Laurette HankinsI want to formally and proudly thank and congratulate the University of Maryland School of Nursing’s (UMSON) Office of Development and Alumni Relations team for its pivotal role in a great achievement — something that traditionally only occurs every seven to 10 years in the life of an institution. As of Oct. 20, 2020, UMSON had exceeded its $36 million Catalyst Campaign fundraising goal, becoming the first University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) school to reach this important milestone.
We are keenly aware that many factors contributed to this success. The visionary leadership of Dean Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN, and the tremendous, steadfast efforts of UMSON faculty and staff were instrumental in ensuring this triumph. We appreciate our good colleagues at UMB’s Office of Philanthropy for their help over the years. And, of course, we would have not reached this goal without the extraordinary spirit of philanthropy so tangibly displayed by our wonderful donors. We salute them with the deepest gratitude and respect!
“I am truly grateful for the extraordinary commitment of everyone who helped us reach our $36 million Catalyst Campaign goal. This exceptional level of philanthropic support provides a vote of confidence in our nursing program and will help reduce the financial costs of an undergraduate or graduate nursing degree. On behalf of our more than 2,000 nursing students and countless future students, my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of our donors for making this possible.”
— Jane Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN,
dean and professor, School of Nursing
In the development field, some professionals never experience being present from the start to the successful completion of a capital campaign, and I am so grateful that Stacey Conrad, Cynthia Sikorski, and Lorrie Voytek have been with me in Development and Alumni Relations for at least 95 percent of this campaign. Day in and day out for seven years, their professionalism, dedication, collaboration, determination to do their very best, and commitment to helping one another and showing the school in the best possible light made this special moment possible.
I could not be more proud or more grateful, and I can honestly say that the greatest honor of my 30-plus-year career in development has been to lead such an incredible team and work daily with these amazing women on this important cause.
And what a joy it has been for all of us to read the letters of our inspirational students, expressing heartfelt thanks and sharing how their lives have been dramatically changed for the better because of the scholarships they received. We feel honored to have served as a catalyst for these wonderful nursing students. While we have no intention of resting on this laurel, it is important to recognize and celebrate it!
