Carolyn Hurst-Gould devoted her life to caring for others through her nursing career.
Making a difference in the lives of her patients, Niagara College students included, is a legacy that she was proud to leave behind shares her daughter, Shannon Hurst.
“My mom had said, ‘It’s the greatest gift to know that I’ve been able to do a little bit of good in this world,'” said Hurst, whose mother passed away on December 29 at the age of 82 after battling cancer.
Former College Nurse and Niagara College Retirees’ Association past president Carolyn Hurst-Gould (left) is pictured with former colleague and current College Nurse (Welland Campus) Christine Philbrick in spring 2024. Hurst-Gould passed away in December 2024.
A former college nurse at NC, Hurst-Gould travelled between the Welland Campus and other campus sites at the time to support students with their health needs.
The St. Catharines native trained and began her career at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, where she started as a floor nurse. She transitioned to the Newmarket General Hospital after having her daughter, moved into public health nursing to focus on her interest in communicable disease, and eventually made her way back home to Niagara to join Niagara College.
“She loved the students,” said Hurst. “My mom would say, ‘The students keep me young. We’re always learning and teaching each other things.’ It was the most beautiful way to finish off a really amazing career.”
After retiring from the College, Hurst-Gould joined the Niagara College Retirees’ Association (NCRA), becoming an active and prominent member.
To honour the retiree and her service to the College, the NCRA executive unanimously decided in late 2023 to name their new nursing scholarships after their fellow member. The Carolyn Hurst-Gould Scholarship provides three $1,000 awards to students entering NC’s Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree program, which launched in September 2024.
“When I think of this wonderful lady, I see Carolyn as the essence of giving,” said NCRA Past President Stu Black, who served as a professor and Coordinator in the Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) program for 25 years (1975 to 2000) and as Project Manager for the New Media Division until 2002.
“As school nurse, at a time when Niagara operated many separate campuses, she would be there whenever or wherever needed. I witnessed her caring and calm presence in support of one of my students who needed help,” explained Black, who said Hurst-Gould’s caring nature extended to her many roles with NCRA, including her four-year tenure as President.
Black and his wife, Ann, visited with Hurst-Gould shortly before her passing. They told her about the NCRA’s December 4 luncheon, where members had the opportunity to meet one of the first Carolyn Hurst-Gould Scholarship recipients, BScN student Alphonsus Dereaku.
At the gathering, Dereaku, from Ugbelle in southeastern Nigeria, expressed his gratitude to the membership for supporting his academic journey.
“It (means) so much (to) me that members of my community want me to succeed in my chosen career,” he said. “My drive for being a nurse is to be able to render a helping hand to the vulnerable and sick.”
Another recipient, Sarah Futzum from Toronto, shared that receiving the scholarship has been an incredible honour and source of encouragement.
“This scholarship has had a significant impact on my journey,” said Futzum, who was unable to attend the luncheon. “It has alleviated some of the financial pressures associated with pursuing higher education, allowing me to focus more on my studies and clinical placements. It has also given me the confidence to overcome challenges and continue striving toward my goal of becoming a nurse.”
Her passion for nursing stems from a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. “I want to provide care, comfort, and support to individuals and their families during challenging times,” said Futzum, who shared that while she is open to exploring various fields of nursing, she is particularly interested in pediatric care.
Futzum expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the NCRA and all donors who make scholarships possible.
“Your kindness not only supports students financially but also inspires us to persevere and achieve our dreams,” she said. “Thank you for believing in us and making such a transformative impact on our lives.”
The NCRA is a shining example of how collective giving can make a powerful impact on students, and the Association’s giving culture continues to grow.
“NCRA has always supported students, but we now see a new joy and purpose through continued giving in tangible ways,” said Black.
Hurst says her mother received outstanding care during her final months and that it’s both comforting and an honour to know that Hurst-Gould’s legacy will continue at NC through the scholarship, supporting the next generation of nurses.
View the obituary for Carolyn Lois Hurst-Gould. A funeral for family and close friends will be held on January 3 at 1 p.m. at St. Johns Church in Jordan (it will be live streamed on the church’s Facebook page) followed by a celebration of life from 2-4 p.m. at the Heritage Village Recreation Centre in Vineland.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the Carolyn Hurst-Gould Scholarship in Hurst-Gould’s honour, may visit NC’s online donation page (choose “NCRA Carolyn Hurst-Gould Scholarship” when designating your gift).
About the NCRA
The Niagara College Retirees’ Association (NCRA) is a community of former NC employees who meet regularly for friendship, socializing and student support. The group encourages physical and mental well-being by organizing walks and hikes across the region, tours to places of interest and presentations from informative and entertaining speakers. Members also meet for lunch on the first Wednesday of the month between September and June for fellowship. The membership supports bursaries and scholarships for NC students, as well as the Nourishing Minds food program and the Student Emergency Financial Assistance (SAFE) Fund.
All former Niagara College employees are eligible and welcome to join NCRA and can do so through the association’s website. Membership fees are free for the first year.
