Alumna Makes a Bequest, Impacting Generations of Students

Connie (Barr) Delaney, PhD '75 was entering her senior year at Viterbo as a nursing and math major when a personal crisis threatened her plans. "I told Sr. Grace Clare that I needed to drop out of school to support my son," Delaney explained, "She wouldn't hear of it." Sr. Grace Clare found the funds for Delaney's tuition, and Delaney completed her programs successfully.

The encouragement and support Delaney received all those years ago was not lost on her. "When Sr. Grace Clare said that I was not dropping out, that was a defining moment for me personally and for my future career," she said.

She has enjoyed an expansive career and professional accomplishments spanning decades. As a nurse, teacher, leader, author, and with expertise in medical informatics and a certificate in integrative therapies and healing practices, Delaney continues to remember her Viterbo roots with fond appreciation. "Viterbo is absolutely core to me." She shared how Viterbo's Franciscan values and emphasis on care for the whole person encouraged her commitment to holistic health care.

With deep gratitude, Delaney first established the Connie White Delaney Family Nursing Scholarship in 2009. The scholarship honors her parents and their passion for learning, and shares Delaney's belief in nursing and its power to transform people's health.

Now, Delaney has chosen to make a bequest to Viterbo. The bequest is written in her will and is an ongoing means of charitable support that leaves a legacy.