Wegmans School of Nursing Dedicates Two Spaces in Honor of Cooney Miner, Dollinger

The Wegmans School of Nursing community gathered on Tuesday, Sept. 6 to dedicate two spaces in their building in honor of two stalwart leaders.

A conference room will now be named the Dianne Cooney Miner Dean’s Suite Conference Room in honor of founding dean Dr. Dianne Cooney Miner, who retired from the deanship in 2020 after a long, illustrious career at Fisher. Today, she serves as the executive director of the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing.

Additionally, the Nursing Skills Lab was dedicated in honor of Dr. Marilyn L. Dollinger, professor emeritus and retired executive associate dean of the School.  Dollinger’s career includes 15 years of adult critical care practice, and over 25 years in nursing education. Her focus on health care public policy advocacy and political action has had a lasting impact on the education of nurses in New York State, and throughout her career, she has served in leadership roles with regional and state professional associations.

The naming of both spaces was made possible through the continued generosity of the Glover-Crask Charitable Trust, which has long supported the mission and vision of St. John Fisher and specifically of the School of Nursing.

In opening remarks, Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president of the University, offered congratulations to both Cooney Miner and Dollinger for their successful careers.

“On a personal note, it has been my distinct pleasure to have worked so closely with you both throughout my time at Fisher,” he said. “Your collective and visionary leadership of the School, your support and mentorship of hundreds upon hundreds of Fisher nurses, and your dedication to the mission of the University have been exemplary. You have left an indelible impact on the history of the institution.”

Dr. Tricia Gatlin, dean of the School of Nursing, credited Cooney Miner and Dollinger for building the School and expanding programs that meet the needs of the greater Rochester community. Their passion for improving health care and health outcomes, as well as their tireless advocation for the profession, all helped brand what’s known today as the “Fisher Nurse.”

“Dianne and Marilyn, you have paved the way for hundreds of students, showing them what it means to be a caring, compassionate Fisher nurse and in doing so, you have impacted countless patients who have benefitted from their care,” Gatlin said. “It is with great honor that we dedicate these rooms in your honor.”