January 20, 2009 - 6:58am
Local philanthropists Sidney and Gladys Sharman presented VIU President, Dr. Ralph Nilson and the VIU Nursing program a cheque for one million dollars on January 19.
The donation is the largest VIU has ever received from an individual. The money will go into an endowment fund to provide awards for nursing students based on financial need and academic excellence.
“We need doctors and surgeons, but when you’re in the hospital, it’s the nurses you see,” said Sidney Sharman. “I want to support the nursing program and support nurses in the Nanaimo area.”
Sharman immigrated to Canada from England with his wife Gladys in 1956 and built his fortune as a developer. He and his wife own Sharman Mobile Home Park in Nanaimo. He has previously also given sizable donations to St. John Ambulance, the Hospital Foundation, the Victoria Foundation and the Knowledge Network.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Sharmans,” said VIU President, Dr. Ralph Nilson. “Mr. Sharman’s recognition of the importance of nursing education is essential in making sure patient care is a priority.”
Six VIU nursing students received $5000 scholarships as a result of the donation at a cheque presentation on January 19 in the Discovery Room at VIU. Nursing students Jennie Taylor, Kelly Connelly, Jennifer Steele, Jen van Barneveld, Jenny Peters and Sara Gibson were all presented scholarships by the Sharmans.
For more information, please contact the Vancouver Island University Foundation at 250-740-6212 or VIU Health and Human Services at 250-740-6272.
Tags: In the Community
