A personal challenge from Sharon A. Wilkerson, Ph.D., RN, CNE, dean of the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Nursing asking faculty and staff to contribute to student scholarships has raised nearly $12,000 for student scholarships.
Through a college-wide, month-long campaign aimed at creating additional support for nursing students, Dr. Wilkerson offered a dollar-for-dollar match to all faculty and staff donations. She urged prospective donors to “rise to the challenge,” and explained that no gift was too small; it was more important to participate, giving whatever amount one could. As a result, more than 62 percent of all TAMHSC-College of Nursing faculty and staff participated, with more than 20 donors giving for the first time.
The college-wide challenge to faculty and staff was led by co-chairs Kris Wuensche, instructional designer, and Jack Moreland, Ph.D., M.S.N., RN, assistant professor, with support from Sarah Aligo, director of institutional advancement.
“It is important to show our students we care about them enough to invest in their education,” says Wuensche. “By making my own personal commitment and encouraging my co-workers to do the same, I believe we become personally (and financially) connected to our students.”
In her thanks to the faculty and staff donors, Dr. Wilkerson also noted the personal aspect of the challenge and the satisfaction earned through giving. “Your support affirms your belief and commitment to the value of a nursing education. Because of you, we have the ability to continue educating professional nurses of today and leaders of tomorrow.”
