Title:Donors Patty (NHS’93) and Chris (B’93) Mosher (Parents’24) on how Georgetown values led them to establish a Student Resource Fund for Nurses

Patty (NHS’93) and Chris (B’93) Mosher (Parents’24) met as first-year students during a fire safety meeting in Gaston Hall. They filed into the same row along with their roommates and soon realized that they were both from Massachusetts. A quick friendship developed and eventually they started dating. The Moshers have been together ever since.

After reflecting on their years on the Hilltop, Patty and Chris realized how much Jesuit values have shaped their lives. 

In gratitude to Georgetown University and its tenet cura personalis or “care for the whole person,” the Mosher family recently established the Nursing Student Resource Endowed Fund in the amount of $150,000 to provide immediate financial assistance to undergraduate nursing students who have an emergency and critical financial need. The Fund helps ensure that students can continue with their nursing education despite a financial setback.    

What drew you to Georgetown?

Patty: My dad, John C. Flaherty, graduated from Georgetown in 1963 and remained involved in the university. He used to do alumni interviews in our home for many years and he was also a huge Georgetown basketball fan. As a result, I grew up with Georgetown always around me. 

When I decided to pursue a nursing degree, I was very excited to learn that Georgetown had a nursing program. Although it was far from home and a difficult school to get accepted to, my dad encouraged me to apply. After I was admitted, my dad said, “This is a great opportunity. You will never regret going to Georgetown.” 

Chris: I really liked Washington, DC, and Georgetown’s Jesuit education was important to me coming out of a public high school. The ability to pursue an undergraduate business degree also played a major role in my decision. Finally, when I was in high school Georgetown basketball was one of the best programs in the country and that influenced my decision as well.

What’s one of your favorite Georgetown memories?

Chris: I parked cars for four years at the 1789 Restaurant. I realized early on that I needed a job to support myself at Georgetown and being a valet was a fun and fast-paced job. I worked with some great friends and Patty and I even had the chance to have dinner there a few times. It was a part of my college experience that I loved.

Patty: I was very close with my small nursing school community and special milestones such as our capping ceremony and graduation are fond memories. I also remember really loving the start of senior year. A lot of our classmates in other schools had been studying abroad during junior year. As nursing students our academic requirements didn’t allow us to go abroad. Everyone’s return at the start of senior year was an exciting time as we began our final year at Georgetown together.

What impact has Georgetown had on your life’s journey?

Chris: My business training at the McDonough School of Business has been the foundation of everything that I have done in my career. Through a recommendation from a close Georgetown friend, I pursued a job opportunity early in my career that really put me on a successful career path. To this day, my personal and professional network includes a majority of Georgetown alumni and friends.

Patty: Georgetown heavily impacted the importance of religion in my life. Attending Mass at Georgetown solidified my desire to grow my Catholic faith. Being a Catholic is an important part of who I am and how Chris and I have raised our children. 

What inspires you to continue to give back to Georgetown?

Chris: Georgetown has always been a special place for us. Our connection to the university has increased with one of our children recently spending four years on the Hilltop. Experiencing Georgetown as a parent gave us better insight into the current needs of students.

Patty: Georgetown is a place that provides tremendous opportunity for young people to grow and learn about themselves. Receiving a quality education has the power to change someone’s life, which is why Chris and I hope this gift can remove some financial barriers for students.

How do you enjoy spending time?

Chris: Patty and I really enjoy being outdoors. We love to be active, whether skiing in the winter or enjoying time at the lake over the summer. I also enjoy attending sporting events with Patty and our kids. 

Patty: I really enjoy playing racket sports and spending time with friends, either taking a long walk or enjoying a good meal together. Chris and I enjoy traveling together and with our children.

Who are you called to be and how has Georgetown helped shape this calling?

Chris: The Jesuit motto “people for others” is something that we strive to put into practice every day. Georgetown provided a very supportive, nurturing community where people looked out and cared for one another. By establishing this fund, we are hoping to continue this tradition by supporting nursing students, with the goal that the act of helping someone will spur them to pay it forward in the future.  

Patty: Chris and I are fortunate to be in a place where we can give back. We feel called to show our kids that it is important to give back to institutions that mean something to you, that have changed you, or that have helped you grow. Georgetown is a very special place to us and we felt called to set up this fund for nursing students. There is currently an incredible need for medical professionals and especially nurses, particularly after the  COVID pandemic. We hope others will also support the Student Resource Fund and help ensure that Georgetown nursing students have the financial funds they need to complete their education.