Dear Empathy Lab Contributors and Participants,
As I reflect on the hard work leading up to the opening of the Spring I Empathy Lab, I want to express my profound gratitude to every individual and team who played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life and extend my heartfelt thanks to each person who contributed to the launch of this initiative.
To Wilson’s own dedicated Empathy Team, whose creative and collaborative approach was the heartbeat of this project: your inspiring work has created a space for meaningful dialogue and growth. Thank you, Dr. Daniela DiGregorio, for your extremely helpful assistance with the IRB process, and, Dr. Jenny Buffenbarger, for your thoughtful input early in the process. My deepest thanks to you, James Pasaribu and Dr. Hailey Haffey, for your resourcefulness, creative thinking, problem-solving, countless contributions, and amazing teamwork from start to launch.
To our partners in Tech Services, and especially Alan Shoop, who skillfully sorted out the challenges of integrating technology with human experience and ensured our narratives effectively reached every participant: your expertise and contributions to this project have been invaluable.
Lisa Coté, Wilson’s JEDI officer, your wise counsel helped us navigate complex issues with sensitivity and inclusivity, ensuring that our lab remained a safe and welcoming space for all voices.
Ronda Ronalli, your efficient management of logistics for our toolkits allowed us to create and provide meaningful content for our lab participants. Thank you to both you and Melodie Hoff for your help in getting word to our various Wilson Community constituencies about this endeavor and encouraging their participation.
Wilson librarians all, you may not have even known you were contributing to this project until its fruition, but your rapid responses and fulfillment of my countless ILL requests have been amazing. You assisted with critical research and provided resources to deepen our understanding of these complex topics: your contributions have been fundamental to the intellectual depth of our lab. My thanks, as always, for your invaluable work.
To Dr. Kathy Buck, Dean of Students, thank you for your support for our mission, advocacy for student engagement, and communication coordination.
Angela Baker, Director of Counseling Services, your expertise and sharing of resources, ensured we provided a supportive environment for all participants, prioritizing their well-being.
My gratitude extends to all our colleagues and friends who have embraced this project, spread the word to colleagues and students here and elsewhere, and are encouraging nurses to share their invaluable stories and to participate in our lab.
To the Wilson College IRB committee, thank you for your helpful feedback and guidance for our project.
To the courageous Nurse Storytellers, your voices and stories are at the very core of this project. You’ve allowed us to glimpse your reality, and for this, I am profoundly thankful.
To our Empathy Team volunteers who recorded the narratives, thank you for your respect and care in handling the nurse participants’ stories. Your work has allowed them to reach a wide audience.
Finally, to the Lab Participants, thank you for your engagement and willingness to listen, learn, and grow, which is the true measure of success for our Empathy Lab.
Each of you will contribute to a collective effort that will not only educate but will also challenge and inspire.
Thank you all once again for your commitment, your empathy, and your support.
With sincere appreciation,
Melanie E. Gregg, Professor of Humanities
Wilson College
THE UNCENTER 