Spring 2024

The Pulse of IU Nursing

Spring 2024
Portrait of Dean Robin Newhouse

From the Dean

Robin Newhouse
PhD, RN, CNS, NEA-BC, FAAN

Dear Friends,

Last year, 16 students were on the verge of dropping out of nursing school. After the tenacity to clear the hurdles of the admission process and the ability to demonstrate the critical thinking and knowledge necessary to care for patients, these students were facing insurmountable obstacles. What could cause such disruptions in their paths to graduation? 

A broken laptop. A flat tire. The choice between rent and tuition. Groceries. 

Thanks to generous gifts to the IU Nursing Student Emergency Fund these 16 students removed those obstacles and are back on their paths to becoming IU Nurses. The impact of that assistance at a time when their need was most urgent cannot truly be measured. Their notes are filled with heartfelt appreciation and a sense of astonishment that they were able to fulfill their dreams. I am moved to tears every time I read them. 

Tuition assistance is critical to student success. It’s also true that minor emergencies can cause tremendous problems. We are on target to help even more students this year through the IU Nursing Student Emergency Fund. I know for certain that they will carry the impact of these gifts to their patients, and I cannot wait to hear their success stories.

Dr. Elham Algashgari and family

Support that sends a message

When the pandemic limited progress on her PhD, Elham Algashgari found the extra financial support she needed to finish her degree. “I really appreciate the IU Nursing Student Emergency Fund, not just for the financial assistance it provided, but for the message it sent that my academic and professional aspirations were worth supporting.”

Learn more about Elham's journey
Kiki Suttle

Hard work, helping hand make dreams come true

Kiki Suttle is a role model for self-sufficiency. It’s rare for the IU School of Nursing Fort Wayne student to ask for help, but when her borrowed laptop died minutes before an exam, Kiki was able to find support thanks to the IU Nursing Student Emergency Fund.

Learn more about Kiki and her experiences at IU School of Nursing
Kay Farmer

Shared experience fuels desire to give

Kay (Poffenbarger) Farmer, BSN ‘57, knows what it’slike to worry about expenses in nursing school. That’s why she started contributing to the IU Nursing Student Emergency Fund. “It’s very gratifying to extend what I have to help other nursing students get through a hard time.” 

Learn more about Kay's career and how she continues to give back