The Foundation for a Solid Career

Susan O'Conner-Von '76

Since she was a little girl growing up near Riverside, Iowa, Susan O'Conner-Von '76 wanted to be a nurse. Her compassion, caring and hard-working nature—along with inspiration from her Aunt Mildred who practiced nursing in World War II—provided her with a desire to go into nursing and help others in need. By the time she was a senior in high school, the question was not whether she'd be a nurse, but where she would receive her nursing education.

"I first explored attending the Mercy School of Nursing in Iowa City," she recalls. Upon seeking admission to the Mercy School of Nursing, she was informed that the program was closing. Although disappointed, she decided to visit Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids as it was highly recommended by the Sisters of Mercy at the Mercy School of Nursing.

Her disappointment quickly turned into excitement as she was accepted to Mount Mercy to study nursing, earning her nursing degree in 1976. Looking back on this time in her life, Susan recalls that, "the wisdom and vision of the Sisters of Mercy paid off, as the bachelor's degree was the educational foundation I needed to start my career!"

Armed with an exceptional education from Mount Mercy, Susan embarked on a career spanning over four decades and earned numerous awards and accolades along the way. She credits her undergraduate faculty for cultivating a passion for lifelong learning, which led her to attain a Master of Science in nursing degree from the University of Minnesota and a PhD in Nursing from Rush University, Chicago.

Susan is currently professor of nursing at the University of Minnesota, and her research is focused on pediatric pain management, palliative care and preparation for surgery. As the successful recipient of grant funding, she has developed and tested a web-based program called "Coping with Cancer" to help prepare adolescents for cancer treatment.

Her work has been celebrated through the Excellence in Pediatric Nursing Award, a Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse of the Year Award and the Mount Mercy University Alumni Distinguished Service Award and she was inducted into the University of Minnesota Academy of Distinguished Teachers in 2018. Through her many achievements, Susan recognizes the impact Mount Mercy had on her life, stating:

"Mount Mercy University might be considered a small university, but it is BIG on the return on investment in personal and professional growth. Students receive a first-class education and have the opportunity to learn from excellent faculty who really get to know each student, their learning needs and professional goals."

Susan has responded enthusiastically to opportunities to assist her alma mater, including serving on the Alumni Board since 2011. She and her husband faithfully support the Mount Mercy Fund and special projects that resonate with them. Reflecting on the value of her Mount Mercy experience, Susan also chose to name Mount Mercy as beneficiary of her retirement fund—to help others receive the same exceptional experience she did. She is extremely proud of her alma mater and believes that the most important work being done at Mount Mercy is "the investment of time and talent in our current and future leaders through a strong focus on values and living the Mount Mercy Mission."

Through her planned gift to Mount Mercy, Susan is doing her part to ensure that the legacy of academic excellence and compassionate service left by the Sisters of Mercy will continue for generations to come. "I continue to support MMU because of the incredible opportunities my Mount Mercy education has provided for me—it truly transformed my life. I hope my estate gift will serve as an enduring investment in the future of MMU Nursing."

If you have interest in impacting others through education, contact Lonna Drewelow at ldrewelow@mtmercy.edu or 319-286-4408 to explore how you can maximize your charitable giving through Mount Mercy University. Build your legacy and support what matters most to you and your family.