Susan Slaninka ’69

Dr. Susan C. Slaninka has always sought to make a difference in the lives of others.

As a student at the Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Susan and her college roommates became part of the “Villanova family” and have remained lifelong friends. After graduation, her first jobs were as a visiting nurse in Delaware County and later as a staff and charge nurse in a small community hospital in Phoenixville. After six years in clinical practice, Susan knew that she wanted to teach and was admitted to the University of Pennsylvania for her MSN, where she focused her studies as a clinical nurse specialist in oncology and a nurse educator. She was hired at West Chester University after graduation where she taught for 30 years, serving as chairperson of the Department of Nursing for eight years.

After leaving West Chester, Dr. Louise Fitzpatrick, longtime dean of the College of Nursing, approached her with an offer to return to Villanova to teach.

“It was full circle for me,” Susan said. “Talk about a gift—I’ve been here since 2005. This is my 13th year here, and there is no question I feel very blessed.

“Most of my career has been in the academic setting, so I’ve always had a huge commitment to nursing students,” Susan continued. “I like having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients through educating nursing students.”

Already leaving her mark on hundreds of nurses that studied under her, Susan wanted to do more to give back. When discussing why she chose to give to Villanova, she cites the University’s impact and legacy. “It has been my experience that students come here because they have a passion for service to their patients, to the community and to the world.”

Susan decided to set up a charitable gift annuity, which allows her to receive income for life and a tax deduction. One day the remainder of the annuity will come back to support Villanova. Susan also wanted to see immediate impact from her giving, so she set up a multi-year cash pledge that would help Villanova students in the present. She established two scholarships for doctoral students, and a need-based undergraduate award designated for international service trips.

Susan points out that it is expensive to attend Villanova and that she has met many PhD students that are balancing career, family and school. “It’s not easy to do that without a little assistance,” she said.

Her giving back to Villanova allows her to continue to make a difference in the lives of others, and helps promote those values in students.

If you would like to learn how you can make a gift to Villanova, please contact Tim McKinley at 215-240-0812 or timothy.mckinley@villanova.edu.