How Two Nursing Majors Turned Compassion into Action
The choice to support survivors of domestic violence and other forms of trauma began with a simple goal: to make a tangible difference in the local community.
Motivated by Assistant Professor Miya McCann, chair of the nursing events committee, nursing majors Jordan Konitz ’26 and Olivia McArthur ’26 created a campuswide donation drive in support of Opportunities for Otsego’s Violence Intervention Program (VIP). Their effort was inspired, in part, by the upcoming A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Chair Lecture and its focus on domestic violence awareness.
“Every semester, a guest comes to speak to the nursing department, and this year’s guest has a deep history with domestic violence,” said McArthur. “Professor McCann proposed the idea to host awareness-related events, and a donation drive seemed like the most effective way to help actual victims while raising awareness.”
The two quickly began shaping a project that would connect classroom learning to real-world impact and support local residents, while deepening campus understanding of domestic violence. “After discussing the idea with Olivia, we decided to host a campus donation drive,” said Konitz. “Since I’m involved in community service through a nonprofit in my hometown, I wanted to apply those skills here at Hartwick.”
The choice to support the Violence Intervention Program was both intentional and personal. “We chose this cause because I was currently enrolled in psychiatric nursing, a course in which we explore topics related to mental health and trauma,” said Konitz. “Additionally, this organization—like many domestic violence programs—is personally meaningful to me. Our goal was to create an event that would make a meaningful contribution and spark conversation about an issue that may be unfamiliar to many students on campus.”
Turning that inspiration into action also brought another goal to life: building community among nursing students. By joining forces, Konitz, president of the Hartwick College Association of Student Nurses (HCASN), and McArthur, events coordinator for the Omicron Rho Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, launched both a meaningful service project and a new partnership between their organizations.
The drive marks the first time HCASN and Sigma have partnered on an initiative. “Sigma is a smaller organization within the nursing department and we were looking for ways to gain recognition,” said McArthur. “HCASN plays a very large role within the department, and I knew their organization would attract a lot of attention. Also, Jordan and I are friends, and I knew her and her organization were the perfect people to reach out to. So far, the collaboration is going great—we work together very well.”
For both students, the experience has been a lesson in leadership and community connection. “Participating in this donation drive has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the various organizations and resources available within Otsego County,” said Konitz. McArthur agreed. “I’ve never been a part of, let alone run, an actual donation drive,” she said. “Collecting physical items that will help individuals and families in need is such a rewarding task. I’m proud of the effort that’s going into this event and deeply appreciate anyone who contributes to our cause.”
VIP offers free and confidential support to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, stalking, and other violent crimes. Donations of toiletries, bedding, towels, shelf-stable pantry items or monetary contributions will be directed to the program, helping to create safe environments and empower survivors. Contributions will be accepted through Oct. 29 in the Johnstone lobby. That same evening, guest speaker Salka Valerio will deliver the fall A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Chair Lecture at 7 p.m. in Slade Theatre, Yager Hall.
