A Groh-ing Legacy
Nancy Groh, a 1964 graduate of the College of Nursing, and her husband, John, have always recognized the importance of education. “It was just expected that I would go to college,” Nancy recalls. Growing up in a family passionate about learning, Nancy spent her childhood in Boulder, Colorado, and later in Utah, always aspiring to become a nurse.
Her desire to care for others started early. She eagerly read every Cherry Ames novel she could find, was fascinated by science — so much so that she once asked for a microscope for Christmas — and found purpose in community service. When selecting a nursing program, Nancy wanted more than just technical skills; she sought a well-rounded college experience.
The University of Arizona offered opportunities to connect with diverse students and provided a supportive environment that fostered both academic and personal growth.
As a high school senior, Nancy met Dean Pearl Coulter. “She knew every student in the School of Nursing,” Nancy recalls, crediting the dean’s personal touch and dedication with shaping her professional journey. Nancy’s 38-year career included work in public health, home health, family practice clinics, and concluded in school nursing, a role that combined all her previous experiences, including teaching, home visits, parent education, disease prevention, and plenty of bandages.
In 2014, Nancy and John created the Nancy and John Groh Nursing Student Scholarship with an initial gift of $609, just enough to cover textbooks. “Helping a student for the first time was such a great feeling,” said Nancy. “We’ve truly enjoyed connecting with our scholarship recipients each year and supporting them through the final years of their studies.”
Nancy believes their story shows how small, consistent contributions can have a big effect. She urges recipients to remember the support they’ve received and to pay it forward. Both Nancy and John are thankful for their education and the help they received. Their ongoing generosity continues to encourage nursing students to focus on patient care and their professional development.
“Nursing is a field that can’t be replaced by robots or machines,” Nancy says. “It’s about caring for people, and that’s exactly what this scholarship supports.”
Today, by supporting nursing students, Nancy and John carry on their legacy, ensuring future nurses have the support and resources to succeed. The College of Nursing gratefully honors the Grohs for their vision, generosity, and unwavering support of its students.