Empowering rural caregivers

Kathy Cain enjoyed helping people in her community through her nursing career. So when she and her husband Mike contemplated a planned gift to Marquette, Kathy knew she wanted to keep helping people—by supporting future local caregivers for years to come.

Through their estate gift, Kathy and Mike established a scholarship focused specifically for nursing students coming from rural areas. The hope is that those students return home to their local communities after graduating.

“There is such a need for rural caregivers,” Kathy says. “Marquette has a great program, and we wanted to help students access that while empowering them to address the future nursing shortage.”

As an alumna, Kathy knows first-hand the values and impact of a Marquette nurse. “The number of people and lives I influenced in a positive manner speaks highly to a career in nursing,” she says, reflecting on the path that led her through many nursing roles—including director of Coronary Care and Cardiac/Medical Services for a health system.

Mike also reflects fondly on Marquette from his time working in the university’s buildings and grounds. “Even though he wasn’t a student, he has a lot of great stories,” Kathy jokes. “We have been very fortunate, and we wanted to give back. Without Marquette, who knows where we might be today.”

Offering others that same opportunity is a legacy Kathy is excited to pass down. “My father insisted that his children pursue excellent education. I was so blessed to have his support and financial assistance,” she explains. “Mike and I want to pay it forward for others and let them know this dream is within reach.”

After all, she says, once someone becomes an RN, the possibilities are endless.