CASPER, Wyo. — The University of Wyoming on Monday announced that a gift of more than $1 million from philanthropist Susie McMurry will support the Western Thunder Marching Band and the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing.
In addition to support of the Division 1 marching band, the gift will support the Bachelor’s Reach for Accelerated Nursing Degree (BRAND) Program, shore up the Whitney School of Nursing’s discretionary fund, and allow for the purchase of a new state-of-the-art mannequin.
“Our students are entering health care settings that are more complex than ever,” said Sherrill Smith, dean and professor of the Whitney School of Nursing.
“Our ability to use the most up-to-date simulators is crucial in helping them to be prepared to enter to care for complex patients — in an environment that is safe and facilitates their confidence and competence.”
The new Gaumard advanced multipurpose adult simulator, a simulated patient that can talk, breathe, bleed and mimic other functions, is a critical component of the lab experience, UW said.
The BRAND Program offered through the Whitney School of Nursing is an accelerated distance-learning program for students with previous non-nursing bachelor’s degrees who desire to become registered nurses.
“There are some truly special philanthropists in the world, and Susie is definitely one of them,” UW President Ed Seidel said. “UW students and faculty will be forever grateful for these meaningful gifts.”
