President of MSU Nursing Alumni Documents Gift upon Retirement from Board
Sharon Buursma (CON BSN ’65) defines distinction in a way that is infectious. She moves you to give back, to make a difference through your talents, and to support the causes that are dear to you so others can benefit.
After five years of dedicated service to the College, Buursma is stepping down as President of the MSU Alumni Association. On June 7, 2012 she passed the gavel to incoming Board President, Judith Fouladbakhsh (CON PhD ’06).
“The College of Nursing Alumni Board has realized great accomplishments under Sharon’s leadership,” said Dean Mundt. “With Sharon’s guidance, one hundred percent of the Alumni Board gave to the new Bott Building for Nursing Education and Research. She strongly believes in supporting the causes that have made a difference in her life. The College of Nursing is forever grateful for that.”
Buursma embarked on the nursing profession because she wanted to make a positive difference in the world, and nursing was the most interesting and exciting way to do so. Buursma obtained her Bachelor of Science from the College of Nursing at Michigan State University in 1965, where she graduated with honors. She holds a Master of Business Administration with Distinction, which she obtained in 1990 from Grand Valley State University.
“I am a commencement junkie,” proclaimed Buursma. “I have loved being part of the College of Nursing commencement ceremonies and speaking with new graduates. I let them know that all of us, as alumni of the College of Nursing, should be grateful for the world class education that we have received and believe that we owe a great deal to the faculty, taxpayers, and donors that have come together to make it all possible.”
“My life has been about bringing together the fields of healthcare, business, and education, making a difference through those platforms. When we give to something then we really feel a part of it – and this is significant,” said Buursma.
Buursma is able to connect with alumni and students in a way that inspires them to share in great detail about how their Spartan Nursing degree has shaped their careers.
Her distinguished nursing career has led her from registered nurse to executive vice president of Spectrum Health to healthcare consultant. Currently she works as President/CEO of the Visiting Nurse Foundation in Grand Rapids and volunteers as Chairperson of the Circle of Red in her local “Go Red For Women” campaign as well as several other non-profit boards.
In addition to her accolade of accomplishments, Buursma recently documented a gift through her estate. She will be leaving a lasting legacy to the College of Nursing. The gift will touch the lives of future nursing students, faculty, and staff while being used to the area of greatest need within the College.
Gifting your estate through a percentage allows the donor to keep their priorities intact and plan adequately regardless of fluctuations within the economy. An easy way to make a make a gift with a lasting impact to the College of Nursing is through a will, trust, beneficiary of retirement assets, or life insurance.
For further information on gifting please contact Nicole Proctor, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, toll-free at 888/771-3637 or email at nicole.proctor@hc.msu.edu.
