April 15, 2024 – Kirtland, Ohio – The Lakeland Foundation is pleased to announce that an anonymous donor has pledged to contribute $400,000 in support of Lakeland’s LPN to RN nursing program.

The Margaret Zelina Nursing LPN to RN Assistance Fund was established in 2021 in support of licensed practical nurse (LPN) students in the final two semesters of the nursing program at Lakeland Community College. This newly announced gift will include, in addition to the above, an LPN to RN Endowment and an LPN to RN Support Fund. The goal of these programs is intended to provide financial assistance in addition to any scholarships or grants received by individuals enrolled in the LPN to RN program.

“The Lakeland Nursing Program is honored and grateful to receive this generous gift,” said Lakeland’s nursing program director Connie Bowler, DNP, RN. “Gifts that help students to overcome challenges and allow them to persist in their educational endeavors are powerful. This gift will help many students reach their goal of becoming a registered nurse and help to strengthen the nursing care within our community.”

Eligible students may receive assistance to defray costs such as child care, transportation, books and equipment.

“This gift is a true testament to Lakeland's renowned nursing program, and specifically our generous donor's interest in supporting LPN's transforming their lives by becoming registered nurses,” said Greg Sanders, vice president for institutional advancement & executive director of The Lakeland Foundation. “The Lakeland Foundation is honored and humbled by this extremely generous gift in memory of Margaret Zelina.”

By: Tracy Shook, Sr .Dir. for Marketing & Comm.