The New River Valley Health Foundation has announced two major gifts to higher education in the New River Valley.
The funds will create endowments to benefit students in healthcare programs at Radford University and New River Community College.
“We hope and pray this will foster additional excitement toward the health care field in the greater New River Valley,” said Fred L. Newhouse, chairman of the New River Valley Health Foundation Board, when he announced the gifts at a recent event. “The services you provide fulfill a vital need within the greater New River Valley and the board is pleased to provide these funds.”
The foundation’s gift of $1 million to Radford University, named the New River Valley Health Foundation, Inc., Scholarship Fund, will support 40 endowed scholarships for students in the Waldron College of Human Services, with an emphasis toward the School of Nursing.
“Radford University is widely known for its outstanding educational programs and outreach services, including its focus on health sciences and the stellar reputation of its School of Nursing,” said Brian O. Hemphill, the university’s president. “On behalf of the Radford family, including Highlander students, faculty and staff, we express our sincere appreciation and everlasting gratitude to the New River Valley Health Foundation for its investment in furthering our mission of teaching, research and service.”
The foundation’s gift of $500,000 to New River Community College will provide 20 endowed New River Valley Health Foundation Nursing Scholarships.
“The majority of our associate degree nursing graduates stay in the New River Valley when they enter the workforce,” said Dr. Pat Huber, NRCC president. “So, this scholarship will not only benefit our students, but will provide much needed, skilled nurses for area hospitals and other healthcare employers. This wonderful gift from the New River Valley Health Foundation will provide, in perpetuity, the financial assistance that many of our students need as they prepare for a career in service to others.”
Formed in 1984, the New River Valley Health Foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation organized to promote and foster the development of community health activities for charitable and educational purposes in the New River Valley.
The foundation offers financial assistance in the form of contributions, loans and leasing arrangements to selected organizations who primarily are providers of health care services in the New River Valley.
— Sherry Wallace