Donor Spotlight Thomas A. Reitinger Helps Students in Financial Need Continue Their Education

Donor Spotlight: Thomas A. Reitinger Helps Students in Financial Need Continue Their Education

04/01/2019

It has been over 20 years since he became the first lay CEO of MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, and Thomas (Tom) Reitinger is still finding ways to give back to the Des Moines community, particularly for students studying nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences.

Tom’s time as CEO of MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center was a very productive one, resulting in a period of significant growth for the hospital, clinics system, MercyOne House of Mercy and most notably, the establishment of Mercy College. Among several meaningful accomplishments as CEO, the establishment of Mercy College was a top highlight for Tom.

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center started its health care education in 1899 with the Mercy Hospital Training School, established to train nurses. This certificate and diploma institution became the accredited Mercy College in 1995, with a mission to prepare graduates for service and leadership in the health care community.

In 2011, Tom decided he wanted to help nursing students in financial need at Mercy College continue their education. He contributed funds to create the Thomas A. Reitinger Endowed Scholarship, which provides financial support for single parents in financial need and students of the Catholic faith.

“I just feel like there is such a demand for individuals that choose the nursing profession, and secondly, I know there are people struggling these days to pay for tuition,” said Tom. “This is one way I have the opportunity to share some of my good fortune with people who need a little bit of assistance to get their educational process going and completed.”

Tom hopes this scholarship is particularly able to help those pursuing a career in nursing. Several nursing students now have the financial support they need to complete their course work.  

“It gives me pleasure to know that they can continue their education,” said Tom.

In addition to this scholarship, Tom also serves as treasurer of the Mercy College of Health Sciences board and hopes to continue to see the institution grow and serve a broader population and recognized as a leader in comprehensive health sciences education.

“I believe it’s important to invest in the youth and in the future of health care professionals,” said Tom.

If you would like to help students and support the remarkable education provided by Mercy College of Health Sciences, please contact MercyOne Des Moines Foundation Senior Director of Development, Joan Bindel at jbindel@mercydesmoines.org or 515-643-8020 or visit the Mercy College of Health Sciences website.