University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing receives grant funding from Bedford Falls Foundation and Hanover Family Foundation

The Loewenberg College of Nursing at the University of Memphis has received a $530,000 grant from the Bedford Falls Foundation and Hanover Family Foundation. The funding will support student success initiatives including wraparound support services to help students progress through their nursing education and a Dean's Emergency Fund that will help students financially when emergency situations arise.

According to an article on the University of Memphis’ website, Dr. Debra Kelly, who serves as the interim dean of the Loewenberg College of Nursing, was quoted as saying of the funding, “This generous gift helps remove barriers for our students, allowing them to focus on gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to fulfill their dreams of becoming nurses who will serve their communities and improve the lives of those in need.”

During the Fall 2025 semester, members of the Bedford Falls Foundation, including its founder Bill Conway Jr., and members of the Hanover family visited campus to meet with university leadership. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about how the Loewenberg College of Nursing impacts the region’s healthcare landscape. 

Conway said, “We are proud to partner with the Hanover family to support the University of Memphis in preparing the next generation of nurses. By supporting students throughout their academic journey, we hope to ensure they make it to graduation and become nurses who can care for themselves, their family and the greater Memphis area."

The Bedford Falls Foundation was established by Conway and his late wife, Joanne Barkett Conway, to provide financial support that removes barriers to a high-quality nursing education and helps address the nation’s shortage of qualified nurses. 

The Hanover family invests in businesses and civic initiatives around Memphis to help make the city a place where people want to live and work.

Adam Hanover, who is the co-founder and CEO of Union Main Group and the son of UofM alumni Marc and Jan Hanover, said, "Bill and his late wife Joanne built the Bedford Falls Foundation into one of the nation's leading champions for nursing education. After 15 years of working together, I asked Bill if our family could partner with the Bedford Falls Foundation to bring its mission to Memphis. We're proud to support the next generation of nurses who will strengthen healthcare across Memphis and the Mid-South."

University President Bill Hardgrave said, “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Hanover family and The Bedford Falls Foundation. The support from these tremendous partners will assist us greatly in our efforts to meet the healthcare workforce needs of our region.”

For more information about the University of Memphis, visit the school’s website.