Contributing Writer: Amber Jackson, University Marketing Communications

The nursing program at University of West Florida received an early graduation present today when Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., (BCBSF) announced a $100,000 endowment for student scholarships. The gift was presented during the pinning ceremony held for the first students graduating from UWF's new four-year nursing baccalaureate program. The $100,000 endowment gift will be matched with an additional $50,000 through the State of Florida's university matching gift program.

"This is a landmark day for the university and the community," said UWF President John Cavanaugh. "We honor the students for their achievement and for their chosen profession where they will provide comfort and care to many in our community. We applaud Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida for its vision and support for a lasting contribution to nurse education."

The scholarship endowment will expand educational opportunities in a health care field of significant need. Florida and the nation are experiencing an acute nursing shortage. In Northwest Florida, hospitals report that more than 11 percent of their nurse staffing needs remain unmet, while a 22 percent college faculty shortage forces schools to turn away nearly 75 percent of qualified applicants. Current workforce estimates project that Florida will need 61,000 more nurses by 2020.

"Education, at all levels, is an important link to a lasting solution for the nursing shortage," said Cyrus Jollivette, senior vice president for Public Affairs, BCBSF. "Generating more nurses will have a positive effect on the quality and availability of health care for all Floridians."

BCBSF's contribution to UWF is part of its public/private partnership, called Generation RN, to create additional education and career opportunities for nurses. In recognition of Florida's culturally diverse population, a special emphasis of this strategic philanthropic investment is given to attract students to nursing from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Over the past two years, the BCBSF $10.5 million investment has attracted additional public and private sponsors, thereby leveraging the company's initial investment. Through the use of endowments, rather than operational grants, the initiative lays a foundation for sustained growth in nursing into the future, when Florida's growing elderly population is anticipated to increase the need for nurses.

After the presentation from BCBSF, UWF honored the first graduating class of students to complete the bachelor of science in nursing. Twenty-eight students were recognized during a pinning ceremony.

"This ceremony signifies the end of nursing school and the beginning of our careers," said Julie Ross, a graduating nursing student from Fort Walton Beach. "It is exciting to be a part of this program as it is the first and only nursing program of its kind in the region. I feel so privileged to share this achievement with the families and friends that supported us and are here to pin us today."

The UWF limited access nursing program is designed to prepare students to become clinical generalists capable of planning health care for individuals, families or groups. UWF offers the generic four-year bachelor's degree in nursing and also a RN to BSN bridge program designed for registered nurses interested in furthering their career through higher education. Through partnerships with area hospitals, students are able to apply skills learned in the classroom to real- world clinical experiences. Health care quality and ethics are two primary focuses incorporated into the nursing courses offered at UWF. Professional development through higher education, certification and research is also emphasized.

For more information on the UWF Nursing Program, contact Marilyn Lamborn, program director for the UWF Nursing Program, at (850) 494-3806 or via e-mail at mlamborn@uwf.edu. For more information about BCBSF, visit at www.bcbsfl.com.

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