By Teresa Hicks
On April 2, the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing welcomed donors, students, and leaders to the annual Jean Riley Tomlinson Scholarship Luncheon—a heartfelt celebration of generosity and impact. The event proudly recognized the donors whose philanthropic support opens doors for tomorrow’s nurses, with a special tribute honoring those who pledged, committed or fully endowed scholarships as part of the School’s 75th Anniversary Scholarship Fundraising Challenge. Their commitment continues to strengthen the School’s legacy and expand access to nursing education.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, the School of Nursing awarded more than $1 million in scholarship support to 359 nursing students, transforming aspirations into opportunities. The luncheon offered a meaningful opportunity for students to meet their donors and personally share their gratitude and stories, illustrating how donor support eases financial burdens, fuels academic success and empowers them to focus on becoming compassionate, highly skilled nursing professionals.
“Your investments in nursing scholarships are not just helping our students pay for their education. You are providing a hand up to those very special individuals who are called into the nursing profession to serve others, regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Dean and Fay B. Ireland Endowed Chair Maria R. Shirey, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF, FACHE, FNAP, FAAN. “On behalf of our School and the students whose lives you are touching, I thank you.”
Luncheon attendees were inspired by reflections from scholarship recipients, who shared sincere thanks to their donors and highlighted the transformative role scholarship support has played in their academic paths, personal growth and dreams for the future.
Justice Wallace, a student in the Accelerated Master’s in Nursing Pathway and a recipient of the Barbara and Emmet O’Neal Endowed Nursing Scholarship and the Cathy C. Roche, PhD, RN Endowed Scholarship in Nursing, highlighted her commitment to becoming a provider in underserved communities.
“I am drawn to these areas because I want to be part of early interventions that can prevent long-term illness and improve quality of life,” Wallace said. “These scholarships have made it possible for me to fully engage in the AMNP program at a time when the path to nursing can come with significant financial barriers. To the donors, thank you for investing in students like me. Your generosity extends far beyond the classroom and I am deeply grateful.”
The AMNP is a full-time, on-site entry level nursing pathway for individuals with bachelor's degrees or higher in a non-nursing field who desire a career change to nursing. Its accelerated curriculum, leading to a Master of Science in Nursing degree and nursing licensure in only three semesters, means students do not typically have outside jobs during the program.
Steven Julaka, DNP, RN (MSN 2020, DNP 2023), is a Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia Pathway student and the recipient of the Robert Luckie Family Endowed Nursing Scholarship. Julaka is passionate about expanding access to anesthesia care in rural communities, with a focus on underserved and at-risk populations and says the scholarship has eased his financial concerns, allowing him to focus fully on his education.
“Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is more than a goal. It’s the culmination of years of persistence and belief in my purpose,” Julaka said. “Working with underserved communities has ignited a deep passion in me to be part of the solution. I am incredibly grateful to the Robert Luckie Family Endowed Nursing Scholarship for easing the burden of basic living expenses. That relief has given me peace of mind and allowed me to fully focus on becoming the best CRNA I can be.”
Like the AMNP, DNP Nurse Anesthesia students attend full-time and in person, making working outside of the program challenging.
Rebecca Erwin is a Master of Science in Nursing Nurse-Midwifery Pathway student and a Blue Cross Nurse Midwife Scholar. Erwin is passionate about improving access to safe, quality care for mothers and babies across the state and says the scholarship has made a life-changing impact, not just on her education but her future well-being.
“To my donors, thank you for allowing me to graduate debt-free,” Erwin said. “I can’t fully describe the financial, emotional and mental burden this has lifted from my shoulders. I am sincerely grateful to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for their generosity.”
Together, the stories shared at the Jean Riley Tomlinson Scholarship Luncheon served as a powerful reminder that philanthropy does more than fund education—it shapes the future of health care and the lives of the recipients. Through their giving, UAB School of Nursing donors are empowering students to pursue their callings, serve vulnerable communities and lead with compassion and excellence across Alabama and beyond. The annual luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate not only scholarship recipients but also the donors whose enduring commitment continues to create life‑changing opportunities and ensures the School’s legacy of impact for generations to come.
View photos from the luncheonOpens an external link. at the School’s Flickr gallery.
For more information about supporting UAB School of Nursing Scholarships, go to uab.edu/nursing/home/give