More than 140 supporters, faculty and students gathered to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the University of Houston Gessner College of Nursing. Held at the Houston Country Club, the event honored the College’s namesakes, Andy and Barbara Gessner.
“We are so grateful for all who believe in our mission of Nursing. Excellence. Period.,” said Kathryn Tart, professor and founding dean of the college. “Our vision for greatness led us to pursue more programs, become a college, spread to all the campuses of the University and impact the critical shortage of qualified nurses in our region and state.”
With a theme of A Decade of Dedication: Celebrating today, Investing in Tomorrow, Committed to the Future, the event featured student success stories, a historical timeline of accomplishments and performances by students of the UH Moores School of Music and the UH Spirit of Houston Marching Band.
The evening raised more than $$289,000 that will help fund scholarships, the simulation centers, the nurse-managed health clinic, endowments, tuition, textbooks and other student needs.
Also in attendance were Jack Moore, chairman of the UH System Board of Regents, Student Regent Adrian Caraves, UH President Renu Khator, UH Provost Diane Chase, Associate Vice President of UH Sugar Land and Katy Jay Neal and deans of Colleges of Business, Optometry, Education, Law, and the Arts. Additionally, Tart announced a $240,000 endowment gift from Linda Comstock and her late husband, John, for operational expenses of the Gessner College’s Nurse-managed Clinic in Houston’s mid-town. It is the first endowment for the clinic.
Haley Hernandez, health reporter from KPRC 2 News, served as emcee. The evening included a sit-down interview with three students about their experiences at the College and the impact of supporters who provided scholarships.
“Scholarships are critical not only financially, but they give students the privilege of time to dedicated to our studies,” said Jarlis Hernandez, a junior in the College’s Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. “I know there are people behind these awards who are truly investing in my future, and that means a lot to me.”
University of Houston President Renu Khator joined Tart on stage to unveil a commissioned painting by Khator. Titled Forever and Ever and Ever, the acrylic on canvas painting features two cougars, a mother and cub, and served as the inspiration for the newly announced 10th Anniversary Cougar Nursing Scholarship.
“Each of you here has had role in supporting the Gessner College of Nursing – either administratively, through philanthropic foundations and private giving, or through our clinical affiliation agreements,” Tart said. “Our profound thanks to every one of you. We would not be here without you.”
The University of Houston Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing delivers nursing education on UH’s Sugar Land and Katy Campuses, as well as UH main campus.