Hospital Auxiliary funds Kent State Trumbull nursing scholarships

Auxiliary President, Joyce Lukz presents a check to Kent State Trumbull Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, Bill Ayres.

The Women's Auxiliary at Trumbull Memorial Hospital has donated more than $80,000 to Kent State University at Trumbull's nursing program.

The donation will establish a new scholarship endowment to assist nursing students from Trumbull County. Additionally, the funding will support future needs of the nursing program, including equipment and technology enhancements for its skills lab, and professional development opportunities for students and faculty. The conference room within Kent State Trumbull’s nursing lab will be named in honor of the Auxiliary.

The Women’s Auxiliary, established in 1907, has a history of providing service and support to the hospital and community. Its fundraising efforts have included the Charity Ball, first held in 1915, and the opening of a Gift Shop in 1950.

The organization has donated more than $4 million to the hospital and community groups over the years and has provided approximately $300,000 in scholarships for hospital employees pursuing nursing education. The Auxiliary's mission includes promoting health, safety, and wellness for Trumbull County residents and contributing to the education of future nurses.

In addition to its contribution to Kent State, the Women’s Auxiliary has supported other local organizations, including Northeast Ohio Adoption Services, Trumbull Mobile Meals, Niles Community Services, One Step Ahead Ohio (Trumbull), and the Howland Tigers Food Backpack Program.

Members of the Auxiliary, including President Joyce Lukz, presented the check at a recent event at Kent State Trumbull.

"This gift recognizes more than a century-long dedication and hard work from the many women who have volunteered their time and supported the organization’s mission," Lukz said. "We are pleased to be able to support future nurses who will be working in our local hospitals and health care facilities."

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is available at the Trumbull Campus, as well as the Geauga, Kent, Salem, and Stark campuses. The Auxiliary previously provided funding for various simulation equipment for the nursing lab.