On May 6, 2026, the Columbia Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association initiated the CHSNAA Nurse Scholarship Endowment Fund at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The event honored a distinguished group of African American Registered Nurses who were trained at the historic Columbia Hospital School of Nursing from 1938–1965. The Columbia Hospital formerly, Palmetto Health Richland and now, Prisma Health Richland, during the Civil Rights Era—allowed African Americans to pursue a nursing education which was an extremely limited opportunity.
Pictured: Eula Carroll, Jean Hopkins, Jettiva Belton, President CHSNAA; Holly Scott, Willie Jude II, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, Claflin University; Carrie Norton, Thelma Pugh, Willie Mae Grant.
For 85 years, this organization has been committed to advancing education, providing scholarships, and serving communities throughout South Carolina. The establishment of this endowment is a meaningful effort to preserve their legacy, recognize their contributions to healthcare, and support future generations of nursing students.
The historical significance of these seasoned senior nurses initiating a Scholarship Endowment Fund during National Nurses Week is indeed a major accomplishment.
To contribute to the CHSNAA scholarship fund, send checks made payable to Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, South Carolina, 29115. Include CHSNAA on the memo line.