School of Nursing celebrates student awards
Carolyn Byrne, associate dean of Health Sciences and director of the School of Nursing, pays tribute to former SON faculty members, Clara Elman and Jean Rankin, who have each left a bequest to support generations of nursing students at McMaster.
More than 175 students, parents, faculty and staff gathered recently to celebrate the impact of donor-funded awards.
Organized by McMaster’s School of Nursing and held this year at Convocation Hall, the event celebrated the impact of donor generosity on the lives of nursing students at McMaster University, Mohawk College and Conestoga College.
The event recognized two generous bequests that will total more than $2.5 million. Nursing pioneers Clara Elman ’46 and Jean Rankin ’83 have each left a significant legacy to support generations of nursing students at McMaster:
- A bequest from the estate of Clara Elman adds to the “Clara I. Elman Scholarship” fund, which supports exceptional nursing students at McMaster.
- And a bequest from the estate of Jean Rankin will establish a new award, the “E.J. Rankin Bursary,” which will support McMaster nursing students in financial need.
Third-year nursing student Alyssa Te is one of the current recipients of a Clara I. Elman Scholarship. Te discovered she had been awarded the scholarship at the end of her second year at McMaster.
“It was such an amazing and pleasant surprise,” said Te, who is recognized for her critical thinking, communication skills, leadership and professionalism. “It reassured me that I was in the right place. I really want to say thank you so much.”
Much like Clara Elman worked overseas for six years in the 1950s, Te is keen to go abroad once her nursing degree is completed. “I couldn’t ask for a better role model,” said Te.
In her remarks, Carolyn Byrne ’79, ’82, associate dean of Health Sciences and director of the School of Nursing, paid tribute to Clara Elman and Jean Rankin.
“Their thoughtful planning has created an extraordinary legacy for countless nursing students who will follow in their footsteps. We are sincerely grateful,” said Byrne.
Read more about Clara Elman and Jean Rankin.
To learn more about leaving a gift in your will, contact Kelly Trickett in University Advancement at 905-525-9140, ext. 21990, or tricket@mcmaster.ca
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