When Judy (Cunningham) Mahoney was considering returning to school for her master’s degree in nursing at Catholic University, she was apprehensive about enrolling in an advanced degree program since she had been away from the classroom for a few years. Late one day, as she stopped by the School of Nursing to submit her application, she encountered a faculty-administrator who offered to talk with her about the program. Dr. Elizabeth McFarlane (“Betty”) spoke with Judy, reviewed her application, and reassured her that she had everything it would take to not only get through the program but also to succeed in the next level of her nursing career.
Judy has had quite a rewarding career as a nurse practitioner (NP) since graduation in 1995. For many years she managed acutely ill patients with the hospitalist service at a major medical center in Washington, D.C. Early in her NP career, she recognized the value of care provided by NPs and was instrumental in the establishment of policies for the NP service which at the time was in its infancy stage(s). During her tenure at this medical institution, Judy served on a hospital-wide employee recognition program, participated in a NP-focused research project, conducted nursing education sessions, and enjoyed precepting NP students. Judy ventured out into the clinical consulting arena traveling around the United States for approximately 5 years visiting hospital clients where she exercised her clinical expertise and training nursing staff on software to appropriately capture the severity of illness. Currently, Judy is working as a nurse practitioner
While her career path and Betty’s have only crossed here and there over the years, when thinking about giving back to the school, Judy knew it had to be in honor of Betty. As the new Conway School of Nursing building started to take shape, she explored meaningful naming opportunities. She settled on the Student Services Suite which is where future generations of students will be counseled like she was by Betty.
Over the summer, Judy and Betty were brought together by Dean Marie Nolan to talk about her vision for the School and to ask them to join the Conway School of Nursing Board of Visitors. Both agreed to share their advice and wisdom with the School's leaders. As lunch was winding down, Judy shared the floor plans for the new building, and images of a plaque bearing the name, The Dr. Elizabeth McFarlane Student Services Suite. Betty was overwhelmed and honored by the surprise tribute, while Judy was filled with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. Both alumnae hope that this named space will inspire others to give back through their own time, talent and treasure.