From left, Lori Hoeger, director of the Morning Pointe Foundation; Veronica Bush, Morning Pointe Scholar and Chattanooga State Community College Class of 2018; and Nancy Woods, RN, regional director of nursing at Morning Pointe Senior Living
Morning Pointe Scholar Veronica Bush was recognized among 101 nurses graduating with the Class of 2018 at Chattanooga State Community College. Officially a registered nurse, the future is clear for Ms. Bush, who now joins the next generation of caregivers, thanks to the Morning Pointe Scholarship.
Morning Pointe Senior Living began contributing nursing scholarship funds in 2008 to Chattanooga State Community College. The scholarship was established to engage exceptional nursing students and develop a workforce that is equipped to address a growing aging population with changing healthcare needs.
The scholarship program has helped put students like Ms. Bush on track to a future in healthcare. Diagnosed with a tumor on her left kidney at the age of three, Ms. Bush says her first memories of childhood involved encounters with doctors and nurses who inspired her to pursue a nursing career.
“I want to be a nurse who helps, who has a sincere desire to care for others," said Ms. Bush. "I am in the business of comforting others, and no job is better suited than this. I am eternally grateful to the help of the Morning Pointe Scholarship for enabling me to pursue my educational and career goals. Because of this scholarship, I completed my final semester at ease.”
“Our scholars are the future of senior care,” said Lori Hoeger, director of the Morning Pointe Foundation. “Through this program we equip nursing students with the resources they need to succeed and meet the demands of a growing +65 population.”
“The Morning Pointe Scholarship program empowers and encourages our future nurses by helping lift the financial burdens on them,” said Tammy Sawyers, director of College Advancement at Chattanooga State. “We are grateful for this partnership, as it has helped nursing students achieve their career goals.”
Founded in 2014 by Morning Pointe Senior Living healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow, the Morning Pointe Foundation is a 501(c)3 public non-profit organization that connects philanthropic, educational and wellness initiatives, creates community partnerships and supports caregivers in its mission to advance the care of seniors.
In addition to its partnership with Chattanooga State, the Foundation distributed $37,000 to more than 20 nursing students in Columbia, Athens, Jacksboro and Greeneville, as well as colleges in Ashland and Lexington, Ky.