News at 4Cs

Cape Cod Community College Receives $500,000 Gift From Maureen Wilkens Supporting the Nursing Program

Mrs. Maureen Wilkens has committed $500,000 to the Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation endowing a Nursing faculty position at the College, supporting the program’s expansion. This commitment is the latest in a long line of transformative gifts to the College from Mrs. Wilkens. She previously provided significant support in developing modern Nursing and Dental labs and generously gave $5 million towards the creation of the new Frank and Maureen Wilkens Science and Engineering Center This was one of the largest private donations ever to a community college.

Through this gift, one Nursing faculty member will be named for a two-year term as the “Wilkens Endowed Nursing Faculty.” During this time, they will be awarded with a stipend to pursue professional development or research in their field. At the end of the two years, another Nursing professor will receive the recognition. The endowment will continue in perpetuity.

“I recognize and value the important work Cape Cod Community College is doing to educate students to become nurses in our community,” Mrs. Wilkens said. “This is a vitally important field, and I know hospitals and healthcare facilities all over the region, including Cape Cod Healthcare, rely deeply on the talented healthcare professionals the College educates. The Nursing faculty are at the center of that education, bringing their immense talent and dedication to their classes every day. I salute them for their important work as educators.”

Funds from the gift will also help support the Nursing Program at 4Cs grow, as they seek to increase the number of students served each year. The College serves about 150 Nursing students annually. Mrs. Wilkens’ gift will help support the technology and space needs to meet enrollment growth in the program, which is critical with the increased regional need for nurses and healthcare professionals,

“Mrs. Wilkens’ name, and her unparalleled generosity and commitment to our community, are synonymous with Cape Cod Community College,” said John Cox, President of Cape Cod Community College. “This gift, like her previous gifts, will transform lives. For years to come, our amazing Nursing faculty will have access to additional professional development and research opportunities, leading to an immediate, positive impact on our students. We are deeply grateful for Mrs. Wilkens and we are thrilled to get this started.”

The College will name its first Wilkens Endowed Faculty Member for the Fall 2022 semester starting in September.

The Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation is a non-profit based in West Barnstable, MA. Founded in 1983, Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation works to support the mission of Cape Cod Community College, its students, its faculty, and its community endeavors, by raising and managing funds, encouraging endowments, and supporting the College’s objectives. Learn more about Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation by visiting www.ccccfoundation.org.