School of Nursing at Beebe receives $1M scholarship endowment
Beebe Medical Foundation recently announced the establishment of the Robert J. & Lois H. White Beebe Endorsed Student Tuition Nursing Scholarship Endowment.
The extraordinary gift – a $1 million fund – will permanently support Delaware residents who are pursuing nursing degrees at the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing at Beebe Healthcare. Recipients will receive tuition assistance in exchange for an 18-month, full-time work commitment in a patient care services role at Beebe.
The $1 million endowment will make it possible for many aspiring clinical professionals to pursue a career in nursing while minimizing the financial pressures often associated with higher education.
“This endowment is a profound investment in the future of healthcare in Sussex County,” said Karen Pickard, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, director of the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing and clinical professional development. “Thanks to the White family, more students will be able to pursue their passion and serve their neighbors as highly trained clinical professionals.”
The endowment was created through the estate of Robert White as a way of honoring the lifetime of service, generosity and community commitment that he and his wife Lois embodied, while recognizing their long-standing connections to Beebe. Robert served on the Beebe Medical Center board for over two decades, and together, he and Lois have been long-term, devoted philanthropic supporters of the hospital. They have made very clear their deep admiration for local nurses who care for Sussex County residents.
“My parents shared an unwavering commitment to education and a deep gratitude for nurses,” said Veronica White, daughter of Robert and Lois. “They believed nurses are the heart of a hospital and wanted to give back in a way that reflects their lifelong love for this community. Through this scholarship, their values will live on in every graduate who puts on that Beebe blue and steps forward to care for others.”
Leaders at the Beebe Medical Foundation are tremendously grateful for the White family’s commitment and heartfelt generosity. “The BEST Nursing Scholarship is more than a financial award; it is an expression of gratitude and vision from Robert and Lois White,” said Kay Young, executive director of development. “They believed that education opens doors and that supporting future nurses is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen our community. This endowment ensures the Whites’ legacy will continue through the hands and hearts of every nurse who benefits from it.”
The scholarship will be awarded annually to applicants who submit a one-page essay, and are Delaware residents and prospective or current students at the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing. To learn more, go to beebehealthcare.org/school-nursing.
