West Liberty University Foundation Announces Endowed Nursing Scholarship
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The West Liberty University Foundation announced Tuesday the establishment and permanent endowment of the Amy Northwood Hamilton Nursing Scholarship, which will provide financial support to students enrolled in the West Liberty University BA/BS to BSN program.
The scholarship was endowed through a donation from former U.S. Congressman David B. McKinley and Mary McKinley, in memory of Mr. McKinley's grandmother, Amy Northwood Hamilton.
Hamilton served as the Resident Director in Shaw Hall at West Liberty State College for more than 10 years during the administration of former president Paul N. Elbin. She loved her work at West Liberty and particularly enjoyed connecting with students. Following her mandatory retirement from WLSC at the age of 65, she went on to serve as a dormitory mother at both Bethany and Wheeling Colleges.
In addition to honoring the memory of Amy Northwood Hamilton and her service to WLSC, the McKinleys desire to assist students pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing. Mary McKinley herself had a long career in the field, having served as a critical care nurse in the Ohio Valley for more than 45 years. She obtained her nursing diploma from Ohio Valley General Hospital, her bachelor's degree from Wheeling College and her Master of Science in nursing from West Virginia University.
"Nurses are an indispensable component of the healthcare system in America but a shortage exists," David McKinley said. "Hopefully, this scholarship will help make transitioning into the BSN program less challenging. Secondly, it recognizes my grandmother's passion for West Liberty University and its mission."
McKinley served as the U.S. Representative for West Virginia's 1st Congressional district from 2011-23 and was a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from 1980-94. He is the founder of the Wheeling-based architecture and engineering firm, McKinley & Associates (now known as McKinley Architecture and Engineering).
Betsy Delk, executive director of the West Liberty University Foundation, expressed gratitude for this significant contribution.
"We are deeply thankful to David and Mary McKinley for their visionary support," Delk said. "This endowed scholarship will be an important resource for students in the BS/BA to BSN program who, after obtaining a bachelor's degree in another field, decide to pursue a degree in nursing. This scholarship will support our students and help meet the critical need for nurses in our region."
"This scholarship is especially beneficial to adult learners who may need to temporarily leave the workforce to earn their BSN degree," added WLU Assistant Professor of Nursing and Program Chair Barbara Kulpa. "The support this scholarship provides will ease financial pressures and allow students to focus on their education."
Contributions to the Amy Northwood Hamilton Endowed Nursing Scholarship can be made online at wlufoundation.org, by mail at WLU Foundation, 208 University Drive, CUB 126, West Liberty WV 26047 or by phone at 304-336-5635.