At the final MCN reception hosted by Al and Linda Bowman, Dean Janet Krejci presented them with MCN lab coats.
A reception was held in early May at the president’s house for Mennonite College of Nursing donors. This was the last MCN reception hosted by retiring President Al Bowman and First Lady Linda Bowman, and the college presented them with a Top 10 list thanking them for their support and leadership:
MCN’s Top 10: Why the college, community, and its supporters are thankful for President Bowman’s leadership:
10. For generously opening your home to our college so we can all celebrate our donors in a very special way! (Presented by Jenny Ward, director of Development)
9. For being a good steward of your own health and well-being. A great example to all of us! (Presented by Dianne Clemens, undergraduate program coordinator)
8. For making the move from section “O” at the women’s basketball games, to joining section “N” for Nursing! (Presented by Julie Smith, B.S. ’89, M.S. ’92, scholarship donor)
7. For serving our healthcare community. Your leadership demonstrates the University’s commitment to a healthier central Illinois for all generations! (Presented by Rose Stadel, B.S. ’01, MCN Strategy and Planning Council member)
6. For always making time in spite of your busy schedule to attend and speak at the MCN Scholarship Banquet. You honor us and our passion for nursing! (Presented by Nancy Froelich, donor and former trustee of Illinois State and MCN)
5. For running around campus most mornings at 5 a.m. to make certain that nursing students get up in time for clinicals! (Presented by Casey Patton, current student and scholarship recipient)
4. For introducing the resolution to the Board of Trustees for the creation of the wonderful simulation lab that is already changing nursing education at Illinois State, and ensuring that MCN continues to prepare the very best nurses to take care of all of us when we most need it! (Presented by Betty Kinser, B.S. ’73, M.S. ’75, current Illinois State University Trustee)
3. For celebrating this wonderful College of Nursing by allowing it to flourish as a part of Illinois State University, and at the same time maintain its identity, traditions, and deep community values. MCN began nearly 100 years ago when my great uncle, Emanuel Troyer, mortgaged his farm to fund the beginnings of the hospital and nursing school. Thank you for welcoming all Mennonite graduates into the Illinois State family! (Presented by Mary Ann Watkins, ’62, B.S. ’78, M.S. ’85, alumni donor, and former MCN staff)
2. For your authenticity. While the annual giving program’s theme is “Every Gift Matters,” your personal message without even saying a word is that “Every Donor Matters.” Thank you for taking the time to know us, and affirm our passions for a healthy community. (Presented by Karen Magers ’79, alumni donor, and Strategy and Planning Council member)
1. Together you have exemplified leadership every minute of every day and have transformed this University in every aspect from student life, to academics, to national rankings, becoming the preferred University for faculty, staff, and students to call home. (Presented by Janet Krejci, dean)
After the Top 10 list was presented, Dean Janet Krejci honored the Bowmans by presenting them with a special gift.
“Even though you are trained as speech language pathologists by profession, in accepting these beautifully constructed white coats, with the red MCN patch, you are now both honorary nurses!” said Krejci.
