Public Relations

NWACC Students Receive Thousands from
Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville Auxiliary

Contact: Meredith Brunen, Associate Director of Development, NWACC Foundation, 479.619.4176,

BENTONVILLE (Wednesday, February 27, 2008) – Northwest Medical Center Bentonville Auxiliary has graciously awarded a total of $8,000 in scholarships to both nursing and respiratory therapy students at NorthWest Arkansas Community College this spring. 

Eight students will receive a $1,000 each, which will provide financial assistance for tuition and other educational costs associated with their programs.   

Tom Pearcy, the Auxiliary’s Scholarship Chairman, indicated at a presentation today that northwest Arkansas is facing a critical shortage in the medical field, and that there is a great need for bright, young professionals to address this burden. 

NWACC students, in particular, have demonstrated dedication and interest in the field, and the Auxiliary wants to support their endeavors and hopefully benefit from their training as these students begin to look for jobs.

“The Auxiliary’s support speaks highly of the quality of students we train here at the College. Both our nursing and respiratory therapy programs fulfill a critical need in the medical field,” says Dean of Health Professions, Dr. Monte Gagliardi.   “We are extremely grateful to the Northwest Medical Center Bentonville Auxiliary for its outstanding support of our students.”

“We are delighted to make this connection with NWACC, as this is an important need to fill and an exciting thing to do,” remarks Auxiliary President Cara Decker.

NWACC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing, as well as in Respiratory Therapy.

  With an enrollment of 115 students, which is its largest class ever, the nursing program boasts an incredible pass rate of 98% on the NCLEX exam, which far exceeds the state and national averages. 

The Respiratory Therapy program prepares students for advanced level of respiratory therapy, and job placement for their students has demonstrated success at 100%.

For more information about NWACC or the NWACC Foundation call 479-619-4184.

Picture caption: Left to right, Dr. Steve Gates, Meredith Brunen, Cara Decker, Tom Pearcy, NWACC students, Elaine Holloway (Nursing) and Alan Clark (Respiratory Therapy).

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