Suffolk County Community College renames nursing school in honor of Jane F....

Suffolk County Community College renames nursing school in honor of Jane F. Shearer

Suffolk County Community College has announced the renaming of its nursing school to the Jane F. Shearer School of Nursing, honoring the memory of Jane F. Shearer, who dedicated over 30 years of exemplary service to the college. Jane, who served as the Eastern Campus Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and President of the Guild of Administrative Officers, passed away from cancer in 2019.

Jane long appreciated the vital role that nurses play both locally and globally. Upon her passing, her generous and loving family chose to endow a scholarship to support nursing students in perpetuity at the college. To further their commitment, the family subsequently decided to share her name in memoriam by establishing the Jane F. Shearer School of Nursing at Suffolk County Community College.

“Naming an academic program or campus space for an individual or an organization is a meaningful way to signify a valued connection between the namesake and the college” said Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College. “Jane’s passion for education and her unwavering support for our students will continue to inspire future generations of nursing leaders. The college community is grateful to the entire Shearer and Vidovich families.”

“Suffolk meant so much to Jane, and Jane meant so much to so many people,” said John Vidovich, Jane’s brother. “This naming gift will further Jane’s legacy and help to foster future generations of nursing students.”

The college’s Foundation recently hosted the First Annual Jane F. Shearer School of Nursing Luncheon at the Watermill in Smithtown. During the program, the family announced that proceeds from the event will help defray the costs associated with paying for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), which is needed in order to become a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) in New York. Many nursing students at Suffolk County Community College often balance multiple jobs to manage tuition costs, and this final exam fee poses a significant financial hurdle.

Honorary luncheon chair, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, stated that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. “Jane’s family has made a remarkable gift that will ensure the quality of healthcare being delivered across Suffolk County will always be of the highest quality. Ongoing excellence in the education of tomorrow’s nurse leaders is assured through this gift.

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The Practical Nurse Program at Suffolk County Community College is located at the East campus in Riverhead.

The Associate Degree Program in Nursing at Suffolk County Community College is available at the Ammerman campus located in Selden and the Michael J. Grant campus located in Brentwood.