Healthcare company establishes Shepherd University nursing scholarship

ISSUED: 21 June 2007
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
(Healthcare company establishes Shepherd University nursing scholarship)

Editor's Note: Click on the thumbnail below for a printable image.

Pictured above (l. to r.) are Dr. Carl Hoffman Jr., Arthur "Jim" Auxer, Senator Robert C. Byrd, and Rebecca Davis.

Shepherdstown, WV--PrimeCare Medical of West Virginia Inc., has donated $25,000 to the Shepherd University Foundation to endow a scholarship for nursing students at Shepherd. The presentation was made at the dedication of the new nursing building, Erma Ora Byrd Hall, named for the late wife of Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia. The scholarship is also named for Erma Ora Byrd.

"We consider this scholarship a way to support nursing education and to honor Shepherd University and the memory of Senator Byrd's wife on the occasion of the dedication of a new nursing education facility at Shepherd," said Dr. Carl Hoffman Jr., president and corporate medical director of PrimeCare Medical, Inc. and PrimeCare Medical of West Virginia.

Arthur "Jim" Auxer, vice president of PrimeCare of West Virginia Mental Health, Shepherd University alumnus, and former mayor of Shepherdstown, played a large part in securing the scholarship funds.

"When PrimeCare Medical of West Virginia was considering various West Virginia institutions for a nursing scholarship, Jim recommended Shepherd because of its commitment to excellence in nursing education through the building of a new facility with the help of federal funds acquired by Senator Byrd," said Hoffman.

Rebecca Davis, vice president of operations for PrimeCare Medical of West Virginia, considers the scholarship a fitting tribute. "Senator Byrd spoke at my commencement and his inspiring message was that young, single mothers can achieve a goal of a nursing education in West Virginia."

PrimeCare Medical of West Virginia Inc, a privately owned, nationally accredited correctional healthcare provider, employs approximately 235 nurses in the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority facilities and the West Virginia Division of Juvenile Services facilities.

For more information about this scholarship or about creating a scholarship fund, contact the Shepherd University Foundation at 304/876-5397.

-30-HORST

Current Press Releases