Nancy Froelich exemplifies the Redbirds Rising campaign spirit through her lifelong commitment to giving back to her community. On Tuesday, February 19, 2019, family and ISU faculty and staff honored Froelich’s contributions to Illinois State University, just in time for the 100-year anniversary of Mennonite College of Nursing. “It is people like Nancy Froelich who keep the Redbird spirit alive. Her commitment to education has impacted the lives of many students through her scholarship, the William E. and Nancy Froelich Endowment for Long Term Care,” said President Larry Dietz.
The Redbirds Rising Campaign promotes three pillars of excellence that surround the ISU campus community: scholarship, leadership, and innovation. Froelich and her husband Bill created the William E. and Nancy Froelich Endowment for Long Term Care in 2003 to help students afford the cost of college while learning about the health and wellbeing of others through the Mennonite College of Nursing. The endowment also provides financial support for faculty research projects, advancing the field of healthcare as a whole.
As vice president of the Mennonite College of Nursing Board of Trustees from 1983-1990, and vice chair of the board from 1990-1991, Froelich proved her love for the nursing profession and helped expand the program to what it is today. Without people like Froelich volunteering for leadership positions, Illinois State University and the surrounding community wouldn’t be at the level of excellence that we see in present day.
As a constant supporter of Mennonite College of Nursing, Froelich has seen first-hand how the college has grown and reached new levels of excellence. Even with the transitions and growth Froelich has experienced over time, she is quick to point out that MCN has always been forward-thinking and impressive. “There have been many deans over the years, but no matter which dean is at the helm, Mennonite continues to flourish.”
At Froelich’s Mennonite College of Nursing honor reception, Dean Judy Neubrander described her gratitude for Froelich when she stated, “Nancy’s passion for excellent healthcare drew her to Mennonite College of Nursing, where she provided guidance to the College. Through her service and generosity, Nancy provided opportunities to so many nursing students that they will cherish forever, giving them additional motivation to excel in their studies and make a difference in the world. Her giving and compassionate nature has inspired a ripple effect, impacting not only Illinois State University, but also the surrounding community. For that, we are forever grateful for Nancy’s service and for her continuous support of Mennonite College of Nursing.”
For her contributions to both the Mennonite College of Nursing and the Bloomington-Normal community, President Dietz presented her with a personalized book, detailing her impact throughout the years. During the presentation, Dietz stated, “Thank you, Nancy, for your gracious efforts in supporting nursing students at Illinois State University.”
Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State is supported by donors like Froelich who are transforming the opportunities for students on the ISU campus. Through donations from Froelich and others, students are being given the gift of a higher education and the tools that are needed to enhance their learning. This $150 million campaign is the most ambitious in the University’s history and will contribute to Illinois State’s exceptional academic experience. To join thousands of donors making ISU a university on the rise, visit RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.edu.
