The Caruthers family and Virginia Hospital Center Foundation have teamed up to provide $400,000 in scholarships for students in Marymount University’s nursing program.
“We have long recognized the valuable contributions made possible in our community by Marymount University’s nursing program, in collaboration with Virginia Hospital Center,” said Steve Caruthers on behalf of his family, a longtime benefactor of both institutions. “There exists a standard of excellence of care provided to all of us and we are forever grateful.”
Dr. Jeanne Matthews, dean of Marymount’s Malek School of Health Professions, is grateful for the support on several levels.
“We’re very excited about these generous scholarships, which will provide a meaningful opportunity for our students, reducing their student debt and linking them to employment at Virginia Hospital Center,” Matthews said.
Three students have initially received $10,000 awards: Margaret Amos of Alexandria, Nomin Bayanmunkh of Arlington and Katherine Glorioso of La Plata, Maryland. In the future, five students will receive the scholarships each year, along with the promise of a position at Virginia Hospital Center in exchange for a commitment to work there at least two years.
Matthews said there is an overwhelming demand for nurses to meet the needs of a growing population that is living longer, but often with chronic health problems.
“Meeting that demand is a significant challenge that we all need to work toward,” she said, noting that service to others is one of the three pillars of a Marymount education, along with intellectual curiosity and a global perspective.
Marymount’s nursing program is housed in Caruthers Hall on campus. The family’s relationship with the University began under patriarch Preston Caruthers.
“My grandfather had a lot to do with the Virginia Hospital Center, formerly Arlington Hospital, and Marymount University,” said Justin Miller, a nephew of Steve Caruthers. “Marrying the two was a natural thing to do and in keeping with the legacy he created and the values he taught us.”
“When he originally helped seed the Friends of Nursing Scholarship in the 1980s, that was in response to a need at the time and where the money seemed to make the most sense,” Miller said. “History repeats itself and we are in need of the great, talented and dedicated nurses that Marymount educates. This is a good example of how mutually beneficial partnerships can be struck. This one is pretty unique, with a local community hospital in partnership with a local private university. There’s a lot of synergy.”
“Virginia Hospital Center is pleased to come together with Marymount University and the Caruthers family and support these exceptional students as they join the nursing profession,” said Melody F. Dickerson, senior vice president and chief nursing officer, Virginia Hospital Center. “Through this program, these future nurses will join the Hospital staff with an exceptional education and provide critically needed care in their own community.”
