The Women’s Auxiliary at Trumbull Memorial Hospital recently donated more than $80,000 to Kent State University at Trumbull’s nursing program.
The gift will establish a new scholarship endowment to aid nursing students from Trumbull County. In addition, funding will be used to support future needs of the nursing program, including equipment and technology enhancements for its skills lab, as well as professional development opportunities for students and faculty. The conference room within Kent State Trumbull’s nursing lab will be named in honor of the Auxiliary.
The Women’s Auxiliary traces its roots back to 1907, when it was formed to provide service and support to the hospital and later the community. The Charity Ball, first held in 1915, raised additional funding for the growing hospital, and in 1950, the Gift Shop opened to aid in its fundraising efforts. Over the years, the Auxiliary has donated more than $4 million to the hospital and community organizations and provided approximately $300,000 in scholarships to further the education of hospital employees in the nursing field. The mission of the organization is to promote health, safety and wellness for the people of Trumbull County and to contribute to the education of future nurses.
In addition to its gift to Kent State, the Women’s Auxiliary supported several other local organizations, including Northeast Ohio Adoption Services, Trumbull Mobile Meals, Niles Community Services, One Step Ahead Ohio (Trumbull) and the Howland Tigers Food Backpack Program.
Members of the Auxiliary, along with President Joyce Lukz, presented the check at a recent event at Kent State Trumbull.
“This gift recognizes more than a-century-long dedication and hard work from the many women who have volunteered their time and supported the organization’s mission,” Lukz said. “We are thrilled to be able to support future nurses who will be working in our local hospitals and health care facilities.”
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree can be completed in its entirety at the Trumbull Campus, as well as Geauga, Kent, Salem and Stark campuses. The Auxiliary previously provided funding for various simulation equipment for the nursing lab.
"We cannot thank the members of the Women’s Auxiliary enough for their generous support of our students and program," said Kathy Dwinnells, nursing program coordinator at Kent State Trumbull. "Their gift will leave a meaningful legacy that will benefit the community for years to come."
For more information about Kent State Trumbull’s nursing program, visit https://www.kent.edu/trumbull/bachelor-science-nuring.
Photo Caption: Auxiliary President, Joyce Lukz presents a check to Kent State Trumbull Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, Bill Ayres.