By Mercy College of Health Sciences

Mercy College of Health Sciences is launching the public phase of a $15 million Legacy of Faith Campaign for the Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing to build an innovative facility dedicated to nursing simulation and learning. The campaign has raised $7.8 million from 298 donors since the Mercy College board of directors approved the capital campaign April 1, 2024.

Terry and Joyce Lillis generously provided a transformational $2.5 million lead gift. Other major donations include a $1.5 million gift from the Ruan Family Foundation and $500,000 from a private foundation. An additional 36 individuals and companies have donated gifts between $25,000 to $200,000.

“This campaign is a first, and we are excited to have surpassed 50% of our total goal,” said Mercy College of Health Sciences President Adreain Henry. “We are grateful to the Lillis family for their thoughtful generosity in providing the largest donation in the college’s 125-year history. This will enable us to urgently respond to the dire nursing workforce shortage that is facing our state and will distinguish Mercy College as an elite health sciences institution.”

The 24,300-square-foot, two-story Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing building will replace a 12,000-square-foot building on Mercy College’s campus along the Seventh Avenue corridor into downtown Des Moines. The previous building was used to its full capacity until it was deemed unfit for use and decommissioned in 2018. The new Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing will be a dedicated facility for the nursing program with new skills labs, simulation spaces, and classrooms outfitted with high-fidelity mannequins, cutting-edge technology, and state-of-the-art equipment.

“Everyone will rely upon a health care professional at some point in a time of need for themselves or for a loved one,” Henry said. “Collectively, we must do everything possible to attract and retain quality students, exceptional faculty and compassionate graduates to fill the monumental health care shortages facing our state.”

Iowa Workforce Development job postings consistently indicate over 3,500 openings are for registered nurses, the No. 1 need for skilled labor in the state.

Construction on the new facility is expected to commence in 2026 upon the completion of the $15 million fundraising campaign this year. To learn more, donate, or get involved, please visit www.MCHS.edu/Campaign.