My gifts stem from a dual sense of gratitude, to the University itself for all it has done for me, and to this program for its work with developing nations and the people who live in those places.

Margaret “Meg” E. Osborne McLane (’69 MS L&S, ‘92 PhD L&S), donor to the Development Studies PhD Program

Nurses Take Tea, Take on the World

Years ago, student nurses enjoyed afternoon tea in the nurses’ dormitory to relax after a day of classes and hospital-ward duty. This tradition was recreated on a Saturday afternoon last June in “A Historical Tea” at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s world-renowned Health Sciences Learning Center. Professor Emerita Signe Skott Cooper was honored for her many roles as nurse, educator, historian and mentor to generations of UW nurses. Plans for the future home of the School of Nursing also were unveiled and caught the interest of an alumna.

Attending the event was Mary Behrens (’64 BS) of Casper, Wyoming, who has had a rich and diverse nursing career. Mary, who earned a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Colorado, is a family nurse practitioner in Wyoming. She also has served on the faculty of the University of Wyoming.

In addition, Mary has an affinity for the political arena and spent eight years as an elected official in Wyoming, as mayor of Casper, in the state legislature and as chair of the county commission. She has testified before the World Health Organization on the worldwide nursing shortage and couples political activism with travel abroad to offer her skills in developing countries. Mary has worked in Vietnam on four occasions with a humanitarian project called Friendship Bridge to help nursing colleagues there upgrade their skills, knowledge and curriculum.
Mary Behrens with a print of Bascom Hall

Mary Behrens is presented with a print of Bascom Hall at a luncheon in her honor at the University Club.

Raised in Wisconsin, Mary and her husband, Jerry, met on campus. They had in common the fact that both had mothers who were practicing nurses. The Behrens remain connected to the UW, and Mary was delighted to participate in the Historical Tea and learn of plans for the new nursing building. She decided to make a leadership gift to support the Nursing Sciences Center to ensure future nurses have the best learning environment possible. Mary hopes increased visibility will encourage more men and women to think about a nursing career.

“The solid foundation I received at UW has opened many doors for me,” said Mary. “I think it is important to give while you are ‘alive and taking nourishment,’ and it will be such a joy to see the new building on its completion.”