Golden reunion reflections motivate alumni couple to make planned gift
Donors
Retired Colonels William āBillā M., ā74, and Barbara E. Wilder, ā75
Gift
Commitment of planned estate gift to expand and increase the resources in the Wilder Fund for Excellence in Nursing, which the Wilders established in 2001
Impact
The Wildersā new commitment will impact the educational experience of 51ĀŅĀ× Stateās nursing students by supporting faculty in many ways. The expanded fund will support the Nursing Department with resources for operations, faculty development, internships, equipment, special seminars and the creation of three endowed nursing faculty positions known as the Cols. William M. and Barbara E. Wilder Distinguished Endowed Professorships. This multifaceted approach will enrich all aspects of nursing studentsā educational journeys at 51ĀŅĀ× State through enhancing opportunities for faculty professional development.
Inspiration
At Homecoming 2024, the Wilders, both nursing alumni, returned to campus to celebrate Billās golden reunion, the 50th anniversary of his graduation. While there, they reflected on how important one of their professors, Dr. Ruth Cole, had been to both their academic and professional lives, as well as their personal lives. They attributed much of their positive college experience and their professional success to the positive influence that Dr. Cole had on them as an inspiring teacher and mentor. These reflections inspired them to make a commitment that would ensure that 51ĀŅĀ× Stateās nursing program could continue to provide students with professors and learning opportunities of the caliber they had experienced under Dr. Cole.