THE FRANCES CANNATA STIMMLER’ 66 AND JOSEPH STIMMLER INSPIRATION STATION
In June 2023, GMercyU received a $ 2 million grant from the Regina Charitable Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation to support the Frances Cannata Stimmler’ 66 and Joseph Stimmler Inspiration Station in the Frances M. Maguire’ 55 Healthcare Innovation Center( HIC).
The grant was made in honor of Frances Cannata Stimmler’ 66 and the late Joseph Stimmler to carry on their legacy of compassionate, patientcentered healthcare. This flexible, multi-functioning space within the HIC has already hosted events that have brought students together from across disciplines.
The Regina Charitable Fund also established the Frances Cannata Stimmler’ 66 and Joseph Stimmler Endowed Scholarship for Nursing, one of the University’ s largest scholarships for Nursing students.
You have to give back. Gwynedd Mercy [ University ] did so much for me, including providing me with a full scholarship.
FRANCES CANNATA STIMMLER ' 66
JIE DU, PHD HEALTHCARE INNOVATION COMMONS
When you walk into the HIC, you are greeted by the Jie Du, PhD Healthcare Innovation Commons. The airy and spacious two-floor atrium features cozy study spaces and gathering spots for students and faculty, thanks to a $ 1 million gift from Dr. Jie Du.
Dr. Du is a former pharmaceutical scientist turned entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist, who founded and later sold her company, JDP Therapeutics.
Dr. Du served on GMercyU’ s President’ s Council from 2015 to 2019, and today serves on the University’ s Board of Trustees.
The key is that GMercyU is local to me, with a well-known nursing and health professions school. I live close by, and I wanted to make an impact in my own community, in healthcare.
JIE DU, PhD
THE WINDMILL FOUNDATION NURSES’ STATION
The HIC was designed for students to learn in spaces that mimic real-world experiences. The centerpiece of this intentional design is the Windmill Foundation Nurses’ Station.
Here, nursing students participate in real-world simulations and scenarios to prepare them for clinicals and give them a level of confidence and experience that will set them apart in the hiring process.
Designed to educate and transform GMercyU nurses, it is fitting that the space was made possible by a generous gift from the Windmill Foundation. The Windmill Foundation’ s mission is to stimulate forward movement, growth, and mobility in the lives of individuals and communities in the areas of health, education, and human services.
We were inspired to support the Nurses’ Station because of the real-world, experiential learning it will provide. It’ s nice to contribute and support people that are trying to do better in the world.
SUSAN TRESSIDER WINDMILL FOUNDATION
Left: Keith Schaeffer and Mary Jo Schaeffer Middle: Jie Du, PhD and Tim Truckley Right: Windmill Foundation Nurses ' Station
8 CAMPAIGN IMPACT REPORT