When Beth and David Daigle were helping their daughter, Celia, explore college options, Case Western Reserve’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing quickly emerged as the top choice for the entire family.
Two primary factors put the university’s school ahead of other of other nursing schools: early and extensive clinical experiences, and leading hospitals within walking distance.
As Celia prepares for graduation this spring, the Daigles have committed $1 million to ensure future students continue to receive exceptional practical preparation for their work in an ever-changing healthcare environment.
Their gift establishes a Clinical Scholars Excellence Fund, which the school can use both to recruit and retain exceptional doctorally prepared, clinically focused faculty.
“Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing needs traditional tenure-track, research-focused faculty as well as exceptional faculty who are leaders in clinical care and innovation; the school needs excellence in both,” David Daigle said. “There are many clinically focused faculty here, and we want to help provide for the programs and resources to support these faculty, and to reward and celebrate them for their achievements.”
Dean Carol Musil announced the gift Saturday as part of the nursing school’s centennial celebration.
The Daigles view their gift as a way to support outstanding faculty, while encouraging others to consider a similar investment in the school and its programs.
“Through Beth and David Daigle’s endowed gift, we will have the ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities that are essential to attracting both clinically focused faculty and outstanding nursing students to Case Western Reserve,” Musil said. “As we celebrate the endowment that led to the naming of our school, I am so grateful to have this latest endowment, which will continue our exceptional legacy into the next 100 years.”