Valparaiso University hosted a presentation upon receiving $1 million in federal funding at LeBien Hall on Monday, February 12. The funding comes from federal appropriations secured by Congressman Frank J. Mrvan, United States Representative for the First Congressional District of Indiana.
The university will utilize these funds for its College of Nursing and Health Professions. Valparaiso University President José D. Padilla, J.D., illustrates the ways they plan to invest and benefit the college.
“This funding will help us obtain simulation lab equipment,” Padilla said. “It’s going to make for much better health care providers. We want to ensure that our students are as capable and qualified as possible.”
Padilla notes that while this funding is a springboard for the future of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, there are some more plans in place for Valparaiso University. He mentioned a strategic plan to create a new building for these professionals and his desire for an active medical practice on the first floor.
Assistant Dean Lynette Rayman, DNP, RN, CNE, detailed how the funding will serve to improve the quality of the environment in classes and spaces on campus.
“The federal funding allocated will also contribute to upgrading and updating the classroom learning spaces to include better seating and smart boards,” Rayman said. “It will also provide funding for updating the lobby of the building, as this is used for stipulated simulations such as homelessness and disasters.
Valparaiso University shares its appreciation for the funding from Representative Mrvan. Gail Kost, MSN, RN, clinical assistant professor, and director of the virtual learning center, shares how this funding will have an instantaneous effect on the university.
“The impact of this allocation extends beyond our immediate College of Nursing and Health Professions community,” Kost said. “ This investment is going to enhance our students' readiness for graduation and in the workforce. We have a grateful heart for this gift.”
Eleanor Schuler and Mariya O’Grady, students in the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Valparaiso University, are confident that this funding will have an equally significant impact on students.
“This allocation will allow our education to focus on the latest advancements in healthcare practices,” Schuler said. “We’ll be able to take unknown situations like our patient coding and it will make us better prepared to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape. The allocation is an investment in us as students at Valparaiso University. I look forward to the opportunities that we will have as we set out on our mission to make the world a better place.”
O’Grady is ecstatic at how these opportunities will help her as she embarks on her journey to make the world a better place, especially with simulations.
“It’s a game changer for us,” O’Grady said. “During my sophomore year, I was more nervous walking into my first simulation center than on my first nursing skills test. It quickly became clear to me that this is a place to make mistakes, ask questions, and further develop our skills. It’s a place where instructors want to see us grow and succeed.”
As Valparaiso University celebrated this success for the College of Nursing and Health Professions, Representative Mrvan was glad to see the smiles it put on the faces of all the staff and students in attendance for the program.
“My role is to make sure that we’re providing these projects funded by the community to make this a better place,” Mrvan said. “It is a proud moment for all of us that we were able to come together for this opportunity. Everyone is winning because we’re working together to make Northwest Indiana stronger.”
For more information on Valparaiso University, you can visit their website.
