Jackson Memorial Foundation Donates Nearly Half a Million to MDC School of Nursing
Miami, Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - Miami Dade College's (MDC) School of Nursing reaches yet another milestone with the first class of the Jackson Scholars Program gearing up for graduation in May 2008. To ensure the future success of the program, the Jackson Memorial Foundation presented the MDC Foundation with a check for $459,505.
"We are honored to receive this generous gift from such an established and respected organization, " said Dr. Anita S. Kaplan, president of the Medical Center Campus. "In many ways, our programs are setting the bar for health care education, and this donation will make it possible to continue that tradition."
The funds will be used for tuition, uniforms, books, and other educational fees. Other goals associated with the program include increasing the MDC nursing program capacity by providing scholarships, funding faculty positions, and providing classroom space and administrative support.
The Jackson Scholars Program is a collaborative partnership between MDC and Jackson Health Systems. Now in its second year, the program prepares an average of 80 nurses per year to work in the profession by combining education with hands-on training. This spring, 40 MDC students will graduate and help fill the national critical needs for nursing professionals. MDC alumnus and Alumni Hall of Fame member, Rolando D. Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Jackson Memorial Foundation, presented the check at a recent MDC Board meeting.
Media-only contacts:
Juan Mendieta, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu, MDC communications director
Beverly Williams, 305-237-3949, brodrigu@mdc.edu, MDC media relations director
Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu, media specialist