Continuing the Legacy: Kirtland Foundation Introduces the Bethany Ann Memorial Scholarship
GRAYLING, Michigan (February 20, 2023) – Announced by the Kirtland Foundation, The Bethany Ann Memorial Scholarship will begin taking applications for the annual fall semester endowment starting in March. Students currently enrolled or wishing to attend Kirtland Community College for nursing may apply for the scholarship.
“We have been personally moved by so many wonderful stories of the innumerable ways that mom [Bethany Ann Hubbard] established roots in and served the local community,” said David Lawrence Hubbard Jr., son of Bethany Ann Hubbard. “Establishing this scholarship is the most profound way to honor her relentless caring and careless dedication to the nursing profession.”
Bethany Ann Hubbard began her career at Kirtland Community College in August 2003 as a part-time faculty member in the nursing program. In August 2009, Bethany Ann Hubbard changed from a part-time position to a full-time job in the nursing program. Then, after spending nearly ten years educating Kirtland’s nursing students, Bethany Ann Hubbard was named Director of Nursing in July 2013 and will hold the position till her retirement in December 2020
“Mom cherished her role as the Director of Nursing here at Kirtland,” said Hubbard Jr… “There are hundreds of nurses working in and around Northern Michigan who graduated from her program.”
Outside of providing local hospitals with nurses graduating from her program, Bethany Ann Hubbard was also very active in the healthcare industry. As one Kirtland Foundation board member mentioned, the effect of Bethany Ann Hubbard’s hard work and dedication is still felt in the Grayling, Mich., community and surrounding communities.
“Beth was an absolute asset to the Grayling community, and now her legacy will live on with the Bethany Ann Hubbard Scholarship,” said Sheryl A. Coyne, owner/operator of Blarney Stone Broadcasting and a Kirtland Foundation board member. “Her contributions are still impacting the local community.”
The funds supporting this scholarship are provided to the Kirtland Foundation from Mrs. Hubbard’s family in hopes that it will continue the legacy of educating future generations of caregivers. Additional funds were also collected by friends of the family and community members with hopes of growing the endowment annually.
“Personally, I feel, besides the additional funding, it is providing someone the means to be able to go into a career in caring for people like Beth did,” said Kirtland’s Director of Nursing Amy Roy. “Any student that receives her [Bethany Ann Hubbard] scholarship should be honored to receive it. She meant a lot to the Nursing Program.”
Any student having a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher and actively enrolled or registered to begin taking courses in Kirtland’s nursing program can be eligible for the scholarship. Starting this fall semester, one applied student awardee will be allotted $1,000 annually. The scholarship will officially be open from March 20 – May 28. Any eligible student wishing to apply for the scholarship can do so at Kirtland.edu/foundation/scholarship.
“Beth will have an everlasting effect on the Kirtland Nursing Program. She had a passion for teaching and encouraging the students to be the best nurses they could be. Her caring and compassionate manner will always be felt here at Kirtland,” said Roy. “She truly cared about student success and giving all the students a chance to succeed.”
As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, the Kirtland Foundation raises money from private donors, local businesses, alumni, and more, then allocates funds through scholarships and grants to Kirtland Community College students and faculty, and staff. https://www.kirtland.edu/foundation/
Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our Mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education, guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call 989-275-5000.
