Terry, President and CEO of Franciscan Health Western Indiana, has served in Catholic healthcare for nearly three decades. One of his greatest privileges, he says, is signing diplomas for St. Elizabeth graduates—a tradition he’s honored to continue three times a year.
“It’s one of my favorite parts of the job,” he said. “This school has been here for more than 125 years. It’s the last hospital-based nursing school in the state of Indiana. That means something—and it should be supported.”
Annette, Terry’s wife and partner in mission, has also been deeply connected to the Franciscan community. Together, they have spent 28 years walking alongside the Sisters and supporting both the healthcare and missions of Franciscan Health.
We’ve always believed that when God gives you resources, you’re meant to use them to help others,
Terry said. “For us, supporting the School of Nursing has always felt like one of the most important ways to do that.”
Their commitment is rooted in a clear understanding: hospitals can’t function without nurses. “The definition of a hospital is 24-hour nursing care,” Terry noted. “It’s that simple.”
The Wilsons’ gifts have helped ease the financial burden for nursing students, many of whom they’ve had the joy of meeting at alumni events and celebrations. “It’s always wonderful to see students who received support through our scholarships,” Terry said. “And even more special when we see them walking the halls of our hospitals.”
Their impact extends beyond the school’s walls. By investing in nursing education, the Wilsons are helping to strengthen healthcare across the region. “Good healthcare attracts people and investment to a community,” Terry said. “That starts with having enough well-trained nurses.”
What do they hope students remember about their support? “That our support made the journey a little easier,” Terry said. “If it helped reduce a loan or made it possible to start a career sooner, then we did something worthwhile.”
For Terry and Annette, leaving a legacy through the School of Nursing isn’t about recognition—it’s about action. “If you talk about how important nurses are, you’ve got to put your money where your mouth is,” Terry said. “Annette and I have always tried to do that. And if our giving inspires someone else to give too, then that’s even better.”
As seen in the The Lamp Fall 2025 issue
