Panama City, FL— The Gulf Coast State College Foundation is proud to announce three significant new gifts totaling more than $98,000 to support the success and stability of nursing students in our region. Thanks to generous contributions from HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital and the Edward F. Hickey Memorial Fund, students pursuing nursing careers will have immediate access to emergency financial assistance and long-term scholarship opportunities designed to strengthen the healthcare workforce across Northwest Florida.
The first of these impactful gifts comes from HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, which has established the “Need It Now” Nursing Emergency Scholarship Grant Fund with a contribution of $8,000. This fund is designed to provide rapid, short-term assistance for nursing students facing unforeseen financial hardships that could otherwise derail their education. Grants of up to $500 per student can be used for tuition, textbooks, supplies, or critical living expenses such as housing or transportation.
“We are so pleased to partner with Gulf Coast State College to provide emergency funds for nursing students,” said Chase Christianson, CEO of HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. “No student should have to put their dreams on hold because of an unexpected financial setback. By helping our future nurses stay on track, we’re investing not only in their success but also in the future health of our community.”
In a remarkable show of support, the Edward F. Hickey Memorial Fund has generously matched this initiative with an additional $8,000, establishing the Edward F. Hickey Memorial “Need It Now” Nursing Emergency Scholarship Grant Fund. Together, these funds ensure that nursing students have access to the resources they need to persevere through life’s challenges and stay focused on their academic and career goals.
“The late Edward F Hickey Jr was not one to draw attention to his generosity towards the community. As Trustee, I believe everyone deserves access to best healthcare available,” said Jeff DiBenedictis, Trustee of the Edward F. Hickey Memorial Fund. “Mr. Hickey was an advocate for giving individuals an opportunity at success. The establishment of a fully endowed scholarship for the Nursing program gets us one step closer to achieving our goal of providing the community quality healthcare. Naming it after the late Edward F Hickey Jr ensures his legacy will live on.”
In addition to the emergency grants, the Edward F. Hickey Memorial Fund has also established a $75,000 permanent endowment, the Edward F. Hickey Memorial Nursing Scholarship Award Fund, to provide long-term financial support to nursing students at Gulf Coast State College. An extra gift of $7,500 has been contributed to ensure that scholarships from this fund will be available starting in the Fall 2025 semester, bringing the total investment from the Hickey Fund to $82,500.
“These gifts serve as a powerful reminder of the generosity and commitment from our community partners,” said Ashlin Glatthar, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast State College Foundation. “With immediate aid for students in crisis and permanent scholarships to sustain future generations, we’re creating a foundation of support that strengthens our college, our healthcare system, and our entire community.”
About the Gulf Coast State College Foundation
The Gulf Coast State College Foundation is committed to transforming lives through education by providing scholarships, program enhancements, and direct student support. Through the generosity of our donors, we help remove financial barriers and empower students to achieve their academic and professional dreams. To learn more, apply for scholarships, or make a gift, visit www.gcscfoundation.org.
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For more information, please contact Lauren Campbell, Director of Advancement and External Affairs, [email protected] or (850) 960-4555