Bill Conway honored in memorial of his late wife, Joanne Conway.
October 18, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 18, 2025 — The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) has named William “Bill” Conway Jr. and Joanne Barkett Conway (in memoriam) as 2025 Honorary Fellows, recognizing their extraordinary and sustained contributions to advancing the nursing profession through visionary philanthropy and leadership. The honor was conferred during the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, held October 16–18, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The Conways, founders of the Bedford Falls Foundation, have made a transformative, lasting impact on the nursing profession through their dedicated investment in nursing education. Their mission to strengthen the nursing workforce has supported more than 45 nursing schools across the nation — including The Catholic University of America’s Conway School of Nursing — ensuring that future nurses can pursue their calling without the burden of financial barriers.
Motivated by compassion and a deep respect for the profession, the Conways’ philanthropic journey began when Joanne Conway met a waitress working to pay her way through nursing school. That encounter sparked a lifelong commitment to help aspiring nurses achieve their dreams and to elevate the profession’s reach and impact.
Through the Bedford Falls Foundation and the Bedford Falls Foundation–DAF, the Conways launched a $1 billion philanthropic initiative to address the nursing shortage and expand opportunities in education, faculty development, and community health. Their efforts have empowered thousands of nursing students — many of whom now serve in public health departments, community clinics, and underserved care settings — embodying the belief that “all people are worthy of compassion and care.”
Bill Conway honored in memorial of his late wife, Joanne Conway.
Their leadership also includes the creation of the Center for Future Faculty, a collaborative initiative among Washington, D.C.–area universities that prepares the next generation of nurse educators for academic leadership.
“The Conways’ generosity and unwavering commitment to nursing have transformed the landscape of nursing education,” said Dr. Marie Nolan, Dean of the Conway School of Nursing. “Their legacy ensures that the next generation of nurses will continue to serve with skill, compassion, and faith-driven purpose.”
During the 2025 Induction Ceremony, Mr. Conway reflected on the couple’s lifelong dedication to service, stating:
“I do this because I want to help people. I’m going to let my actions do the talking — thank you very much for this honor.”
The Academy praised the Conways’ enduring contributions, emphasizing their profound influence on healthcare through philanthropy, education, and leadership development. Their work continues to inspire the profession and strengthen its humanistic foundation.