Written by Jimmy Taylor

A longstanding dream has come to fruition as VFW Post 2771 announced the establishment of a nursing scholarship at Lenoir Community College, thanks to the dedication and efforts of its members. This scholarship, which has been years in the making, is set to support aspiring nurses in Lenoir County and across North Carolina.

The origin of the scholarship dates back more than 15 years when Richard Wagner, father of retired teacher and coach Bonnie Wagner, made a significant donation. The funds were earmarked for a nursing scholarship, but they remained unused in a separate account for years. Jeff Stephens, Adjutant/Quartermaster for VFW Post 2771, said that he has been aware of the funds since he became quartermaster about 15 years ago.

Recently, the leadership of VFW Post 2771, including Commander Tab Brown, Senior Vice Commander Richard Jones, and Stephens, decided to activate the scholarship fund. Jones reached out to the LCC Foundation to gather the necessary details. They discovered that $15,000 was required to establish a recurring scholarship, rather than a one-time grant. "Years ago, even before my time, that money was already there, donated by Bonnie's father for the purpose of a nursing scholarship," Jones explained. "We had to raise an additional $4,000 to $5,000 to meet the total required amount."

The team was determined to ensure the scholarship's longevity. "We wanted to make sure that it was here forever instead of one person getting it and it's gone," Jones said. This commitment led them to work closely with the Foundation over the past year, ultimately contributing their own funds to meet the scholarship's financial requirements.

The VFW Post 2771 members are thrilled to see their efforts culminate in a scholarship that will benefit nursing students for years to come. "We're just glad to help people in Lenoir County and North Carolina in general," Brown said. "This scholarship will help students pursue their lifetime goal of nursing and assist people who need their help in life."

With the scholarship now in place, aspiring nurses at LCC have a new opportunity to receive financial support, enabling them to focus on their education and future careers in healthcare. The VFW Post 2771's dedication to community service and education stands as a testament to their enduring commitment to making a positive impact.

For more information on the LCC Foundation and scholarship opportunities available, visit www.lenoircc.edu/foundation, or email Director of Institutional Advancement Jeanne Kennedy at jmkennedy48@lenoircc.edu.