Nursing alumna shares why giving back matters 

BY MATT LARDIE

Duke University School of Nursing alumna Gail Parker, B.S.N.’78, a nurse family practitioner, established a $1 million scholarship to honor a mentor and former Duke professor.

Honoree Nancy Fugate Woods, a leading expert on women’s health, was a professor of nursing at Duke from 1972 to 1978 and is the former dean of the University of Washington nursing school, where she served until her retirement in 2017.

The Nancy Fugate Woods Endowed Scholarship, which will initially provide $300,000 to School of Nursing students and $700,000 through a planned gift, will provide vital support to School of Nursing students, said Michael V. Relf, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, Dean of the School.

“Gail embodies the very spirit of service that we strive to instill in our students, and this gift exemplifies how our faculty can make a difference in a student’s trajectory. This remarkable contribution will not only enhance our programs but also inspire future generations of nurses to make a profound impact in communities near and far.” — Michael V. Relf, Dean of Duke University School of Nursing

Woods was a leader in nursing and women’s health, credited with leading the charge of women’s health in nursing science. Her research has expanded understanding of women’s menstrual cycles and the transition to menopause.

Woods featured in an August 1977 edition of “Intercom,” a publication of Duke University Medical Center. Woods was working on a data-collection study of local pregnant women. 

For Parker, giving back to Duke in honor of Woods was an easy choice, she said. With her first contribution of $20 to the Florence K. Wilson Scholarship Fund in 1979, Parker has been a steadfast supporter of the School of Nursing. A diligent saver, Parker believes strongly in giving back out of gratitude for the opportunities she’s been given.

“Duke gave me an opportunity, an education, and helped me achieve my goal of becoming a nurse,” Parker said. “Having a Duke degree has opened a zillion doors for me, giving me opportunities that I am grateful for.”