Honoring generosity and connection at the College of Nursing Donor Appreciation Tea

The College of Nursing recently welcomed donors and students to its Donor Appreciation Tea, a heartfelt celebration honoring the lasting impact of philanthropic support and the relationships at its core.

Held on April 14, the event brought together those who give and those whose lives are shaped by that generosity. Throughout the afternoon, donors and scholarship recipients reflected on the meaning of giving, learning, and entering the nursing profession.

“These moments of connection are incredibly important,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. “They underscore the shared commitment of our donors and students to advance nursing and improve the health of our communities.”

Among those honored at the event were Susan and Larry Allen, whose endowed scholarship reflects a deeply personal connection to the nursing profession. During his remarks, Larry Allen reflected on his wife’s nursing experience and the enduring nature of the role. “Nursing isn’t just a job you do; it becomes part of who you are,” Allen said. “Even years later, it’s something you carry with you.”

He also emphasized the importance of compassion in everyday care. “It’s not always the big, dramatic moments that matter most. It’s the small, human ones,” Allen said. “Be the nurse who listens. Be the nurse who is present. Even the smallest acts of kindness matter more than you know.”

Among the student speakers was Parisa Yazdani, a BSN scholarship recipient of the Dr. George Boone Memorial Scholarship. Reflecting on the impact of donor support, she shared, “Because of your generosity, I am now one step closer to becoming that nurse for someone else.”

Yazdani continued to highlight the deeper meaning of the nursing profession, emphasizing the role of presence and human connection in patient care. Yazdani reflected, “I’ve learned that nursing is about being present—sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is give our time and presence to our patients.”

The second student speaker was Allison Colvard, an MEPN scholarship recipient from the Helene Fuld Health Trust Scholarship Endowment, whose educational journey has been made possible by philanthropic support. In her speech, Colvard said, reflecting on the unexpected path that led her into nursing, “I would be lying if I stood here today and said I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. Now, more than anything, I am proud to be entering a profession that challenges me, grounds me, and constantly reminds me why this work matters.”

For students at the event, these reflections offered encouragement as they prepare to enter the profession. For donors, the event served as a meaningful reminder of the lives they help shape.

More than a celebration, the Donor Appreciation Tea underscored a shared commitment to the future of nursing. By bringing donors and students together, the College of Nursing continues to foster a community grounded in compassion, generosity, and purpose.

The college extends its deepest gratitude to all donors whose support opens doors, creates opportunities, and empowers the next generation of nurses.