Centre campus of Gadsden State getting scholarship endowment

STAFF REPORTS

CENTRE — The Centre campus of Gadsden State Community College will hold a signing ceremony June 2 at 2 p.m. to commemorate the forthcoming endowment of the new Clemis L. Bailey Nursing Scholarship, which will be awarded to incoming nursing students.

Gadsden State President W. Darryl Harrison, Rep. Richard Lindsey and County Commission Chairman Melvyn Salter will be present to witness the authorization of an endowment donation by retired businessman Ed Bailey.

The future scholarship may be used toward the cost of tuition, books, fees, supplies, uniforms or any other expenses charged to a nursing student by the college or program. The endowment was made by Mr. Bailey in memoriam of his late wife, Clemis L. Bailey.

Mrs. Bailey was a beloved volunteer at the local hospital in Cherokee County where she served as a “Pink Lady.” She continued her volunteer work at Cherokee County Medical Center until her health began to decline. When her sickness left her unable to walk, Mr. Bailey took her on several occasions in her wheelchair to the hospital to visit the staff and patients. Her volunteering activities were recognized on many occasions as she received several awards and pins for attaining more than 10,000 hours of service.

“Mrs. Bailey is remembered for her dedication as a volunteer," said Martha Lavender, assistant to the president for Gadsden State-Cherokee. Her kindness, compassion and desire to serve the public were attributes that were well known to the hospital staff, patients and the community."

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must be a resident of Cherokee County, accepted to the nursing program, plan to attend classes at Gadsden State Cherokee and demonstrate financial need.

For more information about the Clemis L. Bailey Nursing Scholarship, contact Martha Lavender at 256-927-1801 or by sending email to mlavender@gadsdenstate.edu.