Students and staff at the NSU Fort Myers campus assembled for an afternoon of island food and music. The reason for the gathering was a fundraising initiative sponsored by the Fort Myers SGA. For $5 participants were treated to plate of Haitian cuisine and a drink, with proceeds going towards the recently established Wade Jones Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was formed to honor the life an NSU Nursing student who was tragically killed while at his home in Miami Gardens during Spring Break of 2013.
“Since January 27th is Wade’s birthday, we wanted to do something to remember him. So this is basically one of the best ways we figured we could do that”, stated SGA Vice President Danielle McDonald.The event drew a significant crowd with staff members from the Veterans’ Administration coming by to contribute because they were so moved by the story which was shared by one of their colleagues.
“To see young people coming together to celebrate a fallen classmate’s life in this way is truly a blessing”, commented Fischler Doctoral student Reginald Bruno.
Nursing Program Director Kim Hogan also expressed satisfaction with the event as she felt that the scholarship was a great way to ensure that Wade’s legacy continued.
The scholarship will be awarded to students enrolled in the NSU Fort Myers Nursing program, with the goal being that at least one student will be selected each year.
Fort Myers SGA President, Johny Williamceau has pledged that the organization will work towards raising funds each year for the foreseeable future. He also encourages anyone wishing to donate to so.
Donations can be made in two ways:
- Online at www.nova.edu/giving. Donors would select “College of Nursing” on the drop down menu and then select “Wade Jones Memorial Scholarship”
- Check written to Nova Southeastern University, with Wade Jones Scholarship in the memo section and mailed to Ashley Sharp in HPD Development Office in 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL 33314