John and Shirley Reaburn (Photo provided by Georgian College)
A Bruce County couple is supporting Georgian College’s new nursing program with a $100,000 pledge.
Following attending the event, The Rounds, hosted by the college in December 2021, Shirley and John Reaburn chose to support the Frontline Support: Health-care Heroes Closer to Home campaign.
John grew up in Chesley and spent most of his 85 years living in the area.
“It’s the right thing to do. We like the idea of bringing a nursing degree to the Owen Sound area after all these years,” says John.
John adds how impressed both he and his wife were about the realism of the new simulation manikins the students will be using, and the nursing expertise and passion of the faculty.
The new Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing degree at both the Owen Sound and Barrie campuses was announced by the Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop in the fall of 2021. The program will be kicking off with its inaugural class starting this September.
Georgian College President and CEO Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes says they are so grateful for individuals like John and Shirley, who have taken the time to learn about the program and have invested in the well-being of the community.
“With the leadership of our local volunteer advisory group, we have seen the community rally behind our efforts in a most significant way. New gifts are accelerating our ability to renew our facilities and equipment, transform technology and foster student success for the new generation of nurses. It’s inspiring,” says West-Moynes.
In preparation for the new program at the Owen Sound campus, the college is purchasing cutting-edge equipment and will transform over 10,000 square feet to create a state-of-the-art nursing and wellness wing.
Shirley says they have been good users of the local health system in the last year, and it is one of the reasons they wanted to support the new program.
“I think if you train them here, they’re more likely to stay here,” says Shirley. “If they go away to train, they’re liable to get hired down there somewhere.”