$4 Million Gift from Gaye and Jim Pigott Fuels Equity in Nursing Profession at Seattle Children's and Heritage University
10.3.23
Seattle Children’s and Heritage University are pleased to jointly announce a generous $4 million gift from Gaye and Jim Pigott to advance equity of the nursing workforce in Washington.
Seattle Children’s and Heritage University are pleased to jointly announce a generous $4 million gift from Gaye and Jim Pigott to advance equity of the nursing workforce in Washington. This transformative gift will propel ongoing initiatives to promote inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility within the nursing field, benefiting both institutions' educational and healthcare efforts.
Seattle Children's, ranked as one of the top children’s hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and Heritage University, a leader in higher education fostering inclusion and cultural competency, are poised to collaborate and amplify the impact of the Pigotts' philanthropic support. The gift will be dedicated to enhancing opportunities for underrepresented individuals pursuing nursing careers, addressing systemic barriers that have historically limited access to quality experience in pediatric nursing education.
Gaye Pigott expressed her passion for this cause, stating, "Nursing is not only a profession but a calling, one that should be accessible to all with the talent and determination to serve. Our hope is that this gift will break down the obstacles that have held back aspiring nurses from diverse backgrounds and provide a meaningful pathway to success."
Jim Pigott echoed these sentiments, saying, "Through collaboration between Seattle Children's and Heritage University, we aspire to create a model that not only diversifies the nursing workforce but also enriches healthcare with a broader range of perspectives and experiences."
The funds will establish the Gaye and Jim Pigott Nursing Endowment at Seattle Children's and the Gaye and Jim Pigott Endowed Chair of Nursing at Heritage University. These endowments will strengthen a collaboration between the two organizations which began in 2016.
Heritage Nursing students complete pediatric clinical rotations at Seattle Children’s, where they benefit from working alongside world-class clinicians. Heritage students contribute to enhanced cultural competency and situation awareness as it relates to diverse populations which fosters growth from within the Seattle Children’s staff. The funds will also be used to enhance instructional offerings and outreach initiatives, ensuring that individuals from various communities have the support and resources necessary to pursue nursing education. By nurturing a diverse pool of nursing professionals, Seattle Children's and Heritage University aim to contribute to more culturally competent and patient-centered care.
Dr. Jeff Sperring, chief executive officer, Seattle Children's, expressed his gratitude, stating, "This extraordinary gift will have a lasting impact on the future of pediatric healthcare. By prioritizing equity in nursing, we are taking a crucial step toward better addressing the needs of our diverse patient population."
Dr. Andrew Sund, President of Heritage University, added, "Equity and inclusivity lie at the core of our educational mission. This gift will empower us to expand opportunities in the nursing profession, fostering a healthcare workforce that truly represents and serves our communities."
The partnership between Seattle Children's and Heritage University stands as a testament to the potential for collaboration between medical institutions and educational establishments to effect meaningful change. The Pigotts' landmark commitment serves as a call to others who share the vision of a more equitable nursing profession and healthcare landscape.
For inquiries or further information, please contact:
Seattle Children's Public Relations
Madison Joseph
press@seattlechildrens.org
Heritage University Communications
David Wise
509-865-0717
Wise_d@heritage.edu
About Heritage University
Heritage University is a private, non-profit, regionally accredited institution of higher learning offering undergraduate and graduate education from its primary campus in Toppenish, Wash. and from regional sites in Kennewick, Wash. and Pasco, Wash. Heritage University is located on the Yakama Nation and is both a Hispanic Serving Institution and a Native American-serving Non-Tribal Institution. For more information visit heritage.edu.
About Gaye and Jim Pigott
Gaye and Jim Pigott are philanthropists committed to making a positive impact on healthcare, education, and the well-being of communities. Through their generous support, they aspire to drive positive change and empower future generations.
About Seattle Children’s
Seattle Children’s mission is to provide hope, care and cures to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. Together, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Research Institute and Foundation deliver superior patient care, identify new discoveries and treatments through pediatric research, and raise funds to create better futures for patients.
Ranked as one of the top children’s hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Seattle Children’s serves as the pediatric and adolescent academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho – the largest region of any children’s hospital in the country. As one of the nation’s top five pediatric research centers, Seattle Children’s Research Institute is internationally recognized for its work in neurosciences, immunology, cancer, infectious disease, injury prevention and much more. Seattle Children’s Foundation, along with Seattle Children’s Guild Association – the largest all volunteer fundraising network for any hospital in the country – works with our generous community to raise funds for lifesaving care and research.
For more information, visit seattlechildrens.org or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram or on our On the Pulse blog.