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Nursing faculty member finds joy in giving back to University and community

Among education, medical, non-profit and civic groups in Lafayette, Dr. Mary Neiheisel is a name familiar to many.

She's renowned not only for her teaching and nursing expertise, but for her generosity on all levels - her volunteer efforts, community service, contributions to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Whether through scholarships, student support funds, or the bequest in her will, Neiheisel's commitment to helping others at the University is noteworthy.

Her parents, Glen and Janie Brown, instilled the importance of education and giving back. "They lived through the Great Depression and a world war, and it interfered with the progress of their education," Neiheisel recalls. "They emphasized that their children were going to have an education and did everything they could so we could attain one."

Their lessons also translated into generosity within her family and community. Her hometown of Stockdale, Texas, offered a constant exchange of community members helping each other. She felt the same way about Lafayette after moving here in 1966, and she appreciated seeing the increase in University support through the decades.

That investment in the University showed her the potential for its impact, and she was joined in her commitment to education and generosity by her late husband and history faculty member, Richard Neiheisel. He had been teaching at the University when she started and was a mentor as she settled into her role as nursing faculty.

After he passed away in 1987, she wanted to honor him and what he had done for education. She did so with the Richard Neiheisel Phi Beta Kappa Graduate Award, which was initiated by her husband at the chapter level, the Richard G. Neiheisel/BORSF Endowed Professorship in History, and graduate student dissertation awards bearing both their names. These, along with her other contributions across campus, have supported numerous students and programs over the years.

In addition to her ongoing generosity, Neiheisel has included a bequest in her estate to support the Richard G. and Mary B. Neiheisel Endowed Fund, which will help nursing students in perpetuity.

Neiheisel describes her giving as "in a way, paying it back by paying it forward." She was the recipient of scholarships after graduating as valedictorian of her high school, and her professorship support allows her to travel to conferences and learn from others. It also lends credibility for her role to those outside the University, and her increased participation in all community events leads to broader aspects and perspectives in the classroom.

Her generosity has also inspired a former student to support by creating the Dr. Mary B. Neiheisel Endowed Graduate Scholarship in Nursing; realizing the difference she made in her students' lives has refueled her passion for giving back.

Neiheisel knows firsthand how hard-working the students and faculty are and loves seeing the impact even smaller gifts can make. "Even when I couldn't afford to give, it was always in the back of my mind," she says. "Start small; do what you can."

It brings her joy to give back, and the same can happen for others.