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Foundation Scholarships

 

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Nursing

Full List    List by Department

Laura J. Downey Bell Nursing Endowed
Created by her husband, family and friends, this scholarship honors Laura J. Downey Bell, who, while raising nine children and being active in their lives as well as her church and community, was dedicated to the profession of nursing, serving as head nurse, instructor and medical supervisor at Barnes Hospital and the St. Louis Veterans Administration Hospital. She was also a tireless leader in the American Nurses Association, Central Regional Accreditation Committee, Missouri Nurses Association, National League for Nursing, Missouri League for Nursing, Missouri Student Nurses Association and the Society of Nursing Professionals. Everyone who knew her recognized her dedication to professionalism and nursing education.

George H. and Mary Alice Bunney
This scholarship was established by George H. and Mary Alice ('38) Bunney in 1978. Mrs. Bunney taught in the Shelbyville, Mo., area for more than 30 years and served on the Truman Board of Regents for two terms. While on the Board, she occupied the positions of secretary, vice president and president. Mr. Bunney retired from the Department of Agriculture. Both are now deceased.

Gretchen and Pete Cornell
The Gretchen and Pete Cornell Scholarship was established as a memorial by friends and relatives of Robert Peter Cornell upon his passing. Cornell was a professor of physiology at Truman until his death in 1991. In 2002 Gretchen Cornell asked that friends make contributions to the fund in lieu of gifts in honor of her retirement. Gretchen was a professor of nursing for 28 years.

Crew Family Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship was established in August 2020 by Randy and Ramona Sanders and Daniel and Tracy Crew in memory of Velma Crew, Ramona's mother and Dan's grandmother, who lived to be 101. Velma, originally from rural Iowa, farmed for many years with her husband Marvin in Iowa and in Northeast Missouri. They had two children, one grandson, and two great-grandchildren. She lived independently until she was 97 years old and spent her last years at a senior living facility, Nye Legacy, in Fremont, Nebraska. Velma enjoyed her daily activities, the company of the other residents, and especially the good nursing staff at Nye Legacy. Velma's great-granddaughter, Abby, was a 2015 Truman Nursing graduate. This scholarship fund will provide financial support to outstanding nursing students at Truman State University.

Dr. Grace Devitt Nursing
This scholarship was endowed by friends to honor the first division head of nursing since it was established as a separate division in 1971. Dr. Devitt led the Division to a nationally recognized, fully accredited program until she retired in 1982.

Frank, Mildred and Rita Ann Elsea Nursing
This scholarship was initially established in 1980 by Dr. Robert Elsea ('50) in honor of his parents, Frank and Mildred Elsea. The scholarship was endowed for nursing because of the impression made by a nurse who cared for his parents. It now also honors his wife, Rita Ann Elsea, who passed away February 26, 2004. Rita attended Truman State University in the 1950s and taught elementary school in Knox County and the Parkway School District until her retirement in 1988.

The Fulks Family
This scholarship was established in 2006 by Mr. Donald (Donnie) E. Fulks. It provides scholarship support for a nursing or pre-physical therapy student with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship honors Donnie's parents, James E. (Jug) and Phyllis L. Fulks, who were also his best friends. The scholarship also honors the rest of the Fulks family. Donnie was proud to have had six family members, in addition to himself, graduate from Truman. These family members are: Sharon (Fulks) Rardon '72 (sister), Mark Fulks '77 (brother), Janelle (Jessen) Fulks '78 (sister-in-law), April Fulks '02 (niece), Michelle Fulks '02 (niece) and Paul McQuillen '02 (nephew). Donnie graduated from Truman in 1980 with a bachelor of science degree in Business and Accountancy. He passed away in January, 2014; the scholarship he established is designed to be awarded in his family’s name in perpetuity.

Stephen and Mariquit Hadwiger Endowed Study Abroad
This scholarship was established and fully endowed through a $15,000 cash/pledge commitment by Dr. Stephen Hadwiger and Mrs. Mariquit Hadwiger of Kirksville, Missouri. Steve received his BSN from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, his MSN from University of Oklahoma and his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He became a member of the Truman faculty in 1993 and currently serves as professor of nursing. Kit earned her BSN at Central Philippines University and her MSN at Texas Christian University. She joined the Truman faculty in 1994 and currently serves as associate professor of nursing. In addition to their regular duties throughout the academic year, the Steve and Kit have served as faculty sponsors for the Transcultural Nursing Experience in the Philippines each summer since 1996. Kit, a native of the Philippines, was responsible for creating the three-week cultural immersion for senior nursing students, thanks in large part to a Truman sponsored grant. She has made the trip every year since the program’s inception, with Steve accompanying her for all but three summers.

Lu & Bill Heilman Nursing
This scholarship was established by Iluminada Lu ('82) and Bill ('83) Heilman of Durham, NC, in appreciation of the outstanding educational experience received at Truman State University. This preparation has helped Lu and Bill in their careers with the Duke University Medical Center. The Heilmans wish to assist deserving nursing students with scholarship support and perpetuate Truman's rich history of providing outstanding nursing graduates for the region and nation.

Richard M. Keith Memorial
Dr. Richard Keith was a veterinarian in the Kirksville area from 1949 until his death in 1984. In 1975, Keith assumed Truman's director of Animal Health Technology, which he held for nine years. This scholarship was established as a memorial by friends and relatives.

Jessica (Hanrahan) Kelsey Memorial
This scholarship fund was created in 2020 in loving memory of Jessica (Hanrahan) Kelsey. A native of Kansas City, Mo., Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1999. As a student, she was a member of Alpha Sigma Gamma Service Fraternity and the Catholic Newman Center, and represented the University as a Student Ambassador. Following graduation, Jessica began work at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, where she worked for 20 years as a nurse coordinator. In 2010, she married the love of her life, David Kelsey, and they have one son, Owen Kelsey, whom she loved dearly. Jessica bravely fought Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer for six years before succumbing to the disease in 2019 at the age of 42. This scholarship fund was established to support students in the nursing program at Truman by her family in her loving memory.

Ray and Judie Klinginsmith Nursing Scholarship
In honor of his wife, this scholarship was established on February 1, 2021 by Ray Klinginsmith for full-time student with financial need majoring in Nursing. A preference is given to students with a record of community involvement and/or a strong work ethic.

Ray and Judie Klinginsmith Nursing Scholarship
In honor of his wife, this scholarship was established on February 1, 2021 by Ray Klinginsmith for full-time student with financial need majoring in Nursing. A preference is given to students with a record of community involvement and/or a strong work ethic.

Louise (Schwaner) Kriner & PFC Lawrence T. Kriner
This scholarship was established in 2006 by Louise F. (Schwaner) Kriner ('67). Ms. Kriner established this scholarship to honor her late son, PFC Lawrence T. Kriner, and the profession of nursing. Ms. Kriner spent almost 30 years helping patients as a nurse.

LMB Memorial
The LMB Memorial Scholarship was created by Mary (Josephine) Balagna in loving memory of her mother and father, Lewis and Margaret Balagna. Although he had limited schooling, Lewis Balagna had a firm belief in higher education and Margaret also offered her daughter strong support. Lewis Balagna had major health problems and died at the age of 59. Many years later, Margaret was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and died at the age of 91. It is hoped that this scholarship will provide support to students who will not only provide care but who may help to advance new treatments for various health problems.

Earl Laughlin Nursing
This award was founded by Marie Laughlin in honor of her husband, Dr. Earl H. Laughlin, Jr. Dr. Laughlin was the chief of staff at Laughlin Osteopathic Hospital, Inc. from 1948 until his death in 1980. He also served as professor of physiology, x-ray, osteopathic technique and surgery at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Laughlin always had a deep appreciation for professional nurses and they for him, thus Mrs. Laughlin established this scholarship. Mrs. Marie Laughlin passed away June 29, 2003.

Dr. Mark H. Laughlin
This scholarship fund was established in 2017 by Dr. Mark H. Laughlin to provide financial support to outstanding nursing students at Truman State University. Mark Laughlin was born and raised in Kirksville, where he attended public schools, graduating from Kirksville High School in 1961. He then attended Pomona College in California, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965. Upon returning to Missouri he entered The Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery and graduated with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree in 1969. After a year's internship in Lansing, Michigan, Dr. Laughlin returned again to his hometown to operate a private practice for a number of years. In his retirement years, Dr. Laughlin as served on the Adair County Library's Board of Directors for one term and has been a long time Board member at the Adair County Family YMCA. An avid dog lover, Laughlin was an active promoter of Kirksville's "McKinney Bark Park." His family connections to Truman State University stretch back more than one hundred years, contributing to his close attachment to what he still calls "The Teacher's College."

Lesseig Family Nursing
This scholarship fund was established in 2013 by Sam and Dee Lesseig. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial support to outstanding Truman State University students. Sam Lesseig joined the mathematics faculty of Truman State University in 1963 and retired in 2013 after 50 years of service. He helped establish the Universitys intercollegiate golf program in 1983 and continued his coaching duties until his retirement. Dee Lesseig taught in the nursing program for 17 years before retiring in 1998. She then practiced as a nurse psychotherapist until 2010. The Lesseigs had three children, all of whom graduated from Truman. Vance (86), Corey (88, 92) and Kristin (88) earned PhDs and are all now educators. They all played varsity golf at Truman and continue to enjoy the game.

Nancy Lee Lindsey Memorial
This scholarship was established in 1977 by friends and family of Nancy Lindsey who was a student at Truman State University at the time of her passing. Nancy participated in the University's Rifle Team and won first place at the Woman's State Championship in 1974-75. Nancy was studying in Truman's nursing program.

Alice McEwen Nursing
This scholarship was established in 1999 through gifts from Alice McEwen ('70). Since her studies at Truman, Alice has served in the fields of health and nursing. She established this scholarship to encourage young women to pursue a career in nursing. Alice is currently retired and resides in Waco, Texas.

Merrick Meyer
This scholarship fund was established in 2015 by the Meyer Family. The purpose of this scholarship is to help build upon the Truman State University’s tradition of excellence in the field of nursing. The fund honors Merrick Meyer’s (’05) wrestling success and his 2004 National Championship. Meyer was inducted into the NCAA Wrestling and the Truman State University Hall of Fames and credits his success to Coach Dave Schutter for his dedication/commitment of 29 years to the wrestlers that went through his program.

Bertha (Sampson) Miller Memorial
This scholarship was established in 2001 by Elizabeth Stroh (Bertha's niece) as well as friends and family to honor Bertha Miller after her death at the age of 97 in May 2001. Bertha was a life-long resident of Kirksville and well-known for her willingness to help those in need.

Birdie Mason Moots Endowed
This scholarship was established in 2009 by Mrs. Irene Morrison of Boulder, CO. Mrs. Morrison was a 1950 business graduate of Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman State University). She passed away April 14, 2011.

Nursing Alumni
This scholarship was established in 1991 by the Nursing faculty of Truman State University.

TSB Nursing in Memory of Bill & Barb Steen
Sue Braun ('82) and Pam Gomez established this scholarship in 2005 in memory of their parents. Sue graduated with a BSN in 1982 and appreciates the financial aid she received as a single parent. Pam had a brain aneurysm rupture in 2002 and credits excellent nursing care for her recovery.

Thomas Family Nursing
This scholarship was created through the gifts of Jim and Rita Thomas. Rita Thomas is a registered nurse and is a graduate of St. Mary's class of 1954. Dr. Thomas was a professor emeritus of English at Truman and passed away in 2009.

Sarah Grim Wimp
This award was endowed by friends and relatives of Sarah Grim Wimp ('29). Wimp began teaching at Truman in 1958 as assistant professor of health. In 1960, she was charged by President Ryle with reestablishing the nursing program at the University and served as head of Nursing through 1970.

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