Alumna helps create endowment to support single parents pursuing nursing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2024
Media Contact: Aya Aoki; Public Affairs
NORWALK, Calif. - June 25, 2024 - The Cerritos College Foundation announced that alumna Sharon Reichle created an endowment to fund scholarships for single-parent students in the nursing program. Sharon committed $125,000 to be paid over the next five years and $25,000 yearly thereafter until her passing. She has also included the Cerritos College Foundation in her estate plan.
Sharon's nursing career began after graduating from Cerritos College in 1968 as part of the inaugural nursing class. After beginning her career as a surgical floor nurse at Pacifica Hospital in Huntington Beach, Sharon moved on to various roles in the healthcare industry, earning promotions and taking on increased responsibilities. She took a five-year absence from nursing for two back surgeries and three pregnancies. Sharon worked at FHP Health Plan as a utilization and quality management supervisor before eventually starting her consulting firm, Care Continuum, Inc., specializing in medical management implementation.
Sharon created the endowment for single-parent students based on her life experience of having been a single parent for 18 years with no alimony or child support. She goes on to say, “I know firsthand that any little bit helps. I hope this endowment helps and inspires single-parent nursing students and other alumni to pay it forward.”
“We are incredibly grateful for this incredible gift to the Cerritos College nursing program,” said Dr. Elizabeth Riley, dean of the health occupations division. “Sharon is such an inspiration to our nursing students, especially those who are single parents. As a member of our inaugural nursing class of 1968, Sharon is part of our history, and with this gift, now she is a part of our future as well.”
About the Cerritos College Foundation: The Cerritos College Foundation, a non-profit organization, serves as a charitable vehicle for the community, individuals, and alumni to assist with financial support of Cerritos College beyond that which state funding supports. Visit the Foundation online at www.CerritosCF.org.
About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers nearly 300 degrees and certificates in nine divisions. Annually, more than 5,000 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 21,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.
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