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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Ron and Kathy Assaf Renaming of College of Nursing
More than 20 years ago, the official dates of May 6 – 12 were declared to honor and observe “National Nurses’ Week,” recognizing the valiant efforts of nurses every day across the country. South Florida philanthropists Ron and Kathy Assaf agree nurses deserve admiration for their hard work. To show how they value the noble profession, the couple has made a gift to Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and the university will officially rename its College of Nursing as the Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing.
The naming ceremony will take place at noon Friday, May 11, at the Terry Building on the university’s campus, 3200 S. University Drive, Davie.
Recently stepping down after 13 years as NSU Board Chairman, Ron Assaf, and his wife, Kathy, have a long-standing commitment to the university and Mr. Assaf will remain on the board. This gift will support scholarships for nursing students, provide faculty research support and bolster community service.
Ron and Kathy Assaf
“Kathy and I are thankful that we can do our part to help provide exceptionally qualified nurses to meet the growing needs of communities. We were motivated to support a program that will improve the well-being of so many people,” said Mr. Assaf. “We have been involved with NSU for many years and appreciate the value of this university. We hope our commitment inspires others to join us in supporting NSU.”
In the past, the couple made donations that benefitted NSU undergraduate students, the Mailman Segal Center and research on myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) research in the NSU Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. They are members of NSU’s Sharks Circle, which recognizes philanthropists who have given $1 million or more to the university. In 2012, NSU also acknowledged the Assafs’ commitment to the well-being of the entire South Florida community by honoring them with the prestigious NSU President’s Community Service Award.
“Ron and Kathy’s contributions to NSU – both in time and philanthropy – are immeasurable,” said NSU President Dr. George L. Hanbury. “We are proud to have their highly respected name forever associated with our College of Nursing.”
NSU bachelor of nursing students and Marcie Rutherford (second from left), dean of the Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing. The caps the students are wearing are historic, dating back to the 1930s – in honor of Nurses’ Week (nurse caps courtesy of Health Museum of the Health Professions Division, Nova Southeastern University)
The dedication of NSU’s Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing marks the end of an era for the university. Ron Assaf joined the NSU Board of Trustees on July 1, 1994. He served as Chairman of both the Executive and Finance committees before becoming Chairman of the Board on May 20, 2005. He officially stepped down as chairman on May 4, 2018 and will remain on the board.
“The university has made numerous significant advances under Ron’s direction as board chairman,” said President Hanbury. “It has been a pleasure and an honor working with him.”
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