Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2025

19 THE LINDENWOOD SPRING 2025 EDITION As their children grew and relocated, Ron and Jane welcomed an international student and sponsored her enrollment at Lindenwood. Sofiya joined their home in 2019, just a year prior to the start of the war in her home country of Ukraine. The Puszkars beam when they talk about Sofiya, who blossomed at the University and became editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, LindenLink. “She’s a testament to the efforts of Lindenwood,” Ron said. “To help every student succeed.” There is intentionality in everything the Puszkars do. Even their retirement dates reflect the thought that goes into decisions they make, with Ron retiring 4/4/2014 and Jane following on 5/5/2015. While both are technically retired, Jane and Ron have continued to better things for others. Ron loves hands-on projects and working outside, recently renovating a home for their daughter. “I like to improve things,” Ron shared. With that same passion, Jane serves on the Francis Howell Board of Education. Ron and Jane have passed on their passion for healthcare. Their son Tom is a nurse, daughter Allison is a certified medical assistant, and granddaughters Morgan and Madison are pursuing nursing degrees. In addition, the Puszkars have made a leadership gift to the University’s nursing program. A simulation laboratory will proudly bear their name and educate generations of healthcare professionals positioned to improve the lives of others. “As we gained value from education, we understood its power,” Jane said. “I trust Lindenwood with the nursing curriculum, and know they’ll develop and execute a very strong program.” Together, Jane and Ron embody Lindenwood’s value of thriving together. Their lives have been a mosaic of shared experiences, mutual support, and a deep-seated belief in the power of community. Whether it was through their professional careers, their generous contributions to Lindenwood University, or their personal acts of kindness, they demonstrated that thriving was not an individual endeavor but a collective one. THE GIVING COMMUNITY