Nurses and others in nursing-related professions are the human face and the caring touch of health care. They work the frontlines in all health care settings, providing hands-on care to patients and giving doctors vital information to make care decisions. But stressors including an aging baby boomer population, climbing rates of chronic health issues and growing emphasis on preventive care are increasing the need for qualified nurses. That is why Sun Health Foundation is announcing the Warren D. Ruff Scholarship Fund, which continues a legacy of learning, personal growth and caring for others.
Will Arizona’s healthcare industry be able to keep up with demand?
Especially now when health care needs in Arizona are growing along with the capacity to fill them, more trained nursing professionals will be critical. Often, financial constraints can make their education journey more challenging to complete.
Enter the power of a generous heart. One man’s gratitude is now supporting nursing professionals and making a difference today and for future generations.
The Warren D. Ruff Scholarship Fund brings nursing careers within reach
For those who are ready to make a bigger difference for their patients, their profession and themselves, scholarships are available for qualified candidates pursuing careers in nursing or nursing-related health professions.
The $6.4 million Warren D. Ruff Scholarship Fund (intended to award 5% each year) was recently established to open new doors of opportunity for these candidates to pursue their passion and help fill the critical need for more trained nurses and nursing-related health professionals who live and work in Arizona.
About the scholarship
The Warren D. Ruff Scholarship Fund offers an opportunity to advance nursing knowledge, skills and careers. The fund honors Warren D. Ruff, a well-known community leader and supporter greatly admired in Sun City and within Sun Health for his integrity and compassion. It was his desire to help fill the critical need for more trained nurses in Arizona.
The Scholarship Fund offers a new opportunity for students in nursing and nursing-related professions – including those who may not yet have enrolled but will be enrolling – to apply for tuition (and related costs) support for their education journey.
How to apply
For those who have a dream of pursuing or furthering a career in nursing or a nursing-related health profession, the Warren D. Ruff Scholarship Fund can support the educational journey to help those dreams become reality. Online applications will be accepted from April 1 – May 1, 2020. An account is required to apply. Users will create an account or log in to an existing account before beginning the application. This video shows a walkthrough of the application process.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Priority will be given, but not exclusively, to qualifying nurses and nursing candidates from Sun Health, Banner Boswell and Banner Del E. Webb medical centers. All candidates, including those who may not yet have but will be enrolling, must enroll in an accredited education institution that awards degrees or certificates to students studying nursing and nursing-related health professions. Candidates must also be in good standing in their program and demonstrate good character as determined by the Selection Committee.
The inspiring story of Warren D. Ruff
Mr. Ruff was born in Danbury, Ohio. Throughout his career, he worked as a CPA in the public accounting industry and in the medical field as an executive director of a prestigious multi-specialty physicians’ clinic.
He continued a commitment to service when he retired and moved to Sun City, Ariz. There he donated his time to serve his community as a volunteer board member of the now Banner Boswell Medical Center, the Sun Health Foundation and the Lakes Club.
During the last decade of his life, Mr. Ruff was deeply grateful to the former Sun Health Boswell and Del E. Webb hospitals, and people who delivered his care became endeared to him. In gratitude for the exceptional care he received, Mr. Ruff desired that the primary purpose of the scholarship be to supply nurses to Arizona.
“Sun Health Foundation is honored to be the steward of Mr. Ruff’s legacy of learning, personal growth and caring for others. This legacy will live on through the generations because of his support of nursing and nursing-related health care profession scholarships,” said Gina W. Ore, Chief Philanthropy Officer of Sun Health Foundation.
“The word ‘generosity’ truly defines Mr. Ruff’s life,” Ms. Ore added. “He was greatly admired in the community and throughout Sun Health for his integrity, compassion and for being a true friend who valued relationships. With his generosity, Mr. Ruff has ensured that his legacy will support future generations in their academic endeavors to serve in the noble nursing and nursing-related healthcare professions.”
The Warren D. Ruff Scholarship Fund reflects the impact generosity can have for generations in creating a world where people live longer, healthier, more purposeful lives.
“Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness.” —The Dalai Lama XIV
The Warren G. Ruff Scholarship and Sun Health Foundation
The Warren G. Ruff Scholarship Fund is administered by Sun Health Foundation and further underscores a long-standing commitment to the development of the West Valley’s healthcare workforce that helps to ensure future staffing needs are met. We invite you to learn more about our efforts to improve health and wellbeing of the West Valley now and in the future through the Generosity for Generations campaign.
