University of Kansas and its Medical Center. He recruited me to come here and it has been an amazing ride. He has often told the story about the heart transplant situation and offered me an opportunity to back down. Never fear Chancellor, I would never have turned you down.

For nearly a decade we have shared a journey that has had its share of challenges and its share of unparalleled successes. Throughout it all we both have shared a strong and unwavering belief in the importance of this Medical Center and a commitment to serve those whose efforts have made this place what it is.

I scribbled some notes on a paper towel on my first day at KUMC and presented them to the chancellor and his staff then. Those notes became Hagen’s principles…I believe they are as important now as they were then.

At the outset I also want to acknowledge the presence of two very special women in my life, my wife, Karen Hagen, and my mother, have both joined us today.

Mom, thank you for joining us today on this important occasion for the medical center.

And Karen, you have been a partner without equal. If I have not acknowledged all that you have done for this Medical Center enough and for the people of Kansas—I need to do so today. Your volunteer service and your support are greatly appreciated—and I thank you for all that you have done to support me and my service for over 31 years.

While some might consider me a lame duck after today’s announcement—let me assure you I still have much I want to accomplish between now and when my tenure officially comes to end on the last day of this year. None of us can ever afford to become complacent. I look forward to continuing to accomplish great things during this fall semester and I remain fully committed to do all that is necessary to continue to achieve excellence during the last months of my service here.

Most notably I look forward to working with Dr. Atkinson and President Cumming as we craft a seamless transition plan—one that will allow their significant talents to be focused on helping the KU Medical Center achieve greatness. To Dr. Atkinson, I pledge my continued support and friendship as she prepares to assume her new responsibilities.

I have always known that the best days of the KU Medical Center are ahead of us. This belief is born out of what I have had the opportunity to witness each day as your Executive Vice Chancellor. With a mission of serving others through education, research and clinical care, the people of the KU Medical Center, both here in Kansas City and in Wichita, have brought tremendous ability, talent and professionalism to their tasks.

I remain in awe of the energy of the new student brimming with the potential and promise to serve humanity, I am uniquely impressed by the world class researchers whose intellect and innovation make possible the discovery of solutions to the most complex challenges in the life sciences, I marvel at the healing hand of our doctors, nurses and allied health professionals whose techniques and skills literally save lives everyday and I am humbled by the significant and growing investment the people of Kansas and so many private donors have made in this remarkable enterprise.

My unwavering belief in this place and its future is justified by the profound passion the faculty, students and staff share to make a difference.

I have attempted during my time here to create a platform, a foundation, upon which others could achieve greatness. We have worked hard to give every member of the KUMC family the opportunity to contribute to that greatness, and I hope you know how grateful I am for all that you have done to achieve the success we have enjoyed over the last nine years.

I also want to acknowledge how much it has meant to me to be involved in such a diverse and welcoming community. Since moving here nearly a decade ago Karen and I have met so many wonderful friends and we have put down significant roots here. Through it all we have grown to love Kansas and Kansas City.

I have sincerely enjoyed the opportunity to become involved in so many community groups and initiatives. I particularly want to thank our friends in the Rosedale community and in Kansas City, Kansas, particularly Mayor Marinovich. They have been great neighbors and I believe we have an ongoing obligation to partner with them to continue to improve the community we call home.

The Medical Center cannot ever afford to be an island. Its strength is best reflected in how well it is connected to those it serves.

Our future greatness will not be accomplished alone—but rather by the opportunities created through meaningful partnerships with other people and institutions throughout our state and region – University of Kansas in Lawrence, Stowers Institute of Medical Research, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Midwest Research Institute, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the Kansas City Area Life Science Institute and many others. Representing you, I have worked hard to reach out to others because I believe that the achievement of our aspirations and the fulfillment of our ambitions will only be possible with the help, support and advocacy of many voices other than our own. And I have never known an instance in which selfless service to others failed to make great things happen. Our leadership team truly demonstrates his quality, and I particularly need to thank all of them at this time.

Finally, let me commend the Chancellor for selecting Dean Barbara Atkinson as the next Executive Vice Chancellor. Barbara brings to this role a seasoned perspective, an immense intellect and a proven professionalism that will serve KUMC well. I consider it an honor to have worked side by side with her during her tenure as Executive Dean of the School of Medicine and I know that the momentum we have worked so hard to create and sustain over the past several years will continue unabated under her leadership.

Thank you Chancellor for placing the future leadership of this institution in such capable hands.

And thank you, Barbara for agreeing to serve the citizens of Kansas and our region in such a meaningful way. If past performance is any measure of future potential we can rightly expect that under your leadership the KUMC story will include many more chapters of excellence in teaching, research and service. I wish you God’s Speed in your new post.

I would like to leave the podium now referring you all to the Twelve Element Program for KU Medical Center.

• We will gladly accept responsibility for the quality of every aspect of this institution, speaking with a unified voice when it comes to insisting on the highest professional standards.
• We will maintain the highest level of integrity.
• We will move forward by attacking processes, not people.
• We will align administrative structures so people clearly know who they report to, and what is expected of them.
• We will empower our leaders throughout the organization to manage their own affairs within clearly defined parameters of university policy.
• We will prioritize our policies so that we may focus our resources on issues that need our attention.
• We will communicate with each other, often and clearly.
• We work for the people of Kansas and will respond to their needs.
• We will maintain and expand this facility’s commitment to rural health initiatives throughout the state of Kansas.
• We will be part of this local community with our people participating in programs from bioethics to adopt-a-school.
• We will develop innovative, non partisan alliances which bring the highest level of value to our patients, students and community without compromising our flexibility.
• We will see KUMC revered in every corner of the state as it once was.

Thank you.