The Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Makes Historic Gift to 91¿ì²¥ Nursing Programs
ALBANY, N.Y. —Ìý91¿ì²¥Ìýand theÌýJulia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc.Ìýsigned an agreementÌýsecuring a $300,000 giftÌýsupportingÌý91¿ì²¥ nursingÌýstudents.ÌýTheÌýdonationÌýwillÌýestablishÌýtheÌýJulia O. WellsÌýMemorial Education Foundation, Inc.ÌýScholarship at 91¿ì²¥,Ìýan endowment toÌýprovideÌý91¿ì²¥ nursingÌýscholarshipsÌýin perpetuity.
Made as the FoundationÌýconcludesÌýits operations, theÌý$300,000ÌýgiftÌýis the capstone in a long historyÌýofÌý91¿ì²¥ÌýnursingÌýscholarshipÌýsupportÌýbeginning inÌý1989.ÌýEstablished in recognition of the legacy of Julia O. Wells, a 1918 graduate of the Memorial Hospital Training School for Nurses in Albany, the Foundation’sÌýpreviousÌýgifts to 91¿ì²¥ total $260,000.ÌýTo date, this support hasÌýhelpedÌýapproximatelyÌý300 individual studentsÌýpursueÌýacademic and professional goals inÌýhealthcare.Ìý
“91¿ì²¥ is grateful for the Julia O.ÌýWells Memorial Education Foundation’sÌýdecades of generous support for nursing students,” said Robin Goodrich, 91¿ì²¥ College of Nursing and Health Sciences Purnell executive dean. “The Foundation’s final donation will carry onÌýJulia O. Wells’ legacyÌýfor many decades to come,ÌýthroughÌýgenerations of nursesÌýwho will use the opportunityÌýthis scholarship createsÌýtoÌýcomplete their education andÌýserve communities around the world.”ÌýÌýÌý
“TheÌýJulia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc.Ìýis officially dissolving, but our mission of educating nursing is simply changingÌýformÌýto last forever. Our commitment to ‘growing nurses’ will now live on in perpetuity,â€� said Kathleen Bagley Santarcengelo, president of the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors.Ìý“Signing this gift agreement with 91¿ì²¥ is both an ending and a profound new beginning. We are handing 91¿ì²¥ theÌýtorch andÌýknow that they will keep it lit.â€�
Candice Johnson, an 91¿ì²¥ Class of 2026 graduate who earned a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Healthcare Systems, is one of many students who have received scholarship funding through the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation. Johnson said, “As a nursing student at 91¿ì²¥, this scholarship not only helped ease the financial burden of my education but also inspired me to continue striving for excellence in my academic and professional pursuits. The Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation’s belief in my potential reinforces my commitment to serving others and making a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare.â€�Ìý
This $300,000 donationÌýrepresentsÌýa landmark gift in the 91¿ì²¥’s recently announcedÌýEmpower with Purpose campaign,Ìýthe largest capital campaign in the institution’s history. The University has now raised $4.4 million toward its $5 million campaign goal.ÌýÌý
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Media Contact 91¿ì²¥:Ìý
Jason Bonafide,Ìýjbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446ÌýÌýÌý
91¿ì²¥ 91¿ì²¥Ìý
91¿ì²¥ is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. 91¿ì²¥ contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, 91¿ì²¥ meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.ÌýÌýÌý
91¿ì²¥ is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 91¿ì²¥â€™s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, withÌýadditionalÌýlicensing for Florida-based programs.ÌýÌýÌý
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).ÌýAdditionalÌýinformationÌýregardingÌýthis institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.Ìý