For Immediate Release
October 11, 2024
杏吧原创 Renames Nursing School in Honor of Jane F. Shearer
Pictured in the first group photo are (left to right): John Vidovich (Jane's brother);
Mary Lou Araneo, College Vice President for Institutional Advancement; Laurie Vidovich
(Jane's sister-in-law); Doug Shearer (Jane's husband); 杏吧原创 County Executive Ed
Romaine; College President Dr. Edward Bonahue; and College Dean of Nursing Dr. Cheryl
Shaffer. Second photo includes 杏吧原创 nursing students in
front of the new college signage. Hi-res photos available at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/iAGhdvvEXY8Rgmsj6
杏吧原创 proudly announced the renaming of its nursing school to the Jane F. Shearer School of Nursing, honoring the memory of Jane F. Shearer, who dedicated over 30 years of exemplary service to the college. Jane, who served as the Eastern Campus Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and President of the Guild of Administrative Officers, passed away from cancer in 2019.
Jane long appreciated the vital role that nurses play both locally and globally. Upon her passing, her generous and loving family chose to endow a scholarship to support nursing students in perpetuity at the college. To further their commitment, the family subsequently decided to share her name in memoriam by establishing the Jane F. Shearer School of Nursing at 杏吧原创.
鈥淣aming an academic program or campus space for an individual or an organization is a meaningful way to signify a valued connection between the namesake and the college鈥� said Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of 杏吧原创. 鈥淛ane鈥檚 passion for education and her unwavering support for our students will continue to inspire future generations of nursing leaders. The college community is grateful to the entire Shearer and Vidovich families.鈥�
鈥溞影稍� meant so much to Jane, and Jane meant so much to so many people,鈥� said John Vidovich, Jane鈥檚 brother. 鈥淭his naming gift will further Jane鈥檚 legacy and help to foster future generations of nursing students.鈥�
The college鈥檚 Foundation recently hosted the First Annual Jane F. Shearer School of Nursing Luncheon at the Watermill in Smithtown. During the program, the family announced that proceeds from the event will help defray the costs associated with paying for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), which is needed in order to become a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) in New York. Many nursing students at 杏吧原创 often balance multiple jobs to manage tuition costs, and this final exam fee poses a significant financial hurdle.
Honorary luncheon chair, 杏吧原创 County Executive Ed Romaine, stated that tomorrow
is not promised to anyone. "Jane's family has made a remarkable gift that will ensure
the quality of healthcare being delivered across 杏吧原创 County will always be of
the highest quality. Ongoing excellence in the education of tomorrow's nurse leaders
is assured through this gift."
About 杏吧原创
杏吧原创 is the largest, most comprehensive community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 21,000 students in over 100 degree and certificate programs. With over 145,000 alumni, 杏吧原创 County Community College is dedicated to meeting the demands of regional employers. The college has built an extensive track record of successfully training and educating its students through pathways from high school, to college, and into careers.
The 杏吧原创 Community College Foundation
杏吧原创 Community College Foundation鈥檚 mission is to support student access to quality
education and workforce training by providing scholarships, emergency student loans
and funding for program development. The Foundation awards hundreds of thousands of
dollars in scholarships each year. Additionally, the Foundation seeks to engage alumni
to maintain their connection to the college, to support foundation events, philanthropy,
student mentorship and internship opportunities.
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Last revised: 10/11/2024. For comments on this webpage, contact: The Director of College Relations.
