Elizabeth City, NC – College of The Albemarle (COA) is honored to announce the establishment of the Carolyn Collins Nursing Endowed Scholarship, made possible through an initial gift of securities valued at $80,000 from the Perna-Rose Foundation for Hope. This scholarship will support COA nursing students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing (A.D.N.) and Practical Nursing (L.P.N.) programs beginning in the 2024-25 academic year.
The endowed fund will be supplemented with a one-time gift of $6,000 from the Perna-Rose Foundation to fund the scholarship during the endowment’s maturity period. The scholarship will be awarded annually at $2,000 and begin in the 2024-25 academic year. Starting in July 2027, the scholarship will revert to COA Foundation’s standard distribution policy, ensuring long-term support for nursing students. The fund may also receive additional gifts or bequests from donors to enhance its impact.
The scholarship was created to honor the life and legacy of Carolyn Collins, a compassionate and dedicated nurse who devoted her life to patient care. Carolyn, originally from San Mateo, California, worked as a registered nurse (RN) in the Emergency Department of the Kaiser Permanente system. Known for her vibrant personality and commitment to helping others, Carolyn’s colleagues described her as seriously compassionate and playfully mischievous, always bringing light to those around her. She pursued her RN license while working full-time, earning it in 1990, and carried her love for patient care throughout her career.
Upon her passing in 2023, Carolyn’s legacy continued through her philanthropic contributions. The Perna-Rose Foundation for Hope, in recognizing her life’s work and passion for nursing, established this endowed scholarship to support aspiring nurses who demonstrate the same dedication to compassionate care and service to their communities that Carolyn exemplified.
“The Carolyn Collins Nursing Endowed Scholarship reflects the very heart of what we strive for at College of The Albemarle – transforming tomorrows and empowering individuals to make a difference in their communities,” said Dr. Jack Bagwell, President of COA. “We are deeply grateful to the Perna-Rose Foundation for Hope for this incredible gift, which not only honors Carolyn’s legacy but also ensures that her spirit of care and compassion will live on through future generations of nurses.”
The scholarship will be awarded annually to first-time admissions in COA’s A.D.N. and L.P.N. programs, helping students offset tuition costs as they work toward becoming registered or practical nurses. To maintain the scholarship, students must meet academic and credit hour requirements and demonstrate satisfactory progress throughout their studies. As the scholarship matures, it will continue to support COA’s nursing students for many years.
“We are honored to be part of ensuring Carolyn’s legacy lives on,” said Janet Perna, co-founder of the Perna-Rose Foundation for Hope. “She was a nurse who truly cared about her patients, and this scholarship will support students who share that same drive to make a difference in the healthcare field.”
Melanie Rose, co-founder of the foundation, added, “Carolyn’s compassion and love for others was inspiring. We are proud to offer this scholarship in her name and hope it serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have on their community.”
For information about the Carolyn Collins Nursing Endowed Scholarship or to learn how you can contribute to supporting COA students, please contact Valerie Mueller, Interim Development Officer and Executive Assistant to the President, at 252-335-0821, ext. 2262 or [email protected].
For all other COA-related information, please contact Tammy W. Sawyer, COA Director of Communications and Marketing, at 252-335-0821, ext. 2420, or [email protected].
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About College of The Albemarle
College of The Albemarle (COA) serves as the regional community college for Northeastern North Carolina, fostering educational excellence at the heart of the communities we proudly serve. With a rich and expansive history, COA offers accessible, high-quality education to students across Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties. Our four campuses, strategically located throughout the region, reflect our commitment to student success. At COA, we empower individuals, transforming lives and shaping the future of our region. Unlock your future with College of The Albemarle, where education meets opportunity.
About the Perna-Rose Foundation for Hope
The Perna-Rose Foundation for Hope is dedicated to supporting organizations that improve communities in sustainable ways. The foundation is committed to fostering long-term growth and positive change through education, healthcare, and community development initiatives.