In Memoriam: Former John A. Hartford Foundation President and Board Chair Norman H. Volk

*Photo credit: Dana Gluckstein

The Rory Meyers College of Nursing community mourns the passing and celebrates the legacy of Norman Volk, whose commitment to improving healthcare for older adults helped establish the College as a global leader in geriatric nursing research, innovation, and practice.

Volk’s contributions to gerontology spanned more than four decades. During his service with the The John A. Hartford Foundation, the organization made grants totaling more than $561 million to support the field of aging and health, including the creation of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing (HIGN) at Meyers in 1996.

Since its inception, HIGN’s mission has shaped and advanced quality and equity in the care of older adults through research, education, advocacy, workforce development and community-based partnerships. In addition, Volk endowed the Norman H. Volk Doctoral Scholarship Fund for PhD and DNP students specializing in the care of older adults, and, with his wife, the annual Norman and Alicia Volk Lecture in Geriatric Nursing. He also served on the Meyers Board of Nursing Advisors and the Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystems Elders (NICHE) Dean’s Advisory Board.

“Norman Volk’s impact on education and research in aging and health has been expansive and enduring,” said Meyers Dean Angela Amar. “At Meyers, we’re grateful not only for his advocacy and philanthropy, but his deep respect and affection for nursing.”

Volk, who was inducted as an honorary member of Sigma Theta Tau, the honor society of nursing, made substantial contributions to geriatric medicine and research through a wide range of organizations. Along with his service to The John A. Hartford Foundation, he was a member of the board of the American Federation for Aging Research, the advisory board of the Stanford University Center on Longevity, and the Board of Trustees of Valparaiso University, as well as the National Council for its College of Nursing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing.