Sharing in the name reveal ceremony were: BSN Program Chair April Shapiro; BSN Instructor Linda Shroyer; Chemistry Lecturer Theresa Falkowski; Philanthropist Patricia Harman (Falkowski’s mother); and Program Assistant Rachel Raschella.
A name reveal ceremony was recently held for the new child manikin in the nursing wing skills lab at West Virginia University School of Nursing: Potomac State College. The name Jesse Lynn Falkowski was chosen by lecturer Theresa Falkowski, and was purchased by Falkowski and her mother, Patricia Harman, in memory of Falkowski’s late husband, Henry, who served as a professor in the Chemistry Department at the College for 41 years.
Also influencing their gift to the College is the fact that Henry’s sister served as a nurse at the VA Hospital for many years. Falkowski had a great aunt who served as a nurse during WWII as well.
“Henry taught Chemistry 111 (and at times Chemistry 112) to nursing students for the entire time he was here. In addition to honoring Henry, my mother and I wanted the students in the program to have access to something important to their overall training that the school didn't have, so when BSN Program Chair April Shapiro suggested the pediatric manikin, we made it happen. We also love that it’s supporting a new program at the College that’s vital to improving healthcare in the state,” said Falkowski.
Not only did Terry and her mother supply the child manikin, they purchased wound modules as well that will allow students to learn about trauma-related injuries and care. The manikin’s gender can also be suited to the teaching-learning scenario, which is why a gender-neutral name was chosen.
“The nursing department is extremely appreciative of the generosity of this gift from the Falkowski and Harman families, and the opportunities it will provide the BSN students in their pediatric nursing education,” stated Shapiro.