Message from Advisory Board Chair 
Dear Friends:
I have been involved with Fairfield University for many years. My husband graduated from Fairfield in 1963 and has served on the Board of Trustees for over 18 years. Our son graduated in 1995. Over time, we have watched the many changes on the campus as they have happened one by one: the impressive new buildings, the new science building and library, and the Egan Chapel. I am so inspired by the increased intellectual rigor that so strongly enhances the life and reputation of this great University.
Today, we have a new challenge. The School of Nursing must keep up with the extraordinary pace set by the University. In the past year, we have established an Advisory Board to oversee and implement improvements to the School that will keep us competitive with other universities and colleges, both in the lab and the classroom. Since the Board's inception, our eleven members have met many times to narrow our focus to the ways in which we can best meet that pace and serve the needs of the School. In consultation with Dr. Jeanne Novotny, dean, and the nursing faculty, it was decided that what the school most needs is upgraded, technology-enhanced classrooms and a skills laboratory. For that reason, the Board is pleased to announce the launching of a $1 million, three-year campaign for the construction of the new
Fairfield University School of Nursing Robin Kanarek Learning Resource Center
(LRC), a high-tech facility that will include wireless computers, a multimedia and a demonstration classroom, plus simulation models, thus bringing this already fine school in line to compete with some of the best schools of nursing in the country. Board members were informed from the beginning that their commitment to contribute generously to this total amount is crucial to the overall support and success of this project.
This past March, I had the honor of traveling with Dr. Novotny, Dr. Suzanne Campbell, assistant professor, and Noël Appel, advancement liaison for the School of Nursing, to present at a conference in Washington, D.C. hosted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Advancement Professionals. We spoke about the design and implementation of the Advisory Board, how to nurture and grow a devoted group of leaders, and the steps we are taking to meet our financial goals for the School. The feedback we received was incredible and gave us the validation we needed to confirm that the Board is on the right track with our fundraising and development efforts. It was personally a thrill for me to play a role in this extremely interesting and educational conference. I came away knowing that what we were doing is absolutely "right" for Fairfield University and something other larger universities can only aspire to implement as soon as possible. We are truly on the "cutting edge" of this new idea!
Incoming students are now very savvy and selective when it comes to nursing schools. They "shop" the school and expect the labs to be state-of-the-art, complete with not one but at least two SimMan models, as well as other technology. They will go elsewhere if these schools do not meet that criteria! To attract the best and brightest, it is not enough to have a superior faculty. We've got to give the students the latest learning tools. Through your generosity, we can accomplish just that!
The collective generosity of the Advisory Board will not only foster more donations to the School, but is a moving testimony to the spirit of giving that these board leaders have evidenced in their lives. I urge you all - alumni, friends, and former faculty - to join with us in support of the school at a level you feel most comfortable. You can make a donation online or call Noël Appel, at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2025.
I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress and welcome any comments or suggestions.
Sincerely,
Nancy P. Lynch P'95
Chair, School of Nursing Advisory Board | 
