University of Cincinnati receives $3.4 million gift from alumnus

A $3.4 million gift from the estate of University of Cincinnati alumnus Stephen J. Helman, A&S ’83, supports the UC College of Nursing and UC Division of Student Affairs.

This generous bequest creates the Dorothy Wehmeyer Helman Student Excellence Endowment Fund with $2.5 million, providing support for student scholarships, internships and co-ops at the College of Nursing. In addition, nearly $1 million establishes the Student Mental Health Support Endowment Fund, addressing student needs through Student Affairs.

The Dorothy Wehmeyer Helman Student Excellence Endowment Fund comes at a pivotal moment, as the university experiences a surge in enrollment with a growing need for student support. This fall semester, UC recorded its largest enrollment ever with 53,682 students. The College of Nursing increased enrollment for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program by 74%, adding 125 students.  

UC College of Nursing has been on the forefront of nursing education for more than 130 years, preparing nurses who blend compassionate care, evidence-based practices and clinical expertise to improve health outcomes for their communities and raise the standard of health care for people and the profession.

UC is dedicated to each student’s success, and part of this commitment is providing scholarships and services, such as cooperative education. As the institution that created co-op in 1906, the university places real-world experiences at the core of its curriculum, including the College of Nursing.

“UC College of Nursing students are driven not only by a desire to care for others, but by a passion to lead and shape the future of health care,” said Alicia Ribar, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. “Mr. Helman’s generous gift, honoring his mother’s remarkable career, creates a lasting legacy that will empower our students to grow as compassionate caregivers and future nurse leaders.”

Helman’s family decided to create the Student Mental Health Support Endowment Fund after discussions with university leaders and a simple question: what is a need in the Bearcat community?

Recognizing that college is an exciting time that can also feel overwhelming, Helman’s family wanted to help provide mental health support to students. UC Counseling and Psychological Services offers a variety of resources, and this fund will increase what is available, including hiring a suicide prevention coordinator. This position will train students, staff and faculty on suicide prevention, create awareness campaigns and be available to the UC community when needed.

“Providing mental health services for students is built into campus life,” said Nicole Mayo, EdD, vice provost for student affairs. “The generosity of the Helman estate and the forward-thinking ability of the family will bolster crucial resources for our students.”

Featured image at top: UC College of Nursing students. Photo/Chris Radcliffe for the UC Foundation.