Dr. William "Bill" and Eleanor "Ellie" Crain recently established a scholarship for Adams State nursing students who are juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Residents of Pueblo, Colo., the Crains are both Adams State graduates: Bill earned two degrees, in 1960 and 1962, while Ellie earned a master’s in 1982.
A registered nurse herself, Ellie Crain said, "I knew as a five-year-old I wanted to be a nurse. It was my passion and love." Thus, she wants to help others pursue the same passion and, with her husband, created the scholarship to assist with such expenses as books, "which can be expensive in the medical field."
"On behalf of the nursing faculty, staff, and students, I thank the Crains for their generosity and support of ASU nursing students, said Melissa Milner DNPc, MSN-Ed, RN, assistant professor and interim director of Adams State’s Nursing Department. "The extra financial support for students will help cover tuition, travel for clinical rotations, and books. Our program strives to develop excellent nurses, and the Crains’ gift will lift some of our students’ financial burden, allowing them to focus on their learning."
Ellie Crain understands the importance of students becoming well-rounded and informed through higher education. "For me, higher education broadened my world and helped me understand people better." She earned her nursing degree in Illinois and worked as a school nurse, then later earned a master’s degree from Adams State’s counseling program. "Between my nursing and counseling degrees, I could help guide the students."
She encourages nursing students to work hard and study hard. "Don’t give up, even when you get discouraged. It is well worth the time and energy to become a registered nurse."
