“Angels of the Battlefield”: Local organization donates more than $30,000 to Methodist College Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund
Thanks to a generous donation from a local veterans’ support group, numerous nursing students at Methodist College will receive financial assistance toward their education and an easier pathway to a career devoted to caring for others.
La Société des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux – commonly referred to as ‘Forty & Eight’ – is active throughout the US and known for its support of nursing scholarships for local high school students.
“Military nursing dates back to the early battlefields - if you got hurt, you were evacuated and there was a nurse there taking care of you," said Tom Martin, a member of the local Forty & Eight. “Nurses give more than just care - they give part of themselves. They are the angels of the battlefield and have a long, long history."
Several years ago, after significant participation decline, the Peoria-area chapter (Voiture) sold its meeting post, turned in its charter and liquidated its assets. The remaining active members voted to donate the remaining funds from the sale of the building – more than $30,000 – to the Methodist College Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund.
“This incredible contribution exemplifies how philanthropy supports the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said Nicole Hayse, executive director of development for Carle Health Center for Philanthropy in Greater Peoria. “We understand the financial burden pursuing higher education can cause for a student, and we’re so grateful to the Forty & Eight for helping ease that hardship for so many.”
Carle Health and Methodist College are committed to creating access and pathways for individuals to experience fewer barriers when pursuing healthcare careers.
“The Forty & Eight’s generous donation is a vital investment in the future of healthcare,” said Blanca Miller, Methodist College dean of Nursing. “By fostering the next generation of skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals, this donation strengthens the community and ensures quality care for years to come.”
This contribution will provide financial support to aspiring nurses, ease the burden of tuition and empower students to focus on their education and training.
“It gives us a great deal of satisfaction knowing we are able to help those who want to help others and continuing our mission of the Forty & Eight,” Martin added. “Anything we can do the help them financially, we’re all about it.”