Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing has received a $1.5 million donation from Mark Bruce Swillinger in memory of his late wife, Marilyn Lee Swillinger. The gift will establish an endowed professorship focused on hospice and palliative care nursing. Additional contributions totaling $300,000 will name the dean’s conference room for Marilyn Lee Swillinger and the collaborative classroom for both Mark and Marilyn.
Marilyn Lee Swillinger, who died in October 2023 after battling lung cancer, was known for her support of health care and the arts. She served as a member of the College of Nursing’s advisory board and supported various FAU colleges as well as other local charitable organizations.
“This is my opportunity to memorialize Marilyn and give back to the community, which has given so much to us,” said Mark Swillinger. “I can’t say enough about the treatment that hospice gave to Marilyn and me. It’s important not only to the people in need but also for everyone within our community.”
The new professorship will fund a faculty position with expertise in hospice and palliative care. This professor will help integrate these specialties into undergraduate education through academics, simulation, clinical training, and preparation for certification at all levels in hospice and palliative care. Students will be introduced to this specialty early in their studies, encouraging careers in this field.
“Our region faces critical shortages in nursing and health care, and this generous gift will have a lasting impact on the university and the communities we serve,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “Through their involvement and support over the years, Mark and Marilyn truly embraced Florida Atlantic as their hometown university. We are grateful that Mark chose to establish this meaningful legacy in memory of Marilyn in our College of Nursing.”
Florida’s aging population underscores the need for hospice and palliative care services; more than 21% of state residents are age 65 or older according to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau—a figure projected to rise further by 2030.
FAU’s College of Nursing is set to become the first institution in its region offering a program dedicated specifically to hospice and palliative care.
“As a member of the College of Nursing’s first advisory board, Marilyn had a profound influence on the college, helping it grow to what it is today,” said Cameron Duncan, Ph.D., DNP, Holli Rockwell Trubinsky Eminent Dean of Nursing. “Hospice and palliative care are so important to the community, and so many lives are going to be impacted because of Mark’s generosity.”
