Donna (Dickinson) Goossen dedicated her life to health care and education.
After graduating from Norfolk High School in 1943, Goossen’s career began in the cadet nursing program during World War II. She graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Nursing in 1947 and returned to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1950.
Lifelong friendships were formed during the rigorous training period, which included strict rules. With approximately 30 students in each class, reunions and round-robin letters continued for many years.
“She loved the time with her classmates,” said daughter Julie Wilson. “The girls had a close bond after enduring hard work, like starching uniforms without air conditioning. She’d also tell stories about sneaking back into the dorms to meet curfew after getting ice cream.”
Goossen went on to work at Lutheran Hospital in Norfolk and the Norfolk Regional Center, where she helped develop nursing procedures.
In 1968, she started at Norfolk Junior College. There she supervised and operated the student health service, offered emergency care and counseled students with health-related problems.
“There was a deep love for non-traditional students and being known for ‘ahead of her time,’” said daughter Jane Wolfe. “She sponsored a Wellness Week at the college which included speakers and a Bloodmobile. She also co-taught human sexuality."
“She also had a love for reading,” added Wilson. “She made sure to assign articles to her students that required at least one stop in the library.”
Goossen taught CPR for the American Heart Association and was recognized for her service in 1979 with the Outstanding Volunteer Award. When she transported ‘Resusci Annie' for CPR training, she would place the mannequin in the passenger seat of her Volkswagen.
In 1991, Goossen was named Woman of the Year by the Norfolk Business and Professional Women’s organization for her advocacy of women in leadership.
During a 1991 interview with the Norfolk Daily News, Goossen said, “I see women as people with an important role to play in the business world. They have a significant contribution to make, regardless of their positions.”
She was later recognized in 1992 by the American Red Cross for her Bloodmobile service and retired from the College that same year.
Goossen served as past president of the American Association of University Women-Norfolk Chapter, First United Methodist Women’s Society and the Northern Hills Parent-Teacher Association. She was a member of the Norfolk Library Board of Directors, Ida Nichola Book Group, Delphians and PEO. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church and choir, Deborah Circle and First United Methodist Women.
Donna Goossen passed away Feb. 5, 2002, from multiple myeloma cancer.
Her husband, John Goossen, was a longtime circulation manager at the Norfolk Daily News and an active member of the Norfolk Lions Club. He was known for his work with the Good Neighbor program, which raises money for community members during the holidays.
Their generosity continues at Northeast Community College in the form of an endowed scholarship.
“Mom and Dad had a plan in place to create a memorial scholarship in honor of her legacy and commitment to nursing and education,” said Wilson.
“When Dad passed in 2010, the scholarship was renamed to include him,” added daughter Wolfe. “He wanted the scholarship endowed from the start. It was important for him to create a permanent legacy. The scholarship is where he encouraged people to give back.”
The Donna and John Goossen Nursing Memorial Scholarship was established in 2002 and is part of the McIntosh Legacy Society Scholarship Program. It supports full-time nursing students at Northeast Community College who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.
Since its inception, the scholarship has supported 19 students, some for their full two years at Northeast. Because the scholarship is endowed, contributions are invested to ensure its impact continues in perpetuity. Awards are made from accrued interest, preserving the principal for future generations.
For more information on establishing a scholarship at Northeast Community College, email foundation@northeast.edu or call 402-844-7240.
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