The value of higher education and the personal rewards of a career in health care are two enduring lessons Anita Veldman learned from her father. A first-generation American, Anita’s father put himself through college and then medical school on the road to becoming a general surgeon. Anita, a 1979 graduate of IU School of Nursing, chose a similar path in health care as an emergency room nurse. Today, through the Veldman Family Nursing Scholarship, she and her husband Tom are helping to pave the way for others with the same dreams.

“Learning through her dad of the struggles of working your way through college, especially as a first-generation college student, is what really motivated my mom to create this scholarship,” says Julie Veldman Harris, Anita and Tom’s daughter. “Our family believes in the significance that nurses play in health care, and my parents’ vision for establishing the scholarship was to encourage more nurses to study in Indiana—with the goal that more will stay and provide their valuable services in the state.”

Tom and Anita, both graduates of IU, established the scholarship at IU School of Nursing in 2015. Since its inception, 19 students have benefited from the family’s generosity. Earlier this year, the Veldmans met several of the scholarship recipients at the IUPUI Spirit of Philanthropy luncheon, an annual event honoring IUPUI donors and volunteers.

“We were so impressed with how accomplished they are both as nursing students and in their personal lives,” Julie says. “It was amazing to hear about all they are doing in addition to going to school and becoming nurses. They are just a remarkable group of young women, and the experience really validated all of the reasons we’re so committed to the scholarship.”

This past year, the Veldmans increased the size of the scholarship with the goal of doubling the number of recipients within the next few years.

“Nurses play such a critical role in our health care system, especially in access to care in rural communities across Indiana,” Julie says. “The fact that IU School of Nursing is increasing its enrollment demonstrates the growing need for well-educated nurses in our state. We hope that by increasing our scholarship, we can play a small role in helping to support that too.”