During their careers, UNCG faculty work to change lives in the classroom. School of Nursing clinical nurse professor Mary Jo Helfers, who passed away in 2023, has continued to make an impact through her legacy.
The Mary Jo Helfers Endowed Scholarship in the School of Nursing was established in 2013. It honored the memory of Helfers’ great aunt, Erma Todd Walsh, who served in the United States Army as a nurse in World War I. Now, an estate gift will increase the fund’s endowment, making it possible to help even more Spartan students.
Helfers’ sister, Pam Riss, says her sister’s scholarship helps to change the world. “There’s no more important humanitarian field for our young people to pursue. Nurses must be caring, giving, and committed to the long hours required to attend to patients who look to them for their optimum recovery.”
That dedication to the well-being of others was key to Mary Jo Helfers’ career.
Her professional experience included critical care nursing, American Red Cross service, and time as a faculty member at UNCG. She also reached beyond the classroom. In 1998, she helped launch the Disaster Nurse Volunteer Program in conjunction with the American Red Cross. The program prepared nurses to help natural disaster victims cope with tragic events. In 1999, she received the Jane Delano Award from the American Red Cross in recognition of this work. During her time at UNCG, she received the Gladys Strawn Bullard Award for Service and served on the Students First Nursing committee.
The ongoing impact of Helfers’ example is profound, says School of Nursing Dean Debra Barksdale. “Faculty who give become role models and inspire confidence in alumni, donors, and the broader community. At UNCG and in the School of Nursing, it reinforces our shared commitment to student success and excellence.”
To date, 16 students have benefited from the fund, and, with new support, many more will benefit in coming years. Past recipients of the Mary Jo Helfers Endowed Scholarship are now contributing to their field through careers as registered nurses, family nurse practitioners, and more. Scholarships played a role in making their success a reality.
“Many of our students are working multiple jobs and balancing family responsibilities while pursuing rigorous coursework,” says Barksdale. “Scholarships ease this burden, allowing students to focus more fully on their studies, clinical training, and professional development.”
Barksdale added, “By lessening financial stress, scholarships support academic achievement, timely graduation, and entry into meaningful nursing careers. We are grateful for the generosity that Mary Jo Helfers has shown to the School of Nursing and our students.”
This gift was part of UNCG’s Light the Way: The Campaign for Earned Achievement, which raised more than $200 million to increase access, elevate academic excellence, and enhance the tremendous impact of UNCG’s programs. Visit lighttheway.uncg.edu for additional information.
