College of Nursing receives grant from Fuld Trust to aid accelerated second degree BSN students

In April 2015, the College of Nursing was awarded a $600,000 grant from the Helene Fuld Health Trust. The New York City-based Fuld Trust was established in 1935 and focuses on health, welfare and education of nursing students. This competitive grant is to be used for financial assistance for students in the second-degree accelerated baccalaureate program (BSNExpress), a current priority of the Fuld Trust. Funds will be used to support students over three years; half of the funds will be held in an endowment fund, the interest from which will be used for the same purpose.

“For decades, the Helene Fuld Health Trust has been a great support for the preparation of nurses. Its priorities have changed with the changing landscape of health care, the needs of society and people who require well-educated nurses to help maintain, restore and promote health,” notes M. Louise Fitzpatrick, EdD, RN, FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor. She says, “The award of the Fuld Scholarships for college graduates who wish to pursue a career in nursing greatly assists in advancing and improving safe care of high quality. These students and our College of Nursing are privileged and grateful to be among the Fuld Trust recipients.”  

The funds during the first year have been used to financially assist 10 second degree students, with previous degrees in such areas as health and consumer sciences, biochemistry, psychology and mechanical engineering. At the conclusion of the 14-month accelerated program, they will earn their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degrees and launch their careers as nurses.

“It was such an honor to receive the Helene Fuld Health Trust Scholarship,” says student Lauren Ziemba. “The scholarship gave me the incentive to continue following my passion for nursing. Upon graduation, I hope to work in an intensive care unit because trauma, disease processes and how lifestyle affects the body are all fascinating to me,” she shares. Ziemba previously earned a bachelor’s degree from Temple University. She hopes to continue her education in graduate school to become a nurse anesthetist.