Augusta University College of Nursing dean emeriti Lucy N. Marion, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP, (‘67 BSN, ‘74 MN), was faculty at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing for 25 years from 1968 to 1993. 
 
Marion’s family identified her as a caregiver early in life, always wanting to take care of people. It was clear nursing was in her future. Her hunger for knowledge, taking in new information and connecting old with new practices in the nursing field was instrumental in educating nurses at USC. 
 
In 2020, the College of Nursing asked Marion about her legacy and what she hoped to leave behind. 
 
“I don’t think you can and should plan your legacy. I think your legacy evolves from your career goals and achievements. You might plant it, but you can’t know if it will take,” she said. There are so many opportunities in nursing. You can do some of the highest-level things you ever thought of. Just say yes to requests and fill in voids as you go. Any failures will teach you more than successes. Embrace as you go!” 
 
Now, Marion's friends and colleagues share the impacts she made throughout her nursing career: 
 
“In 1996, we were inducted as Fellows into the American Academy of Nursing, along with three college classmates, marking this as a special time. As busy as Lucy was in her professional and personal life, she always picked up the phone when I called. One of my more recent treasured memories was our shared efforts in fundraising for the College of Nursing. This successful effort, with other classmates, continues to assist Dean Andrews, the faculty and students.” - Barbara Johnston Fletcher (‘67 BSN) 
 
"I met Lucy as a student in what was then the School of Nursing in the McCutcheon House when we were freshmen. She, like most of the Class of '67, believed what our faculty preached – we were leaders of the future. We were expected to take on challenges of leadership, to seek higher education, to make a difference in whatever environment we were placed. Lucy did all of that. After graduation we all went our separate ways but found opportunities to stay connected through alumni events. The friendships that were formed in those early years cemented our lives together.” - Renatta Loquist (‘67 BSN) 
 
“Throughout Lucy’s sixty-year career, her commitment to the growth and expansion of nursing in the health care delivery system was clearly demonstrated. Her legacy and impact will live on in her students, fellow nurses, and patients' lives.” - Caroline Seigler (‘67 BSN)
 
The Marion estate has generously dedicated funds to the college’s new satellite clinical education building at the Lexington Medical Center’s main campus, scheduled to open Fall 2024.