As a single parent and nursing student at Immaculata University, Colette Manco ’25 is extremely grateful for a scholarship from the Independence Blue Cross (IBX) Foundation. “It relieved substantial stress, which allows more time for studies, my daughter and managing our household,” she said. “Additionally, receiving a scholarship motivates me to excel.”
For over two decades, Immaculata students such as Manco have been able to pursue their educational goals through scholarships from the IBX Foundation. This steadfast support has played a crucial role in bolstering Immaculata’s nursing programs, including pre-licensure B.S.N., R.N.-to-B.S.N., accelerated second-degree B.S.N. and M.S.N. students. In recognition of their long-standing commitment, Immaculata recently honored the IBX Foundation with its inaugural 1920 Society Impact Award.
The 1920 Society Impact Award recognizes an outstanding member of The 1920 Society, which recognizes donors who have given cumulative gifts of $50,000 or more to the University. The IBX Foundation’s consistent philanthropic leadership, community engagement and dedication to fostering a spirit of philanthropy have set a commendable example, inspiring others to give back.
Lorina Marshall-Blake, president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, accepted the award at Immaculata’s recent Circle of Giving dinner. In her acceptance speech, she highlighted IBX’s role in shaping the future of nursing through scholarships to students who often continue their education to become nursing faculty— teaching the next generation of nurses. Marshall-Blake called it the scholarship’s “ripple effect.”
In addition to its signature Nurses for Tomorrow program, the IBX Foundation continues expanding its support to include scholarships for master’s and doctoral students. They also recently expanded their Healthcare Scholars Program, partnering with higher educational institutions, such as Immaculata, to provide scholarships covering full tuition and fees for B.S.N. and associate degree nursing students.
“Immaculata University partnered with Independence Blue Cross and the Independence Blue Cross Foundation from the initial start of IBX’s scholarship support for nursing students beginning in 2004. This partnership provided 500-plus nursing students with scholarships to support their pursuit of a career in health care services and becoming ‘Nurses for Tomorrow.’ All at Immaculata are grateful to IBX for their generous and consistent support of students,” stated Sister Carroll Isselmann, IHM, Ed.D., director of strategic initiatives.