GIFTS AT WORK: Teresa Conlon Wehrwein and Paul Wehrwein

Dr. Teresa Conlon Wehrwein (CON BSN ‘72) and Paul Wehrwein (SS BS ‘70) and the couple’s son, Eric Wehrwein (BUS BA ‘01, AL BA ‘01) are rooted in Spartan pride with two generations of graduates from Michigan State University. Valued members of the university’s Hannah Society, the couple has a profound appreciation for the academic preparation they received from MSU and exhibit it through their giving to the College of Nursing.

Teresa Conlon Wehrwein received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Michigan State University, and went on to earn a master’s and doctorate from Wayne State University. Dr. Wehrwein has held a variety of academic and administrative positions throughout her career. She served as Director of the Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing until 1996, and then went on to work as Director for Practice and Education with the Henry Ford Health System Center for Academic Nursing. Before returning to Michigan State University, she served as the Administrative Director of Nursing Development at Henry Ford Health System. In 2001, Teresa joined the college as a faculty member and Director of Faculty Practice. Today, she is currently serving the college in the capacities of Assistant Dean for Professional Partnerships and Faculty Practice, Associate Professor and the Acting Director for the Master’s Program.

Paul Wehrwein graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the School of Social Science and went on to earn a master’s degree from Central Michigan University. He has enjoyed a long career in labor relations that spans 36 years at General Motors Corporation.

When determining how to make a lasting gift to the university the couple was concerned about the growing nursing shortage in Michigan and beyond, and wanted to help make a positive impact. Established in 2006, the Conlon Wehrwein Endowed Scholarship for Graduate Students is given to prospective or matriculating students planning a career in nursing education. Preference for this award is given to highly motivated candidates who have demonstrated financial need and are in good academic standing with a minimum 3.5 grade point average.

“Receiving this scholarship has been one of the highlights of my varied academic career,” said Shelley Lee, 2007 recipient of this award. “Having had a successful experience with distance education at Graceland University, I turned to Michigan State University to fulfill my dream of becoming a Professor of Nursing. Receiving the Conlon Wehrwein Endowed Scholarship allowed me to begin to consider an even larger dream of making a broader impact in the nursing academic community.” As a recent May 2008 graduate, Shelley will explore her options in the profession and plans to fulfill her aspiration of becoming a Nursing Professor.

Teresa and Paul continue to make a difference.