A retired nursing professor who died August 10 made a lasting impact on her students and colleagues, who are working to ensure her legacy lives on.

They have started an organizing effort soliciting donations to sponsor a commemorative bench to honour Anna Temple, outside the Toldo Health Education Centre.

Dr. Temple joined the UWindsor faculty in 1972 and served in the Faculty of Nursing—including a term as its director—until her retirement in 2005.

The current dean, Linda Patrick, recalled her as “a trusted colleague.”

“Anna’s expertise in nursing administration and her strong leadership skills were driven by a pursuit for excellence that will leave a positive legacy in our Faculty of Nursing,” Dr. Patrick said. “She was a passionate teacher who will be missed, but not forgotten.”

Other members of the faculty remembered her long-time role as coordinator of undergraduate programs.

“Anna was instrumental in the design of our collaborative program with our college partners as we entered into a new era in nursing education at the baccalaureate level for entry into practice,” said professor emeritus Sharon McMahon.

And retired professor Kaye Fawdry called Temple “a true scholar and a very loyal friend.”

The planned tribute is a wrought-iron bench with a plaque bearing Temple’s name and years of service. It will be situated outside the entrance to the building that houses the nursing facilities, to provide a place of respite where Temple could so often be found.

To make a tax deductible donation online, visit the UWindsor giving page at www.uwindsor.ca/donations and specify “Anna Temple legacy fund” in the Other field.