The Missouri Valley College President Dr. Bonnie Humphrey has announced a $1 million gift from Don and Julie Julien that will serve as the lead gift for a new nursing and health sciences facility on Missouri Valley College’s campus.
The Juliens provided the primary funding for MVC’s DJ Rodeo Arena in August of 2014. They have given other generous gifts to the college including real estate and financial support for various projects.
Don Julien says, “It just makes us proud that we can be part of it. Julie’s dad came to town in 1962 and bought the John Deere dealership and I’m sure glad he did. The town has grown. Missouri College has really grown, bringing in students from all over the globe…they’re doing things right.”
According to a press release, Julie’s passion lies in the field of nursing. As a retired nurse, Julie hopes this gift provides a pathway for the nursing program to flourish and continue to add other health-related programs in the future.
Julie say, “It’s great to be able to give back what this town has given to us and I’m especially interested in the nursing program, being a retired nurse. I think it’s wonderful that it’s here and I think it’s wonderful for all the people I’ve seen graduate. It just makes me proud that this is a really good profession.”
Officials say the plans for the funding include building a 17,000 square foot facility on the northwest corner of the Missouri Valley campus. The building is designed to be used for not only nursing classes, but to also be available for health-related programs that will be developed in the future. Fitzgibbon Hospital currently provides a space houses the MVC School of Nursing.
Dr. Humprey also expressed that without great friends like the Julien’s, Missouri Valley College and other colleges like it would struggle to stay relevant.
Dr. Humphrey says, “This is a true testament to the legacy that Don and Julie Julien are leaving for Missouri Valley College and this community.”
Photo: Don and Julie Julien (Courtesy of Missouri Valley College)