Two Scholarships, One Shared Vision
The power of paying it forward has never been more evident than in this year’s nursing scholarship awards. As a three-time recipient of the William G. and Ruth T. Evans Endowed Nursing Scholarship, Tiffany Allen received crucial financial assistance throughout her years in the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) nursing program in Ashland.
That investment in her education has now come full circle with her family’s establishment of the Colton Allen Memorial Scholarship — a beautiful example of how generosity inspires generosity.
A Vision Realized
“Thinking of ways we could give back, I was like ‘Oh, I know!'” Tiffany recalls about creating the memorial scholarship honoring her late husband.
Ruth Evans, who was herself a nurse, established the Evans Nursing Scholarship in 2002. Her family always envisioned that recipients would eventually become donors themselves.
“We have always encouraged scholarship recipients to pay it forward when they are in the position to do so,” shares Peg Evans, Ruth’s daughter. “And Tiffany is actually doing it.”
Addressing a Critical Need
With nursing graduates often entering the workforce carrying thousands of dollars in debt, scholarships like these reduce financial burdens while addressing the ongoing need for qualified nurses in our community.
Over the past 23 years, the Evans Nursing Scholarship has awarded more than $1.7 million to students pursuing registered nursing degrees at OHSU at Southern Oregon University or at Rogue Community College, with the requirement that recipients intend to work in the Rogue Valley after graduation.
2025 Award Recipients
This year marks a milestone for both scholarship programs. The scholarship selection committee awarded $198,500 from the Evans Nursing Scholarship and $5,000 from the Colton Allen Memorial Scholarship to fifteen students entering the 2025-26 school year. Each recipient has demonstrated dedication to improving healthcare quality in our community—continuing the cycle of care and commitment that connects both scholarship programs.
Additionally, more than $12,000 from the Evans Nursing Scholarship will support 24 students in the graduating class of RCC’s Licensed Practical Nursing Program, covering state licensing and exam fees so graduates can move swiftly into the workforce.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients on their significant achievement.
Evans Nursing Scholarship Recipients:
From the OHSU Accelerated Program: Heather Daylene Ayers, Emma Baeth, Alyssa Buswell, Jasmine Centeno, Desiree Powell, Caitlyn Weinberger
From the OHSU 3-Year Program: Hannah Bohnert, Mikayla Caddock, Ryan Oliver, Haley Yasui
From the RCC 2-Year Program: Madison Herinckx, Caylee Mikels, Taylor Widlund
Colton Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient:
From the OHSU 3-Year Program: Misty Dizon
Evans + Allen Combined Scholarship Recipient:
From the RCC 2-Year Program: Jeremiah McGuffee
2025 Nursing Scholarship Recipients
Photography by Kolby Wall for Kelcie Jean Photography. Not pictured, Mikayla Caddock and Ryan Oliver.
