The Mennonite College of Nursing held its annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet at the Alumni Center on September 11.

Acting Dean H. Catherine Miller hosted the event, and President Larry Dietz welcomed the packed room of donors and recipients. Remarks were also made by Interim Provost Janet Krejci. Senior Kaitlin Ross thanked the donors on behalf of all of the student scholarship recipients, and Billy Adkisson, who along with his wife, Ellen Bourne, established a new scholarship, made remarks on behalf of scholarship donors.

More than 240 students applied for scholarships for the 2014–15 academic year, and the college awarded 70.

“This event gives our recipients the opportunity to meet the donor of the scholarship they were awarded and thank them in person,” said Miller. “We wish we could help every student with a financial need, and we are so grateful for each and every new scholarship that we are able to award.”

This past year, nine new scholarships were added. MCN Director of Development Jenny Ward worked with each donor to create their specific award.

“Both our donors and students have very poignant nursing stories,” said Ward. “It is heartwarming to see them come together and meet. Even if the student’s donor is not able to attend, we sit them with other donors to tell their stories.”

For more information about establishing a scholarship, contact Ward at (309) 438-7178 or jsward@IllinoisState.edu.

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