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newest cohort of nursing students
EL PASO, Texas — Fourteen years after its founding, the Hunt School of Nursing continues to break new ground, celebrating a historic first during its Spring 2025 White Coat Ceremony.
On Tuesday, Jan. 21, Texas Tech Health El Paso welcomed its newest cohort of nursing students at the annual event, which marks the beginning of their journey toward becoming health care professionals. Highlighting the ceremony was a transformative announcement by the GECU Foundation: a $100,000 gift to create the first-ever full-tuition scholarships for four students in the school’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program.
The GECU Foundation, a trusted partner of Texas Tech Health El Paso, has been steadfast in its commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community through transformative initiatives, including life-changing cancer screenings for Borderplex residents and scholarships for inaugural dental students, empowering the future of health care in the region.
“We believe in the positive and lasting impact that the Hunt School of Nursing has on the lives of future nurses and the overall health and wellness of our region. We’re honored to support Texas Tech Health El Paso with this contribution to further promote health and education — two important development issues that we aim to improve in our community,” said Emmeline Garcia, GECU Foundation Executive Director.
The white coat ceremony is a cherished tradition celebrating the start of each student’s nursing education. During the ceremony, each student receives a white coat embroidered with the Hunt School of Nursing seal. The coat serves as a powerful symbol of compassion and humanism in community care — qualities that are central to their future careers.
The event also reflects Texas Tech Health El Paso’s dedication to nurturing local talent through the Hunt School of Nursing’s Accelerated B.S.N. program. This rigorous 16-month pathway leads to a bachelor’s degree in nursing and prepares graduates for rewarding and high-demand careers in hospitals and clinics of our Borderplex community.
The spring 2025 nursing cohort comprises 76 students, including 67 from our Borderplex. By growing our own health care heroes, the Hunt School of Nursing is addressing the critical nursing shortage and tackling the unique health challenges of the U.S.-Mexico border region. Since its establishment, the school has graduated more than 1,500 nurses, with 90% remaining in the area to practice.
The mission of the Hunt School of Nursing resonates deeply with its students, many of whom have personal connections to the region and its health care needs. Samantha Medrano, a member of the spring 2025 cohort, embodies this commitment to her community.
“Like many of my fellow students, I grew up here in El Paso and I want to help take care of El Pasoans,” Medrano said. “My sister graduated from the Hunt School of Nursing and went on to become an emergency room nurse. I want to be able to make a difference like she does for our community.”
Eight years ago, the Hunt School of Nursing had no scholarship endowments or current use scholarships. Today, in its 14th year, the Hunt School of Nursing has 20 scholarship endowments valued at nearly $7 million, as well as additional financial support. In 2024 alone, nearly $400,000 in scholarships was awarded to students, said Jené Hurlbut, Ph.D., R.N., CNE, Hunt School of Nursing interim dean.
“What makes Texas Tech Health El Paso remarkable is the unwavering community support that brought it to life and continues to sustain it,” Dr. Hurlbut said. “We are here because of the generosity and dedication of this city and this region, and the support we provide our students is made possible through that enduring commitment.”
The generosity of individuals and organizations who believe in the mission of the Hunt School of Nursing is instrumental in supporting these future health care heroes. Thanks to these donors, every white coat presented to the spring 2025 cohort was fully sponsored, continuing a tradition of community support and encouragement.
About the GECU Foundation
The GECU Foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the communities served by GECU. By partnering with local organizations and initiatives, the foundation works to address critical needs and improve the quality of life for individuals and families in Texas and New Mexico.
About Texas Tech Health El Paso
Texas Tech Health El Paso is the only health sciences center on the U.S.-Mexico border and serves 108 counties in West Texas that have been historically underserved. It’s a designated Title V Hispanic-Serving Institution, preparing the next generation of health care heroes, 48% of whom identify as Hispanic and are often first-generation students.
Established as an independent university in 2013, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a proudly diverse and uniquely innovative destination for education and research.
With a mission of eliminating health care barriers and creating life-changing educational opportunities for Borderplex residents, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated over 2,400 doctors, nurses and researchers over the past decade, and will add dentists to its alumni beginning in 2025. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.
Credit: Texas Tech Health El Paso
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Credit: Texas Tech Health El Paso
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Credit: Texas Tech Health El Paso
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