Ashley Lutz Memorial Scholarship in Nursing
The UNC Charlotte Association of Nursing Students (ANS) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Ashley Lutz Memorial Scholarship in Nursing. Named in honor of UNC Charlotte nursing alumna, Ashley Lutz, the memorial scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates an extraordinary passion for nursing and a commitment to serving others.
After months of hard work and dedication, ANS members have met their goal of $25,000, establishing the first student-led endowment at UNC Charlotte. Beginning in September 2011, more than 200 students helped to directly raise more than $10,000 for the fund. Contributions were received through a variety of events and activities led by ANS members including a benefit dinner, chocolate sales and carwashes, letters and email campaigns, and presentations. Additionally, ANS members made personal appeals for contributions and collected donations in handmade trunks that read “Loot for Lutz.”
The additional $15,000 was contributed by founding partners, the Gamma Iota Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, as well as family, friends, and UNC Charlotte faculty and staff. Katie Preske DiStefano ’11, under whose leadership the fund was launched, shared that “the scholarship is testament to what the community can do, and how much Ashley impacted all of us, even those she never knew.”
Dr. Dee Baldwin, Associate Dean and Director, School of Nursing, said “With this first student-led endowment, nursing students have demonstrated that students, many of whom rely on scholarship support themselves, can achieve extraordinary things by banding together and inspiring others to get involved. “ The ANS was honored by the Charlotte Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as the Outstanding Student Philanthropy Award recipients in 2012.
ANS members say Ashley is fondly remembered for her many talents and unwavering passion for nursing. Despite being diagnosed with cancer during her final semester of nursing school, Ashley never missed a day of clinical practice. She insisted on taking her final exams from her hospital bed and passed the tests with high marks. One of her happiest moments was being pinned at commencement in May of 2011, a symbol that she had achieved her dream of becoming a nurse. Days later, she passed away.
The scholarship is a fitting tribute to Ashley, a young woman who touched the lives of many. Through the scholarship and her legacy, she will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew her.
Make a Gift to the Ashley Lutz Memorial Scholarship in Nursing
For more information about the scholarship, how to make your gift, or to include the Ashley Lutz Memorial Scholarship in your estate plans, please email Alicia Morris or call 704‑687‑7737.
Donate to the scholarship fund today:
- Mail your gift to: Office of University Development, Attn: Alicia Morris, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223. Please make checks payable to the UNC Charlotte Foundation and include Ashley Lutz Memorial Scholarship on the memo line.
Instructions are included here to designate your gift online. Please visit the UNC Charlotte Foundation website to make your gift today.
Ashley Lutz Memorial Scholarship in Nursing Award Criteria
- Recipients must be admitted unconditionally and in good standing in the B.S.N. Pre-licensure program in the School of Nursing.
- Recipients must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to serving the community through volunteer and service activities.
- Student must demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid; or, student must describe their financial need in terms of financial sacrifices they have made to pursue their degree and how this award will help to lessen their financial burden.
- Scholarship awards are renewable for a second year if a 3.0 GPA is maintained.
- Preference will be given to a student from Cleveland County.
Please visit the Advising Center’s website to learn more about the scholarship application process and deadlines.