UKIAH, Calif. – On Feb. 21, the 18 nursing students who make up the 2013 graduating class surprised their instructors with a donation of $1,000 to establish “The Florence Fund.”

According to their vision statement, the fund was created to “Strengthen the Profession of Nursing by Supporting the Academic Achievement of our Future Colleagues.”

The 2013 Nursing Class President Kristy Hosford and Vice President Karen Kennedy led the charge to create the fund and actively fundraised to their families, friends and local communities in obtaining the $1,000 donation.

The Florence Fund was created by the class of 2013 to thank the Nursing Faculty at Mendocino College for their exceptional instruction, guidance and support.

The fund will offer emergency grants-in-aid to future nursing students who are facing a one-time financial need that could potentially force them to leave the nursing program.

“The 2013 class exemplifies what it means to be philanthropic. They are a unique mix of students who really care and want to help others. They have graciously decided to look outside of themselves and their individual needs to consider the needs of future generations of nurses,” said Barbara French, director of Nursing at Mendocino College.

According to French, “We often have nursing students who have considerable struggles with housing, finances, transportation. Sometimes by simply providing a hot meal and a motel room for a night before an examination can make all the difference towards their success. This fund will allow me and other nursing faculty to provide financial assistance to students who find themselves in challenging emergency situations.”  

For more information about the Mendocino College Nursing Program, contact Barbara French at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-467-1055.