The University of Connecticut (UConn) has announced a $40 million gift for its school of nursing was given by alumna Elisabeth DeLuca (’69).

The largest gift in the university’s history will provide scholarships and programmatic support for a dynamic nursing education that includes patient-centered practice, interdisciplinary research, and technology-based innovations. It also will support the construction of a state-of-the-art facility for the School of Nursing in Storrs. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2024 and finish in time for the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

“The new UConn School of Nursing building is an example of what is possible when state and philanthropic support come together. I am deeply grateful to Elisabeth DeLuca for her vision and generosity in making this transformative gift, and to Governor Ned Lamont, legislators, and the state Office of Policy and Management for their support,” said UConn president Radenka Maric. “When Elisabeth sees a need at her alma mater, she steps forward....This gift allows the UConn School of Nursing to build on its history of educating highly skilled nurses who will lead and innovate, addressing the nursing shortage while also driving impactful change in health care.”

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