GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The Onslow Memorial Hospital Foundation has announced the launch of a scholarship program.
According to the foundation, the goal of the scholarship is to support nursing students from Coastal Carolina Community College who plan to work at Onslow Memorial Hospital after graduation.
This initiative is dedicated to Ed Garris, a prominent figure in the Jacksonville community who passed away unexpectedly in February.
Garris served as the Senior Vice President at First National Bank in Jacksonville and was the Chair of the Onslow Memorial Hospital Foundation Board at the time of his death.
His contributions to the community also included roles such as past Chairman of the Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Board and the Jacksonville Onslow Sports Commission.
He held the position of Treasurer of the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Military Affairs Committee.
In recognition of his volunteer work, Garris received several awards, including the Governor’s North Carolina Award for Volunteer Service and the 2019 Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year.
He was also a member of the Rotary Foundation and recognized as a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
Thomas Giffin, Executive Director of the Onslow Memorial Hospital Foundation, says, “Through his many volunteer efforts, Ed recognized the critical need to strengthen the supply of talented nurses in Onslow County, and he understood the vital role these unsung heroes play in supporting our local hospital.”
The initial funding for the Ed Garris scholarship will consist of a $6,000 award provided by the Onslow Memorial Hospital Foundation Board to Coastal Carolina Community College.
Giffin says the Foundation Board is seeking partnerships with corporate sponsors to increase funding for nursing education.
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