Judith Erlen (NURS ’66) and her husband, Jonathon, lived lives of discovery, never fully knowing where the journey would take them but always excited about the future.
“When I was in high school, there were usually three options for young women: nursing, teaching, or being a secretary. I was interested in a career where I could care for and help people, so I pursued nursing,” Judith said. “I worked in labor and delivery for a year and then I realized I also liked to teach, so I decided to get my Master’s degree.”
Judith went on to earn her PhD in nursing. It was during her PhD work in Texas that she met John, who had a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degree in history and a master’s in library science. When a position as a history of medicine librarian opened at Pitt, the couple jumped at the opportunity. John became the History of Medicine Librarian at Falk Library and an assistant professor at Pitt and Judith, a professor, PhD program coordinator, and lastly a department chair in the School of Nursing.
“I don’t think either of us ever imagined where our careers would take us,” Judith said.
The couple wanted to provide the foundation for others to launch careers and find new adventures, so they endowed scholarship funds at John’s alma mater, Indiana University, and at the Pitt School of Nursing.
“I grew up in a family where one of the things you did was think about the needs of other people and therefore, giving of your money, time, and talents was important. John and I shared those values,” Judith said. “And I was proud of my education, proud of my university, and we made giving back a priority.”
When John passed away in 2022, Judith wanted to do something to honor his memory. With the help of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement staff, Judith explored several options.
“When they suggested an experiential learning award in the David C. Frederick Honors College, I immediately thought, ‘That’s John,’” Judith said.
For 20 years John taught a history of medicine and healthcare course in the Honors College; the Jonathon Erlen, PhD Experiential Learning Award supports Honors College students researching the history of medicine and health sciences. Judith has had the opportunity to meet a few of the award recipients.
“I was just blown away. They are so amazing,” Judith said. “They are doing so much and still maintaining good grades. When do they have time to sleep?”
Judith recently updated her estate plan to include the experiential learning award and the other funds she and John have endowed with their annual gifts.
“I did that because I’d like to see the funds grow—partially because things aren't going to get cheaper and partially because the number of students receiving the support in the future can increase,” Judith said. “And one of the things that John was so good at was his support and mentoring of students and young faculty. Maybe the Honors College research experience will help somebody early on find what they are really passionate about—and their career will take off in some direction that maybe they never anticipated.”
To learn more about helping FHC students and programs while establishing your legacy through a planned gift, contact Laura Zeronik by email at, or at +1 412-648-0639.