A generous gift from George and Carroll Dunn and their family is helping address the national nursing shortage while strengthening patient care at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. Friends of The Catholic University of America and its Conway School of Nursing, the Dunn family has provided support for undergraduate nursing students preparing to practice at Sibley after graduation.

The innovative initiative offers a local solution to a nationwide challenge by supporting five undergraduate nursing students—now known as Dunn Scholars—as they complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the Conway School of Nursing. In return for this support, the students commit to practicing at Sibley Memorial Hospital following graduation, helping ensure a pipeline of well-prepared, mission-driven nurses for the hospital.

Recognizing that the nursing shortage was affecting their favorite hospital’s ability to recruit and retain top nursing talent, Mr. and Mrs. Dunn turned to their preferred nursing school to make a meaningful impact. Their investment supports students whose education is grounded in the Catholic faith and who are committed to caring for each patient and family entrusted to them as a child of God. 

Throughout their sophomore, junior, and senior years, Dunn Scholars will participate in a range of professional activities at Sibley, including Nurses Week celebrations, special lectures, and other engagement opportunities. These experiences allow students to build strong professional relationships, gain early exposure to the hospital environment, and accelerate their career development well before graduation.

The program is led by Dr. Mary Dixon, who oversees its implementation and ensures that students receive both the academic preparation and professional formation needed to succeed as compassionate and capable nurse leaders.

Through the Dunn family’s generosity, the Conway School of Nursing continues its mission to educate nurses of excellence, faith, and service—while directly responding to critical workforce needs in the local healthcare community.