Philanthropists Agnes and Stephen Reading increase previous gifts to Washtenaw Community College

The Reading Nursing Scholarship at Washtenaw Community College can now fund full-ride scholarships for 20 nursing students, thanks to another endowment from Agnes and Stephen Reading. 

According to an article on Washtenaw Community College’s website, Stephen Reading was quoted as saying of his and his wife’s reasoning for making such a gift to the school, “We know firsthand the impact nurses have on their patients, and we know WCC trains the best. Because of WCC’s low tuition rates, our gift goes a long way and enables even more students to focus on their rigorous studies without having to worry about how they’re going to pay for school.”

The Readings established the Reading Nursing Scholarship in 2022 with their original $1 million endowment. The scholarship was set up to provide funding for nursing students to cover their tuition, books, uniforms, and other related expenses. Now, in 2024, the Readings have contributed another $1 million to the scholarship fund and there is enough funding to provide full-ride scholarships for 20 nursing students.

The scholarships are given to students based on need, and they are given to students who are planning to continue their education by enrolling at Eastern Michigan University to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Thirty-three students have received the scholarship since the establishment of the Reading Nursing Scholarship.

At a luncheon that served as the announcement of the additional endowment, several students who have benefited from the Readings’ generosity were present and were able to express their gratitude and what the scholarship has done for them. 

One such student, JaNay Madison, was quoted as saying, “To have someone recognize your efforts and understand how hard you are working is like finding a piece of hay in a needle stack. Noticing my potential and giving me a chance to succeed is something the Reading family has done to make it possible for my dreams of becoming a Registered Nurse to come true. Thank you!” 

She went on to say, “I want to provide myself as a living example to show that hard work does pay off. I want to be someone my children look up to and can boast with confidence that their Mom is someone that they can be proud of. With the assistance from this scholarship, it has lowered the height of my hurdles to cross that finish line. I will be forever grateful to the Reading family for this.”

Washtenaw Community College president Dr. Rose B. Bellanca said, “We are beyond thankful for the generosity of Agnes and Stephen Reading. Our students work so hard in their nursing program and care so much about others.”

For more information about Washtenaw Community College, visit the school’s website.