Featured Testimonial About Creighton University
We have always believed St. Joseph’s is the leading hospital in the Valley. Knowing that Creighton mirrors the same commitment to educating outstanding health care professionals makes this the perfect union.
Guided by their hearts and innovative vision, Doris Norton and her late husband, John, created a legacy of giving that continues to underscore their passion and commitment for shaping health care education and delivery in Phoenix and the Southwest.
As farmer-ranchers with strong work ethics and entrepreneurial spirits, John and Doris have been driven by a generational family tradition of community service and civic leadership. In 1996, John and Doris began exploring ways to give back to their community, and they created the Norton Foundation dedicated to helping meet the charitable, educational and scientific needs of Phoenix area and the State of Arizona. In addition, and through the Norton Family Living Trust, John and Doris have made transformational gifts to St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, the University of Arizona, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Creighton University and many more Arizona nonprofits.
John and Doris’s long affiliation with the hospital made it an easy decision for them to donate a transformational gift to establish the John and Doris Norton Cardio Thoracic & Transplantation Institute at St. Joseph’s in 2013. John was born at St. Joseph’s in 1929, and returned there seven years later to receive a lifesaving tracheotomy during a deadly bout of strep throat. In addition, the couple’s three children and two grandchildren were also born there. They were also inspired by the vision of Dr. Ross Bremner, Executive Director of the Institute, to build an epicenter for treating cardiothoracic disease. Under Dr. Bremner’s leadership, the lung transplant program has become one of the nation’s busiest and leading facilities with the highest possible one-year survival rate. John was quoted, “St. Joseph’s is dear to my heart, and we are proud to be part of their family.”
Subsequent to John’s passing in 2016 Doris said, “I am happy to follow family tradition and continue to make transformational gifts to charities in our community especially Creighton University and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.”
The Norton’s generosity has paved the way for future leaders in health care to develop as critical thinkers and as compassionate providers who will serve their communities with intelligence, heart and a moral compass. In 2011, John and Doris established the Doris Norton Scholarships endowed fund at St. Joseph’s Foundation in support of scholarships for Creighton University Medical School at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. One year later, they funded the refurbishment of space to create the Norton Manor at St. Joseph’s Hospital, which currently houses the administrative offices and meeting space for current students of the Creighton health science students. In June 2019, Doris established the Doris S. Norton Nursing Scholarship Fund at St. Joseph’s in support of scholarships for nursing education, this generous donation will support the Creighton University Accelerated Nursing Education Program at St. Joseph’s in the coming years. Doris also became a lead donor to the Creighton Health Sciences Phoenix Campus capital project.
“Mr. and Mrs. Norton have led the way to a new era of health care,” the Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD, Creighton University president, said. “At Creighton, we live our mission and are guided by our identity. I am proud to partner with St. Joseph’s Foundation and visionaries such as the Nortons, whose values guide them to the causes they are passionate about. Together, we can provide immeasurable value to our local communities and our greater society.”
Creighton medical student and St. Joseph’s Doris Norton Scholarship recipient Bianca Kang said it has been a blessing to be immersed in a challenging learning environment that has helped her to grow professionally, intellectually and spiritually.
“The St. Joseph’s Doris Norton Scholarship is forever a reminder that it is through the support and love of the Nortons that I am able to continually learn how to best serve my patients,” Kang said. “The time I have spent volunteering with the underserved has most impacted my education. Engaging with populations-in-need reminds me of the reason I chose Creighton and St. Joseph’s for my medical education: to serve others.”
“We have always believed St. Joseph’s is the leading hospital in the Valley,” Doris said. “Knowing that Creighton mirrors the same commitment to educating outstanding health care professionals makes this the perfect union. We have always felt blessed to be able to support St. Joseph’s and the education of those advancing in the health care profession, and I hope others will join us in this effort.”
