The University of Virginia has announced a $14 million commitment from longtime supporters Joanne and Bill Conway in support of its School of Nursing. 

The couple’s latest gift—which boosts their total giving to the university to $49 million—will provide at least 175 need- and eligibility-based scholarships to both graduate and undergraduate students to help cover tuition, school fees, room and board, and books. In addition, it will fund scholarships for Clinical Nurse Leader master’s students who transition to nursing from other careers, as well as doctoral students who plan to become nursing professors and nurse scientists.

Their previous contributions have enhanced access to and expanded the capacity of the school’s RN-to-B.S.N. program. “Our goal of supporting the school of nursing is two-fold,” said Bill Conway. “To enable greater access to a quality education and address the critical nursing shortage.” 

“Bill’s and Joanne’s extraordinary generosity comes at a critical moment, as our country faces an unprecedented nursing shortage,” said UVA president Jim Ryan. “Their latest gift will enable more students to pursue nursing degrees at UVA, removing barriers and offering important support for students. I’m incredibly grateful for the Conways’ ongoing commitment to the school of nursing and the nursing profession as a whole.”

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