Boise State University Nursing 1 | Page 22

one left these events feeling good about being a nurse. Watch your mail for an invitation in your area. We hope to see you at an event near you! Friends of Nursing Raises More Than $50,000 at Its Sixth Annual Gala In November the Boise State University community volunteer organization, Friends of Nursing, held its sixth annual gala. The annual fundraising event had approximately 200 guests and raised more than $50,000 for student scholarships, research initiatives and graduate programs. The featured keynote speaker was David Vlahov, dean of the School of Nursing at the University of California, San Francisco. Vlahov spoke about the many challenges facing national efforts to ensure access to quality health care for all citizens, specifically addressing health care reform and the importance of expanding primary care. Pamela Springer, associate dean of the College of Health Sciences and director of the School of Nursing, remarked on the versatility demonstrated by the faculty and the difficulties they face in preparing their students for the expanded role that nurses are expected to have in health care in the future. In addition, School of Nursing scholarship recipients for the 2012-2013 academic year shared their personal stories with attendees, and their future academic and career goals. Kirsten Coughlin, fundraising chair of the Friends of Nursing at Boise State, explained the significance of the fundraising event: “Our continued efforts at this unique event, in alignment with the strategic plan of the School of Nursing, will ensure that both stellar undergraduate and graduate programs continue to meet the needs of the citizens of Idaho now and in the future.” Student Kira Loya (left) with Joann Zimmerman at 2012 Friends of Nursing Gala discussing the importance of scholarships and the field of nursing. 22 SCHOOL OF NURSING Established in 1988, Friends of Nursing will celebrate its 25th anniversary of supporting excellence in nursing education by providing resources and enhancing community relationships with Boise State’s School of Nursing. It is comprised of a diverse board of community members that includes physicians, registered nurses, hospital administrators,