The family of Margaret Donley, a long-time nurse at St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC), has donated $50,000 to The Foundation of SMMC to create a scholarship for nursing students to attend St. Mary’s School of Nursing. The Margaret Donley Little Miss St. Mary’s Nursing Scholarship was created in Donley’s memory, after her passing in December 2020. Named for a nickname given to Margaret by her husband, Tom, The Margaret Donley Little Miss St. Mary’s Nursing Scholarship was established through a charitable IRA required distribution by Tom Donley.
Graduating from the St. Mary’s School of Nursing in 1971 and serving in a variety of leadership roles at SMMC, including Director of Patient Care Services before retiring as director of Organizational Development and Learning in 2015, Margaret was known for her passion and dedication to nursing. “Margaret Donley was St. Mary’s, because she was truly a leader and a trailblazer,” said Angie Swearingen, SMMC Chief Operating Officer. Margaret’s daughter, Amy Adams, described her mother as “a champion to do the right thing.” Following in her mother’s footsteps, Amy has also made a career in nursing at SMMC, currently overseeing the Endoscopy department.
Margaret not only leaves the legacy of her nursing career for others to draw inspiration from, but also her commitment and passion of helping others to continue to inspire generations to come.
“I want to honor the legacy of Margaret Donley,” said Hannah Casto, a resident of Cross Lanes, WV and third semester nursing student at St. Mary’s School of Nursing. The first recipient of the Little Miss St. Mary’s Scholarship, Hannah was awarded $2,500, which will help her attend her last semester and complete her nursing degree. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been chosen for this scholarship and am grateful to the Donley family. This is a huge blessing,” said Hannah, who chose nursing after her sister (also a nurse) encouraged her to do so.
Dr. Joey Trader, Vice President of the School of Nursing and Health Professions for St. Mary’s said, “I’m grateful to the Donley family. This scholarship will assist students in fulfilling their dreams of being a nurse and serving their community – just like Margaret Donely did.”
If you are interested in supporting the Margaret Donley Little Miss St. Mary’s Nursing Scholarship, contact Kristi Arrowood at kristi.arrowood@mhnetwork.org or at 304.526.2009. For more information about the St. Mary’s School of Nursing, visit School of Nursing – St. Mary’s Medical Center (st-marys.org).