News Article

Fawcett Memorial Establishes $1,000 Scholarship for Nursing Students at FSW

Aug 19, 2014

Physicians at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte created a $1,000 scholarship for nursing students attending Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) on the Charlotte Campus. 

When a new physician starts at Fawcett Memorial, he or she contributes to a 501(c)(4) charitable fund that benefits educational initiatives and local health organizations. The fund grew particularly bountiful last year as hospital medical staff grew. With the higher than average funding, they decided to create a scholarship to assist nursing students.

“Rather than just stick to the usual things we do, one of the physicians said we should support nursing education in some way. We recognize the value of nursing,” said Denise MacKenzie, Medical Staff Director at Fawcett Memorial Hospital.

“Students choose our program because it’s one of the best in Southwest Florida, it’s affordable, and a majority of our graduates are employed regionally,” said Dr. Louis J. Traina, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “These types of scholarships ensure that our students – all with varying needs – don’t need to worry about completing their degree due to a lack of funds.”

The Nursing Program at FSW, part of the School of Health Professions, provides high-quality competitive training which continues to fill a growing need in the community, yet even with the college’s emphasis on affordability, scholarships are still helpful to students.

Proceeds from this fund have also gone to supporting two free clinics in Charlotte County – the Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic and the Englewood Community Care Clinic – continuing medical education (CME) for physicians and high school scholarships for students who want to pursue a career in healthcare.

Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Last Updated: August 19, 2014