Generous gift from alumna inspires support for future nurses

A new gift from a Faculty of Community Services alumna and one of the university’s most generous and loyal donors promises to double the impact of financial assistance for nursing students, and provide a powerful incentive for other donors to give. The $200,000 donation will match new or renewed scholarships, awards or bursaries for students in the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing (DCSN).

The generous gift was made in recognition of the incredible debt society owes to nurses and their exceptional contribution to Canada’s healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. By establishing matching funds, the anonymous alumna hopes to inspire other philanthropists to give toward student financial assistance within DCSN, and underline the importance of supporting future nurses as they study and train to enter the profession. 

Toronto Metropolitan University is home to Canada’s largest undergraduate nursing program, partnering with George Brown and Centennial College to graduate the most registered nurses each year. Recently named in honour of Jack Cockwell’s mother, a retired nurse herself, the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing has a long and decorated past, including the incorporation of The Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing which graduated its first class of 10 nurses in 1915. The Wellesley Hospital School graduated its last class of 71 nurses when it officially became part of Ryerson Polytechnic Institute in 1975. At the time, the profession was dominated by women. Today, men make up about 10 per cent of the nursing practitioners in the country, more than at any other time in history.

As Canada’s population ages and demand for nurses continues on an upward trajectory, it is increasingly becoming a smart career choice for students of all backgrounds. This year in particular, Toronto Metropolitan University has experienced a significant increase in applications to the program. With new matching funds available to double the impact of new scholarships, bursaries and awards, new and returning students will have the opportunity to access the financial support they need to see them through their studies.