Marshall Health Network Foundations scholarship dinner brings donors, students together

Marshall Health Network (MHN) Foundations hosted a scholarship dinner Thursday, April 2, bringing together the donors and students of the St. Mary’s Center for Education to celebrate the life-changing impact of scholarship support.

The event recognized students pursuing careers in nursing and other health professions while highlighting how the philanthropic investment is helping remove barriers to education and strengthen the future health care workforce.

Throughout the evening, donors had the opportunity to meet and connect directly with the students their generosity supports.

“These scholarships find opportunities for students to complete their education with less worry about finances,” said Joey Trader, EdD, MSN, RN, vice president of the St. Mary’s Schools of Nursing and Health Professions. “It provides them with an opportunity to spend more time focused on their studies. We are grateful for the donors who recognize the potential in these students and the opportunities that they afford to them and those seeking care in our community.”

The program featured remarks from Scott Raynes, president and CEO of Marshall Health Network, and Matt James, vice president of foundations. Guest speaker Courtny Lewis, chair of the Bonnie C. Adams Memorial Scholarship and a registered nurse in pediatric oncology at Marshall Health Network – Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, was joined by student speaker Contessa “Tess” Bledsoe, a registered nurse, 2025 graduate of St. Mary’s School of Nursing and past recipient of the Bonnie C. Adams Memorial Scholarship.

In addition to recognizing scholarship recipients, the evening emphasized the important role donors play in shaping the future of health care by supporting the next generation of caregivers and leaders.

For more information or to make a gift to support MHN Foundations or the St. Mary’s Center for Education, please visit mhnfoundations.org.

Photos from the event are available here.