Albany, N.Y. (August 5, 2026) — Maria College has received a transformational $500,000 gift from the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Inc. to establish the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund.
The endowed fund will provide annual scholarship support for students enrolled in Maria College’s nursing programs. Established in perpetuity, it will be administered through Maria College’s Office of Financial Aid and will benefit students for generations to come.
“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to carry forward the legacy of Julia O. Wells,” said Maria College President Dr. Lynn Ortale. “Our students embody her commitment to the nursing profession and service to our community. We are honored the foundation has entrusted the college with continuing this important work. The foundation board members’ leadership and stewardship have been marked by excellence and dedicated service.”
The gift builds on the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Inc.’s longstanding commitment to advancing nursing education. Over the years, the foundation has awarded nearly $5 million in scholarships to high school and college students, enabling thousands of aspiring nurses to pursue their education.
“Today is a deeply meaningful moment for our board members and me,” said Kathleen B. Santarcangelo, president of the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Inc. “For decades, our focus has been entirely on investing in nurses, who are the backbone of our healthcare system.
“While it’s time to close the chapter on the foundation itself, we are ensuring that Julia’s spirit and our commitment to ‘growing nurses’ will live on in perpetuity,” she continued. “We are placing Julia’s legacy into the hands of Maria College. We are thrilled to partner with the college to support the next generation of nurses. We look forward to the incredible impact these students will make in the nursing profession and in their communities.”
The foundation traces its roots to Julia O. Wells, a 1918 graduate of the Memorial Hospital Training School for Nurses in Albany. Wells spent her career as a nurse before establishing a lasting gift to support nursing education. Her generosity led to the creation of the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Inc.
About Maria College
Founded in 1958, Maria College is one of 17 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The private, co-educational, Catholic college in Albany serves approximately 800 students in a variety of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree and certificate programs, including liberal arts, healthcare management, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, public health, and health and occupational sciences. Learn more at MariaCollege.edu.
Photo Caption
Maria College has received a $500,000 gift from the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Inc. to create an endowed scholarship fund supporting students in the college’s nursing programs. Established in perpetuity, the fund will provide ongoing scholarship assistance while preserving Julia O. Wells’ commitment to service and the nursing profession. The gift builds on the foundation’s nearly $5 million investment in nursing education over the years.
Pictured, L-R
Bonnie Bazyk, Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Trustee
Kathleen B. Santarcangelo, President, Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Scholarship Foundation, Inc.
Dr. Jessica McNally, Department Chair of Nursing, Andrea Lewis Siek School of Nursing
Ron Vero, Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Trustee
Christine Danielsen, Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Trustee
Dr. Lynn Ortale, President, Maria College
Cheryl Fitzpatrick, Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Trustee