Bethesda Foundation continues strong support of Alfred State nursing

For over 30 years, the Bethesda Foundation has been a major supporter of Alfred State’s nursing and health-related programs, having generously donated funds for grants, scholarships, and major projects.

And today, that relationship is still going strong, as the Foundation continues to support nursing education locally by funding scholarships for students from Steuben, Allegany, and Livingston counties who are enrolled in nursing at Alfred State.

For the 2016-2017 academic year, the Foundation’s scholarship support totaled $15,000, an amount the organization typically donates on an annual basis to ensure that Alfred State nursing students can afford an education. This year, recipients of Bethesda Foundation-supported nursing scholarships included:

• Courtney Briganti, Hornell
• Samantha Crosson, Arkport
• Morgan Emo, Hornell
• Brooke Geibel, Hornell
• Rachael Gibbs, Hornell
• Elizabeth Hover, Hornell
• Britany Krause, Livonia
• Rachel McMahon, Almond

Based in North Hornell, the Bethesda Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization devoted to the funding and support of health-related projects and scholarships in the Hornell area. The Foundation’s first grant to Alfred State was in 1987, and to date, the organization has awarded to the college approximately $354,178, which includes grants and scholarship support.

One of the Foundation’s most recent noteworthy contributions to Alfred State health-related education came in the form of a $50,000 donation used for the purchase of new imaging equipment for the college’s radiologic technology program. Afterward, in recognition of the Foundation’s support, Alfred State officially dedicated the Bethesda Foundation Imaging Suite in the Agriculture Science Building.

Linda Panter, chair of the Nursing Department, said, “The Alfred nursing program has greatly appreciated all the financial support given to students over many years. The nursing program is also grateful for their support in other program initiatives. Years ago, it was the Bethesda Foundation that supported the funds to create a special skill lab for students to learn their intravenous skills. The Bethesda Foundation scholarships have assisted hundreds of students.”

Phil Loree, president of the Bethesda Foundation, said, "The strong and long lasting bond that exists between our organization and Alfred State nursing is a reflection, in part, of the Bethesda Foundation's belief that education is the most effective investment we can make in seeking to support community health needs."