Despite the daunting challenges of a Nor-Easter that prevented and inhibited travel, NEF's Cocktail Reception honoring three donors of NEF Endowed Scholarships, was a lovely, warm event. The relatively small attendance of 36 included representatives of the three organizations that funded the new scholarships, several nursing leaders from the metropolitan area, Dr. Patricia Davidson, Dean of the School of Graduate Study at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Harriet Feldman, Dean of the School of Nursing & Health Professions at Pace University, and Dr. Eileen Sullivan-Marx, Dean of the College of Nursing, New York University. This year's NEF Scholars who were warmly welcomed by the NEF Board members were from Villanova, CUNY, NYU, Teacher's College, Columbia's School of Nursing, and SUNY Downstate.

The Thomas F. and Cynthia D. Sculco Foundation was enthusiastically represented by Dr. Cynthia Sculco, Vice-President of NEF, who remarked on her passion for nursing education, the focus of this scholarship. Dr. Eileen Sullivan-Marx, the Dean of the College of Nursing, New York University, which includes the Harford Institute for Geriatric Care, spoke of the extensive support for nursing by the John A. Hartford Foundation. The Hartford Foundation demonstrated its long-term affection and respect for Dr. Mathy Mezey for whom the endowed scholarship for geriatric nursing education is named. Dr. Mezey enthusiastically responded with remarks about her life-long passion for scholarships and the impact such funds have on the care of our older populations. The Columbia University/Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association, Inc. (CUPHSONAA) was ably represented by one of its board members, Dr. Joan Arnold who is also NEF's Treasurer. Dr. Arnold spoke of the Alumni's multiple services to students, graduates, and scholarship support; the CUPHSONAA Scholarship is named in honor of J. Ada Mutch, a beloved faculty member of Teacher's College, Columbia University.

The NEF, Inc. work on its Mission, Vision, and Values, was highlighted by NEF President, Dr. Susan Bowar-Ferres, who noted the diligent and committed work of the Board in carrying out the mission. Giving back to the nursing profession will be a theme of NEF's publicity over the next year. The NEF Gala event raised more than $20,000 that included sponsorship by several organizations (NYU Langone Medical Center with $5,000, Johns Hopkins University with $2,000, Pace University, Lenox Hill Hospital of North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, Maimonides Medical Center, and the Isabella Geriatric Center, each with $1,000). Several individuals also were $1,000 sponsors.

Nurses Educational Funds, INC. is very grateful for the most recent endowed scholarships and the generous donations from the NEF Gala supporters. Raising money to fund baccalaureate prepared nurses seeking graduate nursing degrees is the sole purpose of the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.

Susan Bowar –Ferres, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, President, Nurses Educational Funds, INC

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