“We are the envy of other nursing programs around the state because it’s very unusual for a college to receive a donation that directly affects students in this manner,” says Pat Johns, President of Anoka-Ramsey Community College. “It shows Memorial Hospital Foundation’s unwavering commitment to education and making a difference in the lives of future nurses. We truly appreciate this donation!”

This donation shows the great foresight of the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation, according to Al Nelson, Chair of the Cambridge Campus Foundation Board. “They see the health care needs of the future which sooner or later touch all of us.

“Every nursing student (in their second semester) is literally guaranteed a scholarship. The board is to be commended. They’ve made an investment in the mind and when you do that, you can’t get a better dividend.”

The RN program at the Cambridge Campus was initiated in January 2003 in response to Minnesota’s nursing shortage and to provide area health care workers an opportunity to continue training to become registered nurses. Anoka-Ramsey Community College also offers the associate in science degree nursing at its Coon Rapids Campus as well as the opportunity for registered nurses to complete a four-year bachelor of science degree through Metropolitan State University.

Registered nursing is projected to become one of the top ten fastest growing jobs this decade with median wages between $20 and $23 per hour. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, new registered nurses are expected to fill more than a million job openings nationwide between 2000 and 2010 - more than any other occupation that requires post- high school education.

For more information about the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Nursing Program, please call 763-433-1840 or visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu.