For those interested: Marshall Democrat-News: Story: Anonymous donor pledges $25,000 to MVC for nursing program

Missouri Valley College has received the first installment of $13,000 of the $25,000 pledge from an anonymous donor to establish an endowed scholarship for students enrolled in the MVC School of Nursing and Health Sciences, according to a news release from the college.

"There are significant nursing shortages in rural areas throughout the United States, and as a college in a rural community, we feel that the addition of the School of Nursing at Missouri Valley will make a significant impact on our community," said Tonya Eddy, director of the MVC School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences received initial approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing in June. The first group of pre-nursing students arrived on campus Aug. 24.

"Nurses, like all other health care professionals, are essential if rural communities are to survive," said MVC President Bonnie Humphrey. "We are appreciative of the generosity, and thankful to receive this gift. It will make a significant impact on the college and our nursing students."

By definition, an endowed scholarship is one in which the principal remains intact and only the interest is given away each year.

The scholarship will be awarded to one student annually. To be eligible, students must be a full-time student in good academic standing, a current resident of Saline County and be accepted into the MVC School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

"Endowed scholarships are a great way to build a program and provide students the opportunity to further their education," said Eric Sappington, MVC vice president of institutional advancement. "It is great to see how the generosity of our donors impacts the lives of our students."

Construction continues at the MVC School of Nursing and Health Sciences in the Buckner Wellness Center on the Fitzgibbon Hospital campus.

For more information on the MVC School of Nursing and Health Sciences contact Eddy at 660-831-4564 or eddyt@moval.edu.

For more information on MVC scholarship opportunities contact the financial aid office at 660-831-4176 or financialaid@moval.edu.