Viterbo University Receives $1 Million Donation for Nursing Scholarship

A generous donation of $1 million has been made to Viterbo University to establish a new scholarship aimed at supporting nursing students. The contribution, made by the family of Nancy Haggerty, was announced on Wednesday and will fund the Nancy Poehling Haggerty Memorial Nursing Scholarship. This scholarship will provide $50,000 annually to one or more students working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

Nancy Haggerty, who earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Viterbo in 1974, later obtained a master’s degree in nursing from UW-La Crosse. Throughout her distinguished career, she worked in various healthcare settings, including operating rooms, intensive care units, public health, and student health clinics. After retiring, Haggerty dedicated her time to volunteering at the St. Clare Health Mission in La Crosse, exemplifying her commitment to community service and healthcare.

Scholarship Impact on Future Nurses

The establishment of the scholarship is a significant step towards fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. Megan Smith, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health at Viterbo University, commented on the impact of the donation. “The generosity of the Nancy Poehling Memorial Nursing Scholarship represents a profound investment in the future of compassionate, skilled health care,” she stated.

Smith emphasized that scholarships like this not only honor the legacy of influential figures in the nursing profession but also provide essential financial support to students. By alleviating financial burdens, the scholarship enables aspiring nurses to concentrate on their studies and their commitment to patient care.

Continuing a Legacy of Caring

The scholarship’s namesake, Nancy Haggerty, leaves behind a legacy that highlights the importance of nursing and community service. Her family’s substantial gift aligns with Viterbo University’s mission to provide high-quality education while nurturing the values of compassion and care in healthcare.

With the introduction of the Nancy Poehling Haggerty Memorial Nursing Scholarship, Viterbo University continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in nursing education, empowering students to achieve their professional goals while honoring the contributions of those who have shaped the field.