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Thomas More University dedicates new nursing skills lab named to honor legacy of nurse Kathleen McLane


Thomas More has officially named a nursing skills lab located at the Center for Health Sciences — in partnership with St. Elizabeth Healthcare — the “Kathleen McLane Nursing Skills Lab” after the late Kathleen McLane, a devoted nurse who served the Northern Kentucky and greater Cincinnati community.

The dedication of the lab was possible due to a gift from Mary (McLane) ’73 and S. Frank ’73 Fritsch, sister and brother-in-law of the late Kathleen McLane, to the University’s Second Century Capital Campaign – It’s Time for More.

From left to right: S. Frank Fritsch ’73, Mary (McLane) Fritsch ’73, Lisa Spangler, Ph.D., chair of the Thomas More School of Nursing, Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D., president of Thomas More University, and Joe Christensen, Ph.D., dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences.(Photo from TMU)

“Kathy was a dedicated, loving, and kind nurse who was always there for her patients, her colleagues, her friends, and her family,” Mary Fritsch said of her sister. “She was a true caregiver in every way. She’s remembered for her humble spirit.”

McLane was born and raised in Northern Kentucky. After graduating from St. Thomas High School, she went on to work as a nurse at the University of Cincinnati until her sudden, accidental death in 1982. Through the Kathleen McLane Nursing Skills Lab her legacy will live on, making an impact on the region’s future nurses.

“We honor Kathy, a dedicated nurse who sought to serve others, a mission of Thomas More University, and what the nursing profession is all about,” said Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D., president of Thomas More University. “Mary and Frank’s gift honors Kathy’s memory and has allowed us to purchase much needed equipment for the Nursing Skills Lab that will continue to benefit students at Thomas More University for years to come.”

The dedication ceremony was held on what would have been McLane’s 70th birthday, July 30. The dedication started with a Mass held at the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel on Thomas More University’s campus. Tours of campus were offered to visitors prior to the official dedication ceremony and reception.

Thomas More launched the public phase of the Second Century Capital Campaign – It’s Time for More in fall of 2021, setting benchmarks that positioned the effort as the most ambitious fundraising campaign in University history. The campaign seeks to support the goals of the five-year Strategic Plan – Lighting the Way with a focus to accelerate campus investments, solidify new financial partnerships, and institute innovative academic opportunities with the ultimate vision of elevating Thomas More University’s visibility and stature in the global community as the region’s premier Catholic university.

For more information about Thomas More University, visit www.thomasmore.edu.

Thomas More University


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