The Sunderland Foundation has announced a pair of grants, totaling $250,000, toward Kansas Wesleyan’s project to establish a new Nursing Education Center. The grant increases the total received during the campaign to over $5 million.
“We are grateful for these grants provided by the Sunderland Foundation,” said Ken Oliver, senior director of development. “The Sunderland Foundation has been a strong and consistent supporter of KWU since 1984.”
Plans are well underway for the renovation of the building at 135 E. Claflin Avenue. The 13,400-square-foot building will be the first new instructional facility on campus in 50 years.
Of the last two classes of KWU Nursing Education students, 100% passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and are currently working as nurses in Salina. The Nursing program at KWU was established in January 1988 after the Asbury Hospital program was moved to the university.
The Department of Nursing Education initiated an Associate Degree in Nursing in 1989, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program in 1990. In 2017, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree was converted to a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing degree so that new curriculum ideas could be implemented. KWU also offers an online RN to BS Nursing degree program for students who are licensed RNs wanting to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The Sunderland Foundation was established in 1945 by Lester T. Sunderland, who served as President of the Ash Grove Cement Company for 33 years and was a highly respected leader in the cement industry. Since its inception, the Foundation, which continues to be led by Lester T. Sunderland’s descendants, has focused on supporting construction projects, awarding grants to nonprofits in the Kansas City region and other markets traditionally served by the Ash Grove Cement Company. Grants are awarded in western Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, western Iowa, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah and Montana.
The Sunderland Foundation makes grants for construction and special interest projects. Grants for planning, design, construction, renovation, repairs and restoration of facilities are considered.
