To recognize distinguished alumna Mary Novak-Jandrey’s historic investment in interdisciplinary education and Wisconsin’s workforce development, the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh will rename its College of Nursing, Health Professions, and STEM in her honor as the Mary Novak-Jandrey College of Nursing, Health Professions, and STEM.

The investment reflects UWO alumni success and their commitment to the institution’s mission by establishing permanent endowments that support student success, interdisciplinary education, and long-term innovation across nursing, health professions, and STEM.

“This is a defining moment for UW–Oshkosh,” said Chancellor Manohar Singh. “Mary Novak-Jandrey’s extraordinary generosity strengthens our ability to prepare graduates who are ready to lead in complex, interconnected fields, while advancing interdisciplinary learning that augments opportunity for our students to make significant positive impact on communities we serve.”

The College was intentionally structured to bring together nursing, health professions, and STEM into a more integrated academic environment—one that reflects how today’s workforce operates and how students learn best through collaboration and applied experience.

This investment significantly strengthens that vision by providing sustained, long-term resources to expand interdisciplinary programs, enhance simulation and applied learning environments, and support innovation across disciplines.

The gift establishes two permanent endowments that will support student success, faculty and staff development, curriculum innovation, and teaching infrastructure, as well as interdisciplinary teaching and learning through shared simulation and collaborative education.

The endowments will be held and managed through the UW–Oshkosh Foundation, reflecting the strong and collaborative partnership between the University and the Foundation in advancing philanthropic impact and supporting long-term institutional priorities.

Seon Yoon Chung, dean of the College of Nursing, Health Professions, and STEM, said, “I am deeply grateful for the trust Mary Novak-Jandrey has placed in UW–Oshkosh and in the mission of this College. Her transformational support affirms our commitment to advancing student success, investing in faculty and staff, and strengthening interdisciplinary education across nursing, health professions, and STEM. This gift allows us to continue building innovative programs that prepare our graduates to lead, collaborate, and serve their communities.”

Mary Novak-Jandrey, a 1974 UW–Oshkosh nursing graduate and first-generation college student, built a distinguished career in healthcare leadership, consulting, and workforce strategy, with experience spanning healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, and organizational design.

“As a first generation student, I know how education can change a life. My career has shown me that real progress comes from lifelong learning and bringing health, science, and technology together around people. Building a College around health, science and technology is an innovative step for the future of education in Wisconsin. I’m honored to support a College that is forward-thinking and invests in collaboration, faculty, and—most importantly—students and their success.”, said Mary Novak-Jandrey.

The renaming is honorific and does not change the academic structure or governance of the College. The University anticipates an effective date of July 1, 2026, aligned with academic and fiscal planning cycles.