The Foundation of BCC Announces New $25,000 Endowment

The Foundation of Brunswick Community College (BCC) is honored to announce the establishment of a new $25,000 endowment by Mr. Jan Vlach in memory of his beloved aunt, Dr. Loretta T. Zderad, a distinguished nurse educator and resident of Shallotte, NC.

Born in Chicago in 1925, Dr. Zderad devoted her life to advancing the field of nursing. She began her career with a Diploma in Nursing from St. Bernard’s Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago. She then earned a Baccalaureate Degree from Loyola University, a Master’s in Psychiatric Nursing from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and Master’s and Ph.D. in Philosophy from Georgetown University.

Dr. Zderad’s passion for education led her to teach at prestigious institutions, including the Illinois Neuropsychiatric Institute, Catholic University, Boston University, and Ohio State University. During her tenure at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Northport, NY, she rose to the position of Associate Chief of the Nursing Service for Education.

In 1976, Dr. Zderad co-authored Humanistic Nursing alongside Dr. Josephine Paterson, a groundbreaking text (translated into Spanish and Japanese) for international nursing education. She also shared her expertise globally, traveling to China in 1983 to lead a professional seminar.

Following her retirement in 1995, Dr. Zderad relocated to Shallotte, NC, where she developed meaningful friendships, traveled, and expressed her creativity through painting. She was well known in the community for her quiet demeanor, caring heart, and generous spirit, supporting numerous local organizations. Dr. Zderad’s contributions to nursing and her community leave a lasting legacy.

The endowment established by Mr. Vlach will provide enduring support for BCC’s nursing students, reflecting Dr. Zderad’s lifelong dedication to education and service. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift from Mr. Vlach in memory of Dr. Zderad,” said Teresa Nelson, Executive Director of The Foundation of BCC. “Her legacy of compassionate care and commitment to education will continue to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals at BCC.”

For more information about this endowment or The Foundation of BCC, please contact Nelson at (910) 755-6530 or [email protected].

October 2024