Ferguson 5K Raises Nursing Scholarship Funds

Sitting is now considered to be the new smoking, and Cedarville University’s School of Nursing has decided to do something about it. The University will host the Linda Ferguson 5K Memorial walk/run on Saturday, May 13, at 8 a.m.

Ferguson, a Cedarville University alumna, was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. Cedarville’s nursing faculty regularly cared for Ferguson as she underwent various treatments. She went into remission in 2007, but the cancer returned and she lost her battle in 2011.

The 5K raises scholarship funds for Cedarville nursing students interested in studying oncology and is an opportunity to encourage cancer patients. Rachel McKinney, one of Linda’s four children who organizes the event, continues her mom’s legacy by helping others through this scholarship.

“It’s humbling to see someone in the community respect the role of a nurse and value it enough to create a scholarship for students,” said Suzanne Lefever, associate professor and assistant dean and director of undergraduate nursing programs. “Through this race, we not only get involved with the community, but we honor a long-time community member who is an example of having joy in the midst of a trial,” said Lefever.

Participants in the run/walk will receive weekly email reminders and notes of encouragement from school of nursing faculty members, as well as personal training tips.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,760 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.