WHY I GIVE
By : Deb O ’ Reillly
10 PRESIDENT ’ S REPORT
DON REAPE
When Don Reape ’ s wife , Susan M . Stewart Reape , RN ’ 95 , passed away in April 2021 , he created the Endowed Nursing Scholarship in Loving Memory of Susan M . Stewart Reape , RN ’ 95 . Don feels that Susan would enjoy supporting future nurses in the same way that she supported her fellow nurses throughout her career .
Susan enrolled at GMercyU in the 1990s after her first husband died in his 40s , leaving her three young children to care for . “ At that time , Susan wanted a career that would lead to strong job opportunities – nurses are always needed – and GMercyU has a great reputation as a nursing school ,” said Reape .
After graduating , Susan worked in the ER at Temple University Hospital and later for Suburban Community Hospital as a charge nurse . “ She loved that role , being in charge ,” he said .
According to Don , Susan thrived as a nurse and continued working until 2020 , almost until her death just a
year later . “ Susan gave me the best 28 years of my life ,” Reape said of his beloved late wife . He ’ s taken comfort in the many stories that Susan ’ s friends and coworkers shared with him after she passed , who were touched by her compassion and generosity .
“ I know this scholarship means a lot to GMercyU , which means a lot to me , and I know it would for Susan , too ,” he said .
Susan M . Stewart Reape , RN ’ 95
Top photo : Susan ( with husband Don behind her ) at their wedding reception .