SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) and the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc. announced today the establishment of a $750,000 permanently endowed scholarship that will help generations of nursing students pursue their education while strengthening the healthcare workforce across the Mohawk Valley and New York State.

The new endowed scholarship represents a significant investment in nursing education and reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to higher education, reducing financial barriers for students, and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The announcement builds upon a partnership spanning nearly four decades. For the past 38 years, the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation has contributed nearly $850,000 to the SUNY Poly Foundation, helping nearly 600 SUNY Poly alumni and current students pursue their educational goals through scholarship support.

“This extraordinary gift reflects a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives while addressing one of our region's greatest needs,” said SUNY Poly President Dr. Winston Soboyejo. “We are deeply grateful to the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation for its remarkable generosity and enduring partnership. As SUNY Poly continues to educate the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals, this endowed scholarship will help talented students pursue their calling, reduce financial barriers, and ensure our communities benefit from a strong, compassionate, and highly skilled healthcare workforce for years to come.”

“This transformative investment demonstrates the lasting impact philanthropy can have on both students and our institution,” said SUNY Poly VP of Institutional Advancement Andrea LaGatta. “The Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation has been an extraordinary partner for decades, and this endowed scholarship ensures its legacy of supporting SUNY Poly students will continue for generations. Endowed scholarships provide permanent support for future students while helping the university continue its mission of expanding opportunity through education.”

“When the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc. was incorporated in 1988, our mission was—and still is—to educate nurses,” said Kathleen Santarcangelo, president of the memorial foundation. “Today, as we transition our remaining resources into lasting endowments, we are incredibly proud to present $750,000 to SUNY Poly. This gift represents decades of commitment to 'Growing Nurses,' and we are confident that SUNY Poly will steward this legacy with excellence, supporting nursing students who dedicate their lives to caring for others.”

SUNY Poly's School of Nursing passed the half-century mark last year, celebrating more than 50 years of educating nurses and advancing nursing education. This endowed scholarship builds on that proud legacy, ensuring that future students will have greater access to the opportunities and support they need to succeed for decades to come.