Siblings hold a special place in the hearts of Mullica Hill philanthropists David and Rickie Slack, which is why on May 9, the husband and wife presented a $10,000 nursing scholarship, honoring their sisters and brothers, to the Rowan College Foundation at Gloucester County.
Created as a tribute to their siblings, the David and Rickie Slack Nursing Scholarship celebrates the lives of family – past and present – and provides a legacy for the future. Dedicated in memory of David’s sister and brother, Margaret and Robert, and Rickie’s sister, Jacqueline, the scholarship also acknowledges David’s living sister, Cynthia, and brother, James.
“David goes above and beyond for the Rowan College Foundation,” said Rowan College at Gloucester County Director of Foundation and Alumni Relations Cody Miller. “From serving on our foundation board to making substantial contributions to the nursing program, we are extremely grateful and thankful for all that he has done and continues to do. With the establishment of this new endowment, we are shown once again how committed the Slack family is to supporting our students and the No. 1 nursing program in the state.”
Overall, David Slack has donated $100,000 in endowments to RCGC and more than $46,000 in educational equipment. In 2013, he formed the Kathleen L. Slack Memorial Scholarship to honor his late wife. It was the care that she received from the nursing staff while in the hospital that prompted him to “adopt” the college’s nursing program.
“Most of the nurses caring for my first wife were Gloucester County College (now RCGC) nursing graduates,” Slack told the audience in attendance at the latest endowment signing ceremony. “I saw how important the nursing staff is when caring for patients and helping them to retain their dignity. It is appropriate that we are signing this scholarship document during National Nurses Week.”
Dr. Susan Hall, the dean of RCGC’s Nursing program, expressed her appreciation for the Slack family’s support. One of the generous donations resulted in the purchased of “Avery,” a high-fidelity pediatric simulator that imitates a wide range of conditions – from a healthy, talking child to an unresponsive, critical patient with no vital signs. Instructors are able to control the computerized mannequin, allowing nursing students to gain practical experience.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support of the nursing program from the Slack family.
Since 1972, nursing graduates have been making a difference in the lives of patients, their families and future nurses in the community and surrounding tristate area,” said Hall. “The Slack family has allowed the tradition of excellent nursing care to continue by supporting the lives of students through donations to the simulation lab and scholarships.”
The David and Rickie Slack Nursing Scholarship provides a perpetual $500 scholarship annually to a qualified full-time, first- or second-year student, and a third year for students enrolled in the College’s 3+1 program. Applicants must be a current Gloucester County resident majoring in nursing, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The scholarship may be used for tuition, books or educational fees. Applicants are required to submit a 250-word essay describing future academic plans and demonstrate experience in a leadership position related to their area of study or in a volunteer role. Preference is given to first generation college students and applicants with siblings.
“I have watched as David has generously donated to the college over the years. I think it is remarkable,” stated RCGC President Frederick Keating. “He is one of the largest donors to this college. I want to thank him for adopting our nursing program and giving the gift of education. His scholarship will be appreciated by generations of students to come.”
For more information about student scholarships, visit RCGC.edu/scholarships.
