More Shawano County residents can now become nurses, thanks to several generous donations from an anonymous donor. Today, Shawano residents found out that their unknown benefactor was the Bleser Family Foundation.
Carol Bleser, who passed away Feb. 11, representing the Shawano-based Bleser family recently donated $50,000 to the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Educational Foundation. The gift created scholarships for Shawano County residents who enroll in NWTC's Practical Nurse and Associate Degree Nursing programs. It was the Blesers' third major donation in four years.
Debbie White, coordinator of NWTC's Regional Center in Shawano, said she enjoyed working with Carol, whose commitment to health care and the community inspired her support. She added that she is grateful that the family agreed to publicize the donations now, providing a fitting tribute to a remarkable spirit.
"We have been unable to publically thank the Blesers in the past," White said. "Now we can give them a huge 'thank you' for their dedication and support for providing excellent healthcare for our communities through student education."
“The Bleser Foundation has made a huge impact on the Shawano Regional Center," White said, adding that their contributions were vital to starting and expanding the programs:
- The recent $50,000 donation will make college possible for deserving students in need
- A $30,000 Bleser gift in 2005 allowed NWTC-Shawano to purchase SimMan, a computer-laden mannequin that can provide realistic responses to students' treatments - even developing life-threatening complications - training students to provide excellent care after graduation.
- A $25,000 Bleser donation in 2004 provided the nursing lab equipment that made it possible for NWTC to offer nursing programs in Shawano.
"Most small communities cannot bring this type of education so close to home," White said. "If it were not for the Bleser Family Foundation, we would not have the Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse and Associate Degree RN programs."
Bleser Family Foundation Endowment Scholarships will be awarded based on students' financial need. Shawano County residents may apply before they start their program and while they are students. Each year's awards will be funded with the investment earnings from the Bleser family's original donation, providing an endowment to assist students in future years.
The scholarship was established to help more community residents earn a college degree and qualify for high-wage job opportunities, which should benefit the local economy. It will also help Shawano train more skilled health care workers to address the projected health care shortage.
Sandra Duckett, Chief Operating Officer for the NWTC Educational Foundation, said, “The Bleser Family Foundation Endowment creates opportunities for motivated people to enter an industry where they are greatly needed and earn good wages, all while remaining in Shawano. The Blesers are giving the gift of a college education to people who might not otherwise have access, and they are helping the Shawano community remain whole, strong, and ready for the future. What a tremendous legacy!”
For information about how to apply for the Bleser Family Foundation Endowment or how to create a scholarship fund, please contact Crystal Heckel in the NWTC Educational Foundation, (800) 422-NWTC, ext. 5541 or e-mail crystal.heckel@nwtc.edu. |
Carol Bleser (far left) visited the NWTC-Shawano nursing lab and saw students using the SimMan, a computer-controlled mannequin that can be programmed to respond realistically to treatment. Bleser passed away shortly after this photo was taken, but her family's support of the Shawano Center will have lasting impacts. The SimMan and other nursing lab equipment were purchased with a generous donation from the Bleser Family Foundation, which until now had remained anonymous. With Carol were (center-left to far right) Debbie White, coordinator for the NWTC Regional Center in Shawano; Missy Hartwig, Associate Degree Nursing instructor; and student Mary Rosenfeldt, taking SimMan's blood pressure.
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