Binghamton education provides many firsts
Donors give students opportunities to succeed
For Vivian Lee ’18, a Binghamton University education has resulted in
many unforgettable milestones.
“I’m a first-generation Chinese-American, and I’m the first in my family to graduate from college. I’m the first nurse in my family, as well,” says Lee, who has three siblings. “My mom’s a single mom, so it was really tough growing up. I just wanted to make my mom proud, take care of her and support my family.”
She thanks donors for their support of her education and future. Donors to the Binghamton Fund for the Decker School of Nursing supported a research grant that advanced Lee’s work on tobacco-use cessation at Binghamton, which included focus groups, a new video for a student educational module and travel to a nursing research conference. Donors to the Rose Klucka Memorial Nursing Scholarship fueled her interest in pediatric nursing.
“I’ve always had a passion for taking care of people,” she says. “Pediatrics is something
I will hold close to my heart. But I’m open to any specialty, wherever life takes
me. I’m really excited that nursing has so many options.”
Since graduation, Lee has been working part time at a nursing home while she awaits
opportunities to work as a registered nurse at a hospital. Eventually, she plans to
pursue her master’s degree and possibly a doctorate to advance her education and career.
“A Binghamton degree will help me a lot, anywhere I go,” Lee says. “The scholarship gave me the support I needed to become one step closer in my career path. Without scholarship donors willing to support educational endeavors, students such as myself would be unable to pursue nursing school or even college in general.”
About the Klucka scholarship
Rose Klucka dreamed of becoming a nurse, but her financial circumstances stood in the way. She worked in healthcare anyway — for more than 40 years — as an assistant for pediatrician Dr. Israel J. Rosefsky, LHD ’97.
After Klucka died in 2011 at age 83, her family and friends founded the Rose Klucka Memorial Nursing Scholarship to honor her and her dedication to nursing, and to give students with similar aspirations the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.
Established in 2012, the scholarship is awarded to Decker undergraduate nursing students with demonstrated academic merit. Preference is given to students who are interested in pediatrics.
Supporting excellence
Donors who give to the Binghamton Fund for Excellence support the greatest and most pressing needs of the University. Gifts to this general account provide the margin of excellence that enables Binghamton to advance as a premier university.
By giving to the Binghamton Fund for Excellence, you provide campus leaders with essential resources to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. You give students and faculty what they need to excel. Learn more.
