In June 2023, I began my new role at BYU College of Nursing. One of the things that excited me most was the chance to share stories of the people and programs making a meaningful difference. Little did I know that just a few weeks into this new chapter, I’d receive a phone call that would humble and inspire me—and reaffirm my belief in the transformative power of giving.
The call came from the brother of College of Nursing alumna Thomasene Gail Lybbert (BS ’72). He gently explained that his sister had passed away, and as the executor of her estate, he wanted me to know she had left a portion of it to BYU College of Nursing.
Not just a portion—a profound gift. Thomasene became the first alumna in the college’s history to donate more than one million dollars. Her generosity moved me deeply, not only for its magnitude but for what it represented: a life lived quietly, compassionately, and intentionally in service to others.
The Joy and Power of Giving
Before I joined the communication team for BYU College of Nursing, I spent nearly nine years working at Philanthropies for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My time there was life changing. Donors often thanked me for providing them with the opportunity to give. Many told me they felt spiritually enriched or even blessed in unexpected ways, such as feeling greater peace, experiencing more success, or building stronger families.
Research supports this. In a 2009 speech given at BYU, renowned scholar Arthur C. Brooks shared findings that suggest that giving doesn’t just bless others—it blesses the giver: “If you have two families that are exactly identical . . . except that one family gives $100 more to charity than [the other], then the giving family will earn on average $375 more in income . . . and that’s statistically attributable to the gift.”
Giving transforms both the receiver and the giver. Each of us has something to give. And in giving, we discover the joy of lifting others. Thomasene’s story is a profound example of that truth.
A Quiet Life of Purpose
After learning about her incredible gift, I reached out to Thomasene’s family to discover more. They were eager to share her story, hoping it might inspire others to live and give as she did—with humility, faith, and purpose.
Thomasene’s life wasn’t easy. Chronic illness kept her isolated for much of her formative years. Her sister, Shannon, recalled that Thomasene would “get up in the morning and go to school, then come home from school and go to bed” because the sickness wore down her body.
Always serving others, Thomasene was known for hosting people for dinner, bringing treats to new neighbors, and generally making a conscious effort to befriend others. Of her sister, Shannon said, “[She] went out of her way over and over to get to know people” and “memorized the ward directory” to serve others.
Thomasene carried this same person-centric attitude into nursing. Her family and classmates described her as gentle, humble, and deeply compassionate. She never sought the spotlight; she was always looking for ways to help.
“She just sacrificed a lot,” said her brother, Mark. “She loved being a nurse. If she could help other students become one too, she was all for it.”
Her Legacy Lives On
As I reflected on her life and the stories shared by her loved ones, I was struck by this truth: the way we love and serve defines us. It’s how people remember us. Thomasene’s gift is not just financial—it’s an enduring example of compassion in action. In her brother Scott’s words, this gift is “emblematic of her whole life.”
Her donation established the Thomasene G. Lybbert Endowment, which provides scholarships to students participating in Global and Population Health Nursing Practicums, with preference given to first-generation or single-parent students. Her legacy will bless students for generations to come.
You Can Be Part of This Legacy
Every gift to BYU College of Nursing—large or small—is cherished. Each contribution helps students become exceptional nurses and compassionate disciples of Jesus Christ.