A call to lead the way

A message from the director of development

November 9, 2020

John Kilbride
John Kilbride, Director of Development

“We all need to step forward to lead... this is the time for everyone to join in”

These words, shared in an email from a School of Nursing alumna contributor, capture the spirit of the School of Nursing community in these challenging times. In the span of only five months, normalcy seemed to become synonymous with auld lang syne and other phrases that reflect times remembered. The axis of our academic year was suddenly shifted by an unforgiving virus that made a clear and powerful case for a highly-skilled nursing corps.

And as it did during the polio epidemic of the 1950s, the School of Nursing community stepped forward to lead. With Dean Connie White Delaney’s measured and compassionate leadership, nursing faculty met students where they were with creative teaching and learning solutions. And while the coronavirus could not stop spring commencement, albeit in a virtual environment, new levels of financial need have emerged.

When the School of Nursing kicked off its Empowering Health campaign, we made a strong case for new scholarships, faculty chairs and professorships, and nursing research. Undoubtedly, the coronavirus’ case was stronger. Unexpected job loss has left students seeking resources to continue their education. Faculty continue efforts to redesign course delivery for a profession with hands-on care at its core. Nursing research is even more critical, as the health care community seeks innovative treatments for the chronic illnesses the virus leaves in its wake.

To reach our $45 million campaign goal, we must raise $6.5 million by June 30, 2021. I call on you to step forward, lead the way, and honor the millions of nurses making an empowered and determined fight against the coronavirus. It truly is the time for everyone to join.

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Tags: Development

https://nursing.umn.edu/news-events/call-lead-way