A $1 million gift from the family of Nancy Haggerty establishes an endowed nursing scholarship at Viterbo University, honoring the life and legacy of the Viterbo alumna whose compassion, service, and dedication to others continue to inspire future generations of nurses.

The family of Nancy Haggerty has gifted $1 million to Viterbo University to establish an endowed nursing scholarship honoring her life and legacy as a compassionate nurse and dedicated servant to others.

The Nancy Poehling Haggerty Memorial Nursing Scholarship will provide $50,000 annually to student recipients pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Viterbo University.

“We are deeply grateful for the Haggerty family’s generosity in creating this scholarship,” said Viterbo University President Rick Trietley. “As a proud alumna, Nancy embodied Viterbo’s core values, providing comfort and care to countless patients and families. This scholarship ensures her legacy will continue through future generations of nurses.”

Nancy Haggerty earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Viterbo in 1974 and later completed a master’s degree in public health at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. Her career included work in operating rooms, intensive care units, public health clinics, and student health services. In retirement, she volunteered at St. Clare Health Mission.

“The Nancy Poehling Haggerty Memorial Nursing Scholarship represents a profound investment in the future of compassionate, skilled health care,” said Megan Smith, dean of the College of Nursing and Health at Viterbo University. “By reducing financial barriers, this scholarship empowers future nurses to focus on their calling while carrying forward Viterbo’s mission.”