IMPACT THE WORLD
T H E H E A LT H O F O U R P E O P L E , T H E H E A LT H O F O U R P L A N E T The well-being of our local communities and our global society depends upon collective effort— and upon philanthropy from visionary donors.
THE ROSS AND CAROL NESE COLLEGE OF NURSING The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vital and often heroic contributions of nurses on medicine’s frontline—and the urgent need to grow and train new generations of professionals who can meet the need for skilled, compassionate care. Ross and Carol Nese, who have long offered anonymous support to Penn State’s College of Nursing and its students, have stepped forward with a landmark gift of more than $27 million that will allow the University to expand and enhance its nursing programs across twelve campuses and graduate at least 20 percent more nurses in the years ahead. In recognition of this remarkable investment in the future of health care, the Board of Trustees approved the college’s naming in honor of the Neses. “I know that the Neses share our deep concern about the nursing shortage that has been developing in our country for some time and recognize the significant and growing role that nurses with excellent preparation play in the delivery of outstanding health care,” said Laurie Badzek, dean of the College of Nursing. “Bolstered by their visionary philanthropy, Penn State can really make a difference for the field of nursing—not only because of the number of nurses we graduate, but also because they will be graduating from one of the nation’s finest nursing programs, where the mission is to create nurse leaders.” Nursing students at Penn State Mont Alto
DR. KEIKO MIWA ROSS STUDENT FARM From her home in The Village at Penn State, 2020 Philanthropist of the Year Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross has been able to watch the growth of the nearby Student Farm, established in 2016 to give Penn State students an opportunity for handson learning about the challenges and the impact of creating sustainable food systems. Under the auspices of the Sustainability Institute, the Student Farm supplies harvests from its current one-acre plot to Penn State Dining and the Lion’s Pantry, and it builds relationships with the community through produce sales, volunteer days, and more. Ross was introduced to the farm and its students through these connections, and her enthusiasm for the project resulted in a $2 million commitment to name the farm. Crops at the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm
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