Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences (FHCHS) is committed to providing quality education to its students. A significant part of the College’s founding mission was to offer affordable Seventh-day Adventist education, allowing its students to graduate with minimal debt. However, some students still face tremendous financial obstacles to realize their dream of a Christian education.

Through generous gifts donated by friends of the institution, endowed scholarships have been established. One such friend is Jean Walton Iles. In 1941, when World War II became the focus of American life, Mrs. Iles entered a program to fulfill her ambition to become a nurse. She graduated with honors and pursued various health-related endeavors during her successful career. Because of her love for healthcare and her desire to help others fulfill their goals in this field, the Iles family donated a substantial monetary gift to the College.

Irma Montoya is a recipient of the Jean W. Iles Scholarship. She will graduate in April with her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree.

Irma Montoya is a recipient of the Jean W. Iles Scholarship. Irma graduated in 2003 from Walker Memorial Academy in Avon Park, Fla., and came to Florida Hospital College to pursue a degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology. She completed her Associate’s degree in 2005 and is now looking forward to completing her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree this April. “I chose FHCHS because it made Adventist education affordable,” she stated. “Also, I really appreciate the opportunity to be involved in campus life as part of the Campus Ministries team.”

Bridgette Smart has also benefited from the Jean W. Iles Scholarship. She first found out about Florida Hospital College through her subscription to Southern Tidings. A former member of the Belvedere Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lithonia, Ga., Bridgette decided to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She graduated in December 2006 and is currently working as a Nurse Tech while studying for her state board exam. “Receiving the Iles scholarship was a real blessing to me,” Bridgette acknowledged. “It really helped me to pay my tuition costs.”

Marley and Beverly Soper, donors of an Endowed Scholarship, enjoy the positive impact their gift has made on Florida Hospital College students.

During the 2005-2006 school year, $6.8 million was distributed to Florida Hospital College students. Over $23,000 was granted to the recipients of endowed scholarships. “I love to help students reach their educational goals,” Starr Bender, Director of Financial Aid, stated. “There are students who don't think that they can make it in college and we can show them that they can."

The many heartfelt donations of caring individuals help our students achieve their dreams.