Before last Thursday, JoAnn McCullar Vandergriff hadn't stepped foot inside the University of Mississippi School of Nursing since she graduated in 1979, but her heart was still within those walls. When she and her husband, Bill, were planning their retirement, the couple decided to set up a charitable remainder trust, a planned gift that will endow the JoAnn McCullar Vandergriff Scholarship and provide substantial support to the School of Nursing. The couple also made a donation to allow a scholarship to be awarded now to assist two deserving accelerated nursing students. As the first in her family to graduate from high school and earn a college degree, Vandergriff understands the importance of education to accomplishing one's goals. “My husband and I worked to get an education in order to get ahead,” said Vandergriff. “That education gave us the means to give back to others so that they can get ahead too.” Born in Water Valley before the small town had a hospital, Vandergriff attended Horn Lake High School in Desoto County. She found her passion for nursing during her senior year when her high school hosted its first ever career day. |