RiverWoods Exeter celebrated the importance of education and community during its twentieth annual scholarship ceremony this year, honoring staff members, their family members, and Great Bay Community College nursing students as they continue their academic journeys. This year, 31 scholarships and $134,000 in awards were provided. Since the scholarship program started in 2007, RiverWoods Exeter has granted 238 scholarships and awarded $727,500. The funds are raised by the resident-run Charitable Funds Committee.
Dulcinea Kaufman, Director of the Department of Nursing at Great Bay Community College, shared that this year, RiverWoods awarded eight scholarships to Great Bay nursing students, continuing a seven-year partnership that has contributed more than $120,000 in support of future nurses.
She reflected on the shared values behind the Great Bay scholarships, including respect, authenticity, mutuality, sustainability, and the belief that “it’s not about me, but about we.” Ms. Kaufman noted that about 90% of their nursing graduates remain in the Seacoast region, strengthening the healthcare workforce in hospitals, clinics, primary care practices, and continuing care communities—including at RiverWoods.
A RiverWoods resident and member of the Charitable Funds Committee, called out the names of the recipients for the various awards and asked them to come forward to receive them.
RiverWoods funds four different scholarships. The RiverWoods Exeter Scholarship is given to an employee who is graduating from high school and is going into a matriculating degree program. The Peabody Scholarship, named for Archibald and Alma Ames Peabody, is given to a child or grandchild of a RiverWoods employee who is pursuing a matriculating degree program. Mr. Peabody lived at RiverWoods for 10 years and strongly felt attaining a college education was important. The Spencer Memorial Scholarship was established by Mr. Hollister Spencer in memory of his late wife Betty and by Mrs. Barbara Johnson, in memory of her husband Kemp. These scholarships assist Certified Nursing Assistants pursuing a Nursing career or for licensed nurses to continue their education in a related health field.
Finally, Ms. Kaufman invited the Great Bay students to come forward to receive their Great Bay Community College Scholarship, which is given to 1st and 2nd year nursing students. Scholarship recipients shared heartfelt thanks and spoke about their goals, which include geriatric psychiatry, pediatrics, critical care, labor and delivery, veterans care, and continued service within the RiverWoods community. Many noted that the scholarships will help ease financial stress, reduce the need to work additional hours, and allow them to focus more fully on their studies.
The ceremony recognized the generosity of residents, donors, committee members, and staff who make the program possible each year. Their continued support helps students pursue their dreams while also investing in the future of skilled healthcare throughout the region.
