Mark Bruce Swillinger has donated a $1.5 million gift to Florida Atlantic University's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing in memory of his late wife, Marilyn Lee Swillinger, to establish an endowed professorship in hospice and palliative care nursing.

Florida Atlantic University's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing has received a $1.5 million gift from Mark Bruce Swillinger in memory of his wife, Marilyn Lee Swillinger, to establish an endowed professorship in hospice and palliative care nursing. The Mark Bruce and Marilyn Lee Swillinger Endowed Professor will expose nursing students to specialized studies in hospice and palliative care throughout their nursing education. Additional gifts totaling $300,000 name the dean’s conference room for Marilyn Lee Swillinger, and the collaborative classroom for Mark and Marilyn together.

Marilyn Lee Swillinger, who passed away on Oct. 30, 2023, after a two-year battle with lung cancer, was especially passionate about supporting health care and the arts. She was a longtime member of the College of Nursing’s advisory board and supported other FAU colleges and departments, in addition to numerous other local charitable organizations.

“This is my opportunity to memorialize Marilyn and give back to the community, which has given so much to us,” said Mark Swillinger. “I can’t say enough about the treatment that hospice gave to Marilyn and me. It’s important not only to the people in need but also for everyone within our community.”

The Mark Bruce and Marilyn Lee Swillinger Endowed Professorship in Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing will provide support in perpetuity for a professor with expertise in hospice and palliative care who will direct the integration of this nursing specialty into the undergraduate curriculum that includes academics, simulation, clinical training, and preparation for certification in all levels in hospice and palliative care. This professor will also introduce students to this important specialty early in their academic careers and promote and prepare them for rewarding careers in hospice and palliative care.

“Our region faces critical shortages in nursing and health care, and this generous gift will have a lasting impact on the university and the communities we serve,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “Through their involvement and support over the years, Mark and Marilyn truly embraced Florida Atlantic as their hometown university. We are grateful that Mark chose to establish this meaningful legacy in memory of Marilyn in our College of Nursing.”

The need for hospice and palliative care is especially acute in Florida as more than 21% of state residents are age 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, a number expected to grow to 27% by 2030. And the overall need for nurses continues to be crucial. FAU’s College of Nursing will be the first in the region to offer such a program focused on hospice and palliative care.

“As a member of the College of Nursing’s first advisory board, Marilyn had a profound influence on the college, helping it grow to what it is today,” said Cameron Duncan, Ph.D., DNP, Holli Rockwell Trubinsky Eminent Dean of Nursing. “Hospice and palliative care are so important to the community, and so many lives are going to be impacted because of Mark’s generosity.”

-FAU-