A legacy and a calling

"I think I had a calling," reflects Heather Whittle, BScN'90, MScN'94, Dip’00, about her journey into nursing. Though her parents encouraged Heather to earn a university degree, her mother, who had served as a military nurse during World War II, told Heather to choose something other than nursing because of the physical demands of the job.
 
Heather obliged and studied business. But life had other plans, and she realized that she had a passion for helping others. She entered Western’s nursing program in 1987 with her toddler, Gord, in tow.

Western became more than just a place to get a degree. It was a supportive community that transformed her life. Heather found encouragement from professors who understood the challenges of being a single parent. When her father passed away partway through her degree, they told her: “You don't have to get 90s. Some days you just have to get through.”

While Heather loved working with patients as a floor nurse—"I'd go back to it in a minute if my back could take it," she says with a laugh—she felt called to do more. She returned to Western for her Master’s as it would open new career opportunities, and later to pursue her Nurse Practitioner diploma. A clerk at the Registrar's Office couldn't help but exclaim “Boy, you've been coming to Western for a long time!”

Through the years, Heather's dedication to advancing nursing practice led her to leadership roles with many organizations, including the College of Nurses council where she helped shape the future of nursing in Ontario. She also worked for years as an adjunct professor at Western.

Western has been more than her alma mater—it was an integral part of her journey.

"Western's been such a big part of my life," Heather reflects. "Having that safe and supportive environment when I really needed it, but also the opportunity to learn and grow and become who I am today. Western was a huge part of that."

Growing up with modest means taught Heather the value of education and opportunity. "When I first started giving back to Western, I thought that 15 per cent of nothing is nothing,'" she recalls with a laugh. But she believes strongly in the power of philanthropy to shape society's future. "If we're going to be a civil society and grow and learn, then we need to support our universities,” she says.

Through her annual support and a legacy gift in her Will, Heather wants to ensure those opportunities continue to grow. “What’s important to me is to be able to give something back. Because every little bit moves society forward.”

For Heather, giving back reflects her values and sets an example for future generations. "I want to create that legacy," she says, "and be an example for my son and grandchildren of the importance of philanthropy."

Legacy donors are a community of supporters who believe in the power of education and help us build a better future. Learn more about planned giving and get in touch with the Legacy Gift Planning team.