A $150,000 gift from an anonymous donor will help Keuka College put the finishing touches on its on-campus Nursing Lab.
The gift, made in memory of alumna Mary Ikeda Chin ‘50 and Bing L. Chin, brings additional resources to the College’s flourishing Nursing program, which welcomed more than 40 new students to campus this fall.
“Support from our generous donors is essential to Keuka College’s continued growth and ability to adapt to the evolving needs of healthcare education,” said College Vice President for Advancement Rich Basler. “This gift reflects a shared commitment to preparing our students for impactful careers in health and human services.”
The donation will help complete key updates to the Nursing Lab’s Primary Care/Health Assessment Suite. Planned improvements include:
- Five wall-mounted otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes for ear and eye exams.
- An additional medium-fidelity mannequin, which simulates vital signs, allowing students to practice clinical skills.
- Lifelike models for internal examinations.
- Three additional exam tables.
- Expansion of the nursing station opposite the suite.
- Additional computers and software for medical documentation practice.
Mary Ikeda Chin '50 is shown in Keuka College's 1950 yearbook.
Mary Ikeda Chin earned a Nursing degree from Keuka College before embarking on a career as a school nurse. She was also a longtime volunteer for the American Red Cross. She passed away in 2010.
The gift arrives at an opportune time for Keuka College’s Nursing program, part of the newly aligned Division of Health & Human Services. This division includes Nursing, Community Health and Wellness, Criminology & Criminal Justice, Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy, and Social Work, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and enhancing the use of shared resources like the Nursing Lab.
In addition to the lab upgrades, the College last month launched its online Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program. This program offers flexible education for working nurses and aims to meet the rising need for healthcare professionals, especially those attending to an aging population in underserved areas. Nurses who graduate from the AGPCNP program are eligible for state and federal financial aid programs, such as Nurses Across New York, if they commit to practicing in rural areas for three years.
Work on the final phase of the lab’s renovation will begin after Commencement next spring, with the updated facilities available to students by the following academic year.
Philanthropy like this plays a transformative role in our ability to provide students with the best resources and experiences. It strengthens our hands-on, experiential learning model—core to Keuka College’s mission—and allows us to expand our Health and Human Services programs.
