When asked what inspires her to give to McMaster, Jen Harmer’s answer is simple: Her mother.

Maureen Harmer, a graduate from one of McMaster’s earliest nursing cohorts, has shown a lifelong commitment to strengthening the university’s nursing community.

From serving as president of McMaster’s first nursing chapter, to returning as an adjunct professor and co-creating a scholarship for nursing students in collaboration with her classmates, Harmer’s leadership has paved the way for future generations of nurses.

“My Mom has been a lifelong contributor to campus life,” says Jen.

“I am extremely proud of her and her classmates for everything they’ve done. It really embodies the McMaster spirit and inspires me to contribute.”

Her mom graduated in 1966, a time when university nursing degrees were rare.

“My McMaster degree in nursing enabled me to work anywhere in Canada,” Maureen says.

“I had my choice of jobs. You really don’t appreciate that until you look back.”

She was deeply inspired by three strong women who led the School of Nursing, including Henrietta Alderson, who authored a book chronicling the School’s history.

“At the time, there were few women taking these university courses. To have these strong, knowledgeable women with master’s degrees — it was really special.”

Her daughter, a McMaster graduate who’s now pursuing a PhD in industrial relations and human resources, is particularly proud of the role Harmer and her classmates played in advancing the nursing profession.

“These small, early classes were very important for the history of nursing and health care in this country,” says Jen.

“Health care is very much rooted in gendered professions — nursing being female-dominated. Having these university degrees available, and these strong women who continue to contribute to the profession is so important for workplace and gender equality.

“The role of McMaster in nursing has helped propel women in the broad Canadian workforce.”

In 2016, her mother and her classmates celebrated their 50th anniversary reunion.

“We’re still very close,” Maureen says. “There are 16 of us who keep in touch regularly. I’m so grateful for the lifelong friendships.”

As a meaningful way to celebrate, the group launched the Class of ’66 Nursing Scholarship to support nursing students with financial need. It began as a five-year pilot project, with the class aiming to raise $1,000 per year.

“An alumni staff member suggested endowing it — so that it could keep growing, even without additional donations,” says Maureen.

To meet the endowment goal, they reached out to friends and family. Her daughter was eager to help.

“I loved the idea of supporting students in perpetuity,” Jen says, “I think that’s a beautiful legacy that the class can leave.”

Eventually, the class met their fundraising target and named the scholarship in honour of classmate Margaret Storey, who earned her PhD in Korea, and helped establish Seoul’s first home-care programs.

“Marg really makes nursing proud,” says Maureen.

“When you look at what Canadian McMaster Nursing grads have contributed around the world — it’s remarkable.”

In turn, she is her daughter’s biggest inspiration to give. While Jen considers her own gifts modest, she believes deeply that small contributions can make a big impact.

“Hearing how my Mom’s class contributed bit by bit — it shows how small seeds can grow into something meaningful for students,” says Jen.

“As a student myself, I know how much it means to have other people recognize your work. When you receive a scholarship, it’s like someone’s saying, ‘I see you, I think you’re doing something special, and I want to help you on this journey.’ ”

In 2024, Jen saw another opportunity to support the scholarship.

Her golf club, Pineland Greens, hosted a social media contest offering a donation to the winner’s charity of choice. The challenge? Post a photo of your group golfing each week. Jen golfs regularly with a group of women, many of them fellow Mac grads or her mom’s former nursing colleagues.

“In recognition of all their work, I wanted to win this for them,” Jen says.

And she did. Pineland Greens donated directly to the Class of ’66 Nursing Scholarship.

“My means are limited as a student,” Jen says, “but this was something I could do to give back in my own way. And I really wanted to give back to my alma mater.”

Mother and daughter’s shared education at McMaster and support for the scholarship have brought them closer.

“Even though we graduated 40 years apart and in different departments, our connection to Mcmaster helps deepen our relationship,” Jen says.

To date, the Class of ‘66 Nursing Scholarship has supported 11 students.

To learn more about giving at McMaster, visit giving.mcmaster.ca. To give to the Nursing Class of ’66 Dr. Margaret Storey Scholarship, click here. 

Why McMaster donors give:

At McMaster University, every single gift, no matter the size, has the potential to make a difference in the lives of our students, the quality of our research and our ability to give back to our community and influence the future. We asked some of our donors and their families what motivates them to give. Read their stories.