For the past six years, the Harman-Falkowski family has generously donated funding for the WVU School of Nursing Keyser Campus, providing a wealth of simulation equipment and other materials to enhance student learning.
Pat Harman and her daughter, Terry Falkowski, made their first contribution to the school in 2019. Falkowski previously worked as the science lab manager at WVU Potomac State College, and her husband, Dr. Henry Falkowski, was a chemistry professor until he passed away a few years ago.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of families like Pat and Terry who see the value of supporting nursing education,” said Dr. Tara Hulsey, WVU School of Nursing Dean and E. Jane Martin Endowed Professor. “Thanks to their generous gifts, our Keyser Campus students have had access to hands-on learning tools across the lifespan.”
In 2019, they provided a child skills manikin and trauma modules for pediatrics. The following year, they contributed baby dolls for maternal-infant care, as well as specialty and regular IV infusion pumps for all levels.
They donated funding for an arrythmia simulator for critical care, a fundus trainer for OB, and a skills trainer module for all levels in 2021. The next year, they provided health promotion and wellness materials for the nursing students’ capstone projects and their community course.
A “Friday Night at the ER game,” which supports critical care knowledge, was donated in 2023, along with CPR training manikins (both adult and infant) for all levels in 2023. And most recently, in 2024, the Harman-Falkowski provided an infant warmer for maternal-infant care.
In all, their contributions have totaled nearly $20,000, which has tremendously supported hands-on learning for Keyser Campus nursing students.
“The Harman-Falkowski family have been so generous in their support of our nursing students and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program,” said Dr. April Shapiro, Keyser Campus Chair. “We cannot thank them enough for the learning opportunities their donations have provided, from enhancing students' specialty care skills in pediatrics, obstetrics, and critical care, to promoting their understanding of the importance of nursing's role in supporting health within communities.”
Donations like the ones from the Harman-Falkowski family are awarded via the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
If you are interested in making a donation to this or any other program at the WVU School of Nursing, please contact Dr. Kimberly Colebank, Development Director, at kcolebank@wvuf.org or 304-554-0237.