Richard Simone and the Shari L. Simone Foundation
School of Nursing
In moments of profound loss, some individuals choose remembrance through action. After the sudden passing of his wife, Shari L. Simone, DNP ’11, MS ’96, FAANP, FAAN, FCCM, Richard Simone transformed personal grief into a mission that has strengthened the future for pediatric acute care nurse practitioner students at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON).
Dr. Simone, a UMSON alumna, was a pioneering nurse practitioner, educator, and nationally recognized leader in pediatric critical care whose career was deeply intertwined with the nursing school and the University of Maryland Medical Center. Her professional legacy, marked by decades of clinical excellence, scholarly contribution, and mentorship of hundreds of advanced practice nurses, continues to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
After his wife’s death, Mr. Simone launched a campaign to establish a scholarship in her memory. His leadership mobilized a broad network of family, friends, alumni, colleagues, and community members, resulting in more than 200 donors contributing over $150,000 to support aspiring pediatric acute care nurse practitioners at UMSON.
Recognizing the importance of permanence and long-term impact, Mr. Simone subsequently established the Shari L. Simone Memorial Foundation to ensure that this work would continue in perpetuity. With the foundation, he has created a durable structure that not only preserves Dr. Simone’s legacy but also reinforces a culture of philanthropy for UMSON.
Mr. Simone’s contributions extend beyond financial totals. His efforts demonstrate how volunteer leadership can galvanize community participation, diversify donor engagement, and translate personal commitment into institutional momentum. By inspiring hundreds of individuals to give, he has expanded UMSON’s philanthropic reach while strengthening its scholarship capacity and student support infrastructure.