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Tiffany Chapman: A Legacy of Helping Others
Chapman Family Gift Supports Future Nursing Students
Tiffany Chapman, a Black Hawk College alum, spent much of her life caring for others as a nurse. Before she passed away in January 2026, she chose to keep helping by making a generous gift to support future healthcare professionals.
“Unfortunately, three incurable diseases shortened Tiffany’s life, but not her helpful spirit,” said her father, Jon Chapman.
Chapman decided to help future Black Hawk College nursing students by donating $102,000 to the Black Hawk College Foundation. The donation will fund the purchase of a training manikin for the nursing program, and the rest will go toward new equipment and training tools.
Beginning in 2027, the Chapman family also pledged $10,000 annually to fund two scholarships awarded to Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing (LPN) students in Tiffany’s memory. The pledge fund has now grown to over $130,000 and will help many Black Hawk College students in the years ahead.
“Tiffany Chapman’s compassion and commitment to helping others will continue to impact Black Hawk College nursing students for years to come,” said Dr. Jeremy Thomas. He went on to add, “we are deeply grateful to the Chapman family for honoring her legacy through this meaningful gift.”
Trudy Starr, chair of the BHC Nursing Department, said the nursing faculty and many students are very grateful for these generous donations and the difference they will make.
“Tiffany was proud to be able to help current and future Black Hawk College nurses learn, benefiting themselves and their patients,” her father said.
Starr explained that the donation will help the college offer better, more realistic training for nursing students, preparing them to give compassionate, high-quality care.
“Because of Tiffany’s kindness, future nurses will learn, grow and gain confidence during the BHC nursing program,” she said. “We are truly grateful for this generosity and the ongoing impact it will have for our students.”
Starr also shared a quote from Tiffany that continues to inspire those connected to the program: “Learn. To benefit your patients and yourself.”
About Tiffany Chapman
Throughout her life, her father said, Tiffany’s goals were simple: to develop, as best she could, her God-given talents.
Early in her life, she was attracted to and had an affinity for gymnastics. She worked hard to reach the Elite level, gymnastics' highest skill level, and at age 11 began competing nationally. She was a 23-time state champion in Illinois and Iowa, including a five-time Illinois high school champ. She was All-State, All-American, and ranked 19th nationally.
As she grew older, helping others became her passion, leading her to pursue hands-on nursing. She believed that the Black Hawk College Associate Degree Nursing program – from which she graduated in December 2005 – well prepared her for nursing. Perhaps being a fourth- generation RN helped, too, her father said.
Her love for nursing was evidenced by many nominations for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international award she received in October 2012. The award celebrates and recognizes nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families and co-workers – anyone who experiences or observes extraordinarily compassionate care being provided by a nurse.
Jon Chapman said his daughter’s challenge to others is to develop their God-given talents and then use those skills to help others.
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