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- calendar_today October 28, 2026
Major Gift Supports Nursing and Allied Health Students
The Jefferson College Foundation has announced a transformative donation of $285,734.40 from the former board of Crystal Oaks, a skilled nursing facility in Crystal City, Missouri. This substantial contribution is dedicated to launching the Futures in Skilled Nursing Fund, aimed at enhancing nursing scholarships and allied health occupation scholarships for students at Jefferson College.
Legacy of Crystal Oaks Continues Through Education
Crystal Oaks was known for its longstanding commitment to quality patient care in Jefferson County. After its sale to a private company in 2023, the nonprofit board opted to liquidate assets and donate the remaining funds to further the mission of skilled nursing care by supporting education. "Our former board members care deeply about the residents of our community and their care," said Dan Eckenfels, former President of the Crystal Oaks Board. He added, "We think investing in the education of future nurses, who will care for our community for generations to come, is the perfect use of the resources from an institution that meant so much to so many."
Establishing the Futures in Skilled Nursing Fund
The newly established Futures in Skilled Nursing Fund will operate as an endowed scholarship and grant fund managed by the Jefferson College Foundation. Interest generated from the fund will annually provide scholarships in perpetuity to eligible students. This initiative targets those pursuing college credit programs leading to nursing degrees, as well as workforce education and certification programs for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other allied health professions.
Announcement at the Annual Scholarship Luncheon
Dr. Dena McCaffrey, President of Jefferson College, announced the gift during the Foundation’s annual scholarship luncheon held on October 20, 2026, at the Student Center. Over 100 scholarship donors and recipients were present for the announcement, which also included Dan Eckenfels, John Winkelman, and Tonda Breeze representing the former Crystal Oaks Board. Dr. McCaffrey praised the college’s nursing programs, emphasizing their innovative design, academic rigor, and student success—particularly within local hospitals like Mercy Jefferson.
“Nurses are always in high demand, and we are so happy to be able to support them with this generous scholarship fund. Our gratitude goes to the entire former Crystal Oaks Board and everyone who made this dream a reality for the students of Jefferson College,” said Melissa Barreca, Executive Director of the Jefferson College Foundation.
First Scholarships to Launch in 2027–28
The first round of scholarships from the Futures in Skilled Nursing Fund will become available for awards during the 2027-28 academic year, providing new opportunities under the umbrella of medical education funding and nursing career support for aspiring healthcare professionals in the region.
About Jefferson College Nursing Programs
Since 1971, Jefferson College’s Bi-Level Nursing Program has graduated highly skilled and compassionate nurses serving the community. The programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing for both Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing levels. Jefferson College nursing offers flexible entry options, including full-time and part-time LPN and RN pathways, an LPN to RN Bridge, the Early Assurance PIN for high school students, and transfer agreements facilitating seamless progression to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.
This comprehensive approach prepares students for licensure and supports them in balancing education with personal responsibilities, furthering the legacy of institutions like Crystal Oaks through strong healthcare scholarships and robust nursing education pathways.
Source: suntimesnews.com.
