My Giving Story: Judy Thorpe
Judy Thorpe B.S.N. ’77 always knew that nursing was her calling. Following graduation from Duke’s School of Nursing, she launched her career as a staff nurse at nearby North Carolina Memorial Hospital.
Judy worked as a nurse manager in the Boston area for nearly 20 years, and now serves as associate chief nursing officer at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, in Melrose, Mass. She oversees nursing operations and the implementation of patient safety and satisfaction projects.
“My Duke education has opened so many doors throughout my career,” Judy said. “The clear expectation for all nursing students was that we would become leaders and would pursue additional educational opportunities. At our most recent reunion, it was so gratifying to see how many of us did indeed meet those expectations.”
Judy has been a Duke volunteer and a longtime annual supporter, and in 2010, she established a bequest to create the Judith A. Thorpe Scholarship Fund. Her endowment will provide ongoing support for nursing students at Duke.
“The future for all of us is so dependent upon the quality of education for the generations to come,” said Judy, who was welcomed into the Duke Heritage Society and the James B. Duke Society in recognition of her gift.
“I was fortunate that my family was able to support and encourage me in attending Duke. I wanted to create an opportunity for someone who otherwise might not be able to have the experience I had.”
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