Foundation Gifts $318,000 to Empire State Nursing
The Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation is dissolving and directing its assets to area colleges, starting with a nursing scholarship endowment.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Scholarships
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Empire State University received a $318,000 gift from the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, which is establishing the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Endowed Nursing Scholarship. The foundation has supported scholarships for SUNY Empire nursing students since 2011.
Why it matters
The gift addresses a severe shortage of nurses in New York, where 97% of hospitals reported shortages in 2024. The endowed fund is designed to support nursing students in perpetuity as the foundation winds down.
The foundation has funded SUNY Empire nursing scholarships since 2011 and is distributing its remaining assets to area colleges. The source does not state how many students have received awards or the total amount previously given.
The players
Empire State University
A public institution within the State University of New York system, formerly known as SUNY Empire State College, serving adult and nontraditional learners across the state.
Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation
A New York education foundation that has supported nursing scholarships at SUNY Empire since 2011 and is now dissolving its assets.
The details
The Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc. transferred the gift to Empire State University as it dissolves, choosing an endowed fund so the scholarship can continue indefinitely. The announcement was made in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Timeline
2011: Foundation began supporting SUNY Empire nursing scholarships.
2024: New York hospitals reported widespread nurse shortages.
November 5, 2026: Empire State University announced the $318,000 gift.
2022-2032: Projected registered nurse openings in New York are expected to exceed 17,000 annually.
Workforce Pipeline
The New York State Department of Labor projects more than 17,000 annual openings for registered nurses between 2022 and 2032, and this endowment adds a long-term funding stream for nursing students aiming to fill those roles. The source does not indicate how the endowment compares to other state nursing scholarship programs.
Nursing students at SUNY Empire may gain access to an endowed scholarship funded in perpetuity. Prospective students should check with the university for eligibility criteria and application timing, which the source does not provide.
The takeaway
Endowed scholarships can outlast the organizations that create them, offering students multi-year support. Nursing students in New York should look into endowed awards at their own institutions as hospital staffing pressures continue.
Further reading
Explore more on Scholarships for New York students pursuing nursing and other health careers.
More information
Learn more about the university at the SUNY Empire University general information site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Saratogian.
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