1899 Society
INSPIRED BY THE PAST
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
For nearly 125 years, Mercy College of Health Sciences has persisted on a singular path: providing high quality healthcare education to students in central Iowa. In 1899, the Sisters of Mercy laid the foundation for Mercy College of Health Sciences when they established the Mercy Hospital Training School to meet the growing demands for professionally trained nurse. Populations and needs have changed over the years, as have the modes of healthcare delivery. If Mercy College hopes to maintain it’s standing as the largest nursing program in Iowa, as well as become the very best – investments not only in programs, but in capital will be required. A first-ever campus master plan will be conducted in 2023. Upon the conclusion of the planning process in 2024, we will celebrate the 125th anniversary of Mercy College of Health Sciences. Our commitment to excellent, compassionate healthcare education has remained steadfast, ever since our founding in 1899.
FOUNDING THE
1899 SOCIETY
The 1899 Society publicly launched on Friday, April 14, 2023 during the inauguration of Dr. Adreain Henry, Mercy College’s fourth president. Joyce and Terry Lillis made the lead gift of more than $250,000, the largest gift in the College’s history, to form this society. Individuals in the 1899 Society extend the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy and enable Mercy College to continue delivering education built on the Core Values of Knowledge, Reverence, Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence. The Founding Members collectively committed to $1.2 million to launch this special initiative publicly on April 14, 2023, but their generosity will be appreciated for years to come.
The funds that are raised through the 1899 Society initiative will go directly toward a Mercy College of Health Sciences Strategic Capital Fund to support the campus master plan. By updating our facilities, amenities, and equipment, we are better able to provide a comprehensive, experience and skills-based curriculum for our students in order to prepare them to meet the growing demands of the ongoing current healthcare workforce crisis. At Mercy College, we pride ourselves on providing a quality healthcare education. Our graduates truly do transform society with the work they accomplish. As we reflect on our nearly 125-year history, we look forward to the future and invite you to join us in extending our legacy with a contribution to this special initiative.
1899 SOCIETY MEMBERS
Names denoted with an asterisk (*) are considered founding members of the 1899 Society.
| Giving Circle | Donor(s) |
|---|---|
| $250,000+ | Joyce and Terry Lillis* |
| $100,000 – $249,999 |
Steve and Melissa Chapman* Gayle and Robert Johnson* Don and Charlene Lamberti* |
| $50,000 – $99,999 |
Dan and Joanie Houston* Kathleen and Larry Zimpleman* |
| $25,000 – $49,999 |
Dr. Aneesa Afroze and Meraj Mohammed* Shanda and Dr. Hijinio Carreon* Shannon Cofield and Kirk Irwin* Dr. Barbara Quijano Decker and Larry Willis* Richard L. Deming, MD* Sara Drobnich* Dr. Adreain and Karen Henry* Pat McDermott* Chris and Linda Nelson* Michael and Dr. Jennifer Olson* Robyn and John Wilkinson* Mary and Suku Radia* Mary and Bob Ritz* Mary and Tom Sheldahl* Patricia Soff and Thomas Salsbery* Friend of Mercy College (Anonymous)* |
INTERESTED IN BECOMING
A MEMBER OF THE 1899 SOCIETY?
Contact Melanie Campbell
Vice President, Institutional Advancement,
Philanthropy, and Community Engagement
(515)-643-6609 | melanie.campbell@mchs.edu
