Donor Spotlight, 2025

Investing in the Future of Pediatric Nursing: The Christy and David Dauphin Graduate Fellowship in Nursing

For Christy and David Dauphin, giving back to the School of Nursing is more than a personal mission—it’s a way to help shape the future of nursing. Through the Christy and David Dauphin Graduate Fellowship in Nursing, the couple supports graduate students who are focused on pediatrics, have financial need and are graduates of a Texas high school.

Christy Dauphin, BSN ’75, RN,  knew early on that she wanted to be a nurse.

“I decided on a career in nursing before college,” she said. “I had family members who were nurses, and they encouraged me to get my degree in nursing.”

That decision led her to the School of Nursing, where she found not only an exceptional education but also the inspiration to give back.

“The School of Nursing gave me the preparation I needed for my work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatrics,” she said. “I had great professors who were very inspiring and dedicated to their students. This motivated me to want to give back to our future students.”

Over the course of her career, Christy worked in NICUs and pediatric settings across hospitals, clinics and schools. Her dedication to children and families inspired the fellowship she and her husband would later endow.

“There is such a demand for nurses, now and in the future, to help meet the health care needs of children and their families,” Christy said. “Everyone will need a nurse at some time in their life, so it is important to support the students who will be taking care of all of us in the years to come.”

The Christy and David Dauphin Graduate Fellowship in Nursing helps to ease the financial burden for graduate students, many of whom are juggling multiple roles.

“I have heard from many fellowship recipients,” she added. “Most are not only pursuing their advanced degree, but they are working, volunteering and raising a family. These accomplished future nursing leaders and researchers are making an amazing difference in health care already. They need our support. They are the future of nursing.”

In addition to their philanthropy, the Dauphins remain deeply involved in the UT Austin community. Christy currently serves on the School of Nursing Advisory Council and the Chancellor’s Council Executive Committee. She has also served on the board of St. James House for the Diocese of Texas and the visitors board for Scott and White Hospital in Marble Falls. 

Through their fellowship, the Dauphins are not only honoring Christy’s legacy but also paving the way for a new generation of pediatric nursing professionals to lead with knowledge, compassion and purpose.