The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County recently awarded $22,500 in scholarships from the Angelica G. Muns Nursing Scholarship Fund.
Of the 11 recipients for the spring term, five were recurring scholarships. One of the new recipients, College of Central Florida student Manal Abdelhack was designated the Therese McPherson scholar with a $2,500 award.
The Therese V. McPherson Scholarship was established by Dr. Lon McPherson, former senior vice president of medical affairs at Munroe Regional Medical Center, in loving memory of his wife, Therese. It is designated for nursing students who “bridge” programs toward an advanced nursing degree.
The other 10 students receiving Muns Nursing Scholarships of $2,000 each are:
- Regan Martin – College of Central Florida (recurring);
- Mashelle Thrush – Rasmussen College (recurring);
- Kristin Williams – College of Central Florida (recurring);
- Courtney McCallum- College of Central Florida (recurring);
- Bailey Johnson – College of Central Florida (recurring);
- Lauren Dignard – College of Central Florida;
- Ronald Oliver – College of Central Florida;
- Koanaki Rivera-Mercado – College of Central Florida;
- Timothy Quick – College of Central Florida; and
- Alexandria Hershel – College of Central Florida.
The awards ceremony, which was held Feb. 5, was hosted by CenterState Bank, located at 6132 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
Since 2016, the Community Foundation has administered the Angelica G. Muns Nursing Scholarship. Muns, a United States Air Force lieutenant colonel, was a registered nurse who served during World War II. Her love of her military service and of her chosen profession led to the establishment of a nursing scholarship to ensure that those wanting to excel in the field of nursing had the opportunity to obtain an appropriate degree.
The legacy scholarships not only enable students to pursue nursing degrees, but post-graduation the trust stipulates that they continue their career in an acute healthcare facility for up to an additional two years. Qualified applicants/recipients must be enrolled in a certified nursing program in Marion County and maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the duration of their schooling.
For more information on the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, contact Executive Director Lauren DeIorio at (352) 622-5020.