Frances C. Thielbar, Ph.D., former chair of the Graduate Division of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, joined the Penn faculty in 1960 and was instrumental in helping to develop the school's Master of Science degree in nursing. Upon her death in 1962, this fund was established in her memory in support of materials in nursing at Penn's Biotech Commons.

Students and faculty at Penn's School of Nursing, one of the top-ranked schools in the nation, are served by the Biotech Commons. Funds like this ensure that members of the Penn medical community have superb resources today— and tomorrow.