Long time WSU nursing board of visitor member Michael “Mike” Gillet passed away suddenly on February 27, 2020. Mike was the retired President of Health Partners Inc., a home health care and staffing company, which he founded in 1990. Mike was also Vice President and CFO of Health Providers Choice as well as President of Health Partners Group Homes.

A member of Wayne State University’s College of Nursing board of visitors since 2006, Mike lent his expertise in finance, management, leadership and business development. With over 40 years of professional experience in the healthcare industry, he was passionate about financial support for nursing education and health care.

When asked about his personal and professional support for the field of nursing, Gillet once noted, “What nurses do in all aspects of health care leads to better community wellness,” he says. “I’m happy that I can support the field.”

Mike helped shape the contemporary WSU College Nursing in so many ways. He and his wife, Rosemary Gillet, are generous benefactors of the college.  Mike was a member of the College’s campaign committee during the Pivotal Moments campaign.  He and his wife Rosemary also endowed a named scholarship fund for College of Nursing BSN for Veterans students. His company was a major supporter of the college’s annual urban health conference and he made clinical education opportunities available to College of Nursing students at Health Partners Inc. 

“Working with Mike over the past five years has been a privilege. He was an exceptional advocate for the College of Nursing, a generous philanthropist and a true gentleman,” said Dean Laurie Lauzon Clabo. “He and his beloved Rosemary have demonstrated sustained support and engagement to advance student success. His loss is a terrible blow. Our thoughts are with Rosemary during these difficult days.”

A private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to the Michael and Rosemary Gillet Military Service Member Endowed BSN Scholarship at the Wayne State University College of Nursing through giving.wayne.edu/donate/nursing.