March marks Women's History Month, and a special garden near the Tower at STAR celebrates the impact of Jane Maroney, Muriel Gilman and Dr. Kitty Esterly - three women whose hard work, advocacy and support have left a tangible imprint on the College of Health Sciences and the state of Delaware. 

As the weather improves, be sure to check out the garden plaque honoring these three visionary women. 

“These three women are dreamers and they helped us to dream this. This space here is really an expression of their dreams and their mission,” Dean Kathleen S. Matt said in remarks during the unveiling in 2019. “The importance of this garden is to remind our students about what they are studying and what they are destined to do.” 

Gilman, Esterly and Maroney are known for their dedication to the community, albeit in different ways.

Maroney, who served 20 years as a member of the Delaware General Assembly, has dedicated her life to improving healthcare in the First State. Gilman, who passed away in 2011, worked for 23 years at the United Way of Delaware before spending her later years working as a consultant for the School of Nursing to increase fundraising and student enrollment. Esterly, who passed away in 2014, was Delaware’s first neonatologist and is roundly credited with doing more than anyone to positively impact the health of the state’s tiniest residents. She was known as the "Mother of Delaware Neonatology." 

Former College of Health Sciences Dean Betty Paulanka recalled Gilman’s quiet leadership as being the driving force behind her successful campaign to raise $1 million for the School of Nursing. “Muriel’s special smile and bond with people made it difficult to tell her no because they knew what she asked was of great value,” Paulanka said during the garden dedication. 

As a physician, Esterly’s views on the role of nurses in medicine carried additional significance. She was a strong advocate for the role of nurse practitioners in helping improve community health, particularly at the pediatric level. 

“We really were very different,” Maroney told the crowd at the dedication. “Kitty was fierce,” she added. “If you told her you were doing your best, she’d say your best isn’t good enough.” 

Over the years, the three remained fierce advocates, promoting the School of Nursing as well as advancing opportunities for nurses to take a more active role in the clinical care of their patients. That passion served the College of Health Sciences well, Matt said.  

“These three women all along have continued to say, ‘What’s next, Let’s keep going, It’s not done yet,” she added.  “We will continue to inspire others with their kind of energy.”