Delin Huver’s journey to becoming a nurse anesthetist began long before she stepped into a classroom. It began with her grandmother, a nurse who taught her that caring for others is one of the greatest gifts a person can offer.
Delin, who is planning to graduate in May 2026, is currently a student in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - Nurse Anesthesia program, part of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University, Delin shared her story on March 7 during a Nurse Anesthesia Alumni Reception at the Virginia Beach Higher Education Center.
As the recipient of the Molly Seymour Endowed Scholarship for Nurse Anesthesia Students, Delin spoke about the support that has helped make her journey possible.
“I am deeply honored to receive this scholarship,” she said. “Knowing [it] was made in the memory of Mrs. Seymour, who dedicated her life to caring for others, makes it even more meaningful to me. I am not only grateful for the financial support, but also for the opportunity to carry forward her legacy of compassion, service and excellence in the field of nurse anesthesia.”
Her story reflected a central theme of the evening: the powerful role philanthropy plays in shaping the future of healthcare. Another example came with the announcement of the Wass Schwartz Scholarship for Nurse Anesthesia Students, established by alumna Adrienne Wass, D.N.P. (D.N.P. ’20), and her husband, Matthew Schwartz.
Dr. Wass spoke with heartfelt emotion about how the program helped her develop resilience, deep knowledge and lifelong friendships. She emphasized the importance of staying involved.
“Now more than ever, students will need more support,” she said. “Ultimately, support of the program not only helps the individual nurse anesthesia students but also all the lives of the patients that they provide care for throughout their careers.”
The evening also included updates from Alfred Abuhamad, MD, executive vice president for health sciences at Old Dominion University, on ODU’s efforts to address regional nursing and healthcare workforce shortages.
He noted the recent addition of a spring cohort to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program — which will add 96 new students over two years and increase program enrollment by 60 percent — and he announced a new research-focused Nursing Science Ph.D. program.
Dr. Abuhamad also highlighted expanded scholarship opportunities for nursing and health sciences students, including the Dennis & Jan Ellmer Health Scholars Program, which encourages graduates to remain in Hampton Roads following graduation.
He then introduced Brittany Hay, Ph.D., D.N.P., the inaugural associate dean of academic affairs and associate professor for the Ellmer School of Nursing at ODU. Dr. Hay told alumni and guests that enrollment in the D.N.P. Nurse Anesthesia program has doubled in the last three years and noted that the program is ranked No. 19 nationally.
“I’m so proud of what [this program] has become and the bright future ahead,” she said, “not just because of rankings or numbers — although those are impressive — but because of the reputation this program carries in operating rooms and hospitals across the region and beyond. That reputation exists because of you, our alumni, and the faculty who prepared you.”
By the end of the evening, the room was filled with laughter and shared memories of old friends and classmates. For many alumni, the gathering was also a reminder of the calling that first drew them to nurse anesthesia.
A calling that, for many, traces back to the same lesson passed down by Delin Huver’s grandmother: that caring for others is one of the greatest gifts a person can offer.
Learn more about the Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) programs, including Nurse Anesthesia, at Old Dominion University.