The Naomi Reizfeld Endowed Scholarship program honors the life and legacy of Reizfeld, a lifelong educator whose resilience, determination and commitment to helping others defined her life. Diagnosed with leukemia at age 19, Reizfeld lived with the disease for nearly five decades while pursuing a career dedicated to education and mentorship. She died on March 22, 2026, at age 67.

The endowed scholarship will help prepare future oncology nurses to meet the complex needs of people living with cancer, providing support for students as they pursue the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to deliver compassionate, high-quality care.

The need-based scholarship program will provide approximately $300,000 annually in direct scholarship support each year to students across all School of Nursing programs.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing oncology scholars will receive a total of $12,000 in scholarships while completing additional coursework and clinical hours focused on oncology nursing.

Master of Science in Nursing advanced practice oncology scholars will receive $10,000 in scholarships in their final two semesters, while completing critical precepted clinical hours with oncology specialists.

Doctor of Nursing Practice oncology scholars will receive $7,500 in scholarships to support completion of their final scholarly project that must have an oncology focus.

“The Naomi Reizfeld Endowed Scholarship program is an extraordinary investment in the future of cancer care,” said Larry Slater, dean of the School of Nursing.  “This $6.3 million gift, the largest in the history of the School of Nursing at Quinnipiac, opens doors for our baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral students interested in oncology nursing. It also surrounds them with the mentorship and career development they need to thrive in one of the most demanding and meaningful areas of our profession. Gifts of this scale and vision change lives twice: first for the students who receive support, and then for every patient for whom those students provide care. We are deeply grateful for this remarkable act of generosity.”

Quinnipiac Provost Debra Liebowitz said, "Health care programs are one of Quinnipiac's defining strengths, and this gift deepens that work in an area where the need for highly prepared nurses keeps growing. By supporting oncology education from the bachelor's level through the doctorate, the Reizfeld Scholarship builds a pipeline of specialized nurses who will strengthen cancer care in Connecticut and beyond."

Reizfeld was the eldest child of Ruth and Adolf Reizfeld. She attended Hopkins School and Lesley University before beginning her professional career in marketing and advertising. She later devoted 37 years to teaching students from prekindergarten through high school in Massachusetts, Georgia and Connecticut.

Remembered as a mentor who encouraged others to pursue their ambitions, Reizfeld was respected by students and their families for her dedication to learning. Her obituary describes a life marked by perseverance and a determination to make a meaningful difference, even while living with the effects of leukemia.

Her father, Adolf Reizfeld, also built a lasting legacy in the region. Born in Vienna, Austria, he operated a fur business for 65 years in New Haven and New York under the name “Mr. Adolf Viennese Couturier in Furs.” He lived in Orange for 61 years and was an active member of the Lions Club, receiving recognition for 50 years of service.

“Together, the family’s story reflects a legacy of perseverance, professional dedication and lasting connections to the community,” said Nick Wormley, vice president for advancement. “The $6.3 million gift will extend that legacy into nursing education, helping prepare future professionals to support patients and families navigating cancer diagnoses and treatment.”

Through this investment, the School of Nursing will strengthen its commitment to preparing nurses who combine clinical excellence with empathy and a deep understanding of the human experience of illness. For students pursuing oncology nursing, the gift represents an opportunity to build careers that can have a profound impact on patients, families and communities.