Eldean Pierce

Eldean Pierce graduated from CON in 1974 and taught for many years at her alma mater. Additionally, she was very active in Sigma Theta Tau. Beta Nu is the highly distinguished local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the international Honor Society of Nursing founded in 1922. The founders chose the society’s name from the meaning of the Greek words “Storga” (love), “Tharos” (courage), and Tima (honor). Bringing recognition to nursing as a science, in 1936 it became the first organization in the US to fund nursing research. With chapters around the world, it is the second largest nursing organization.

Eldean’s husband, Hal, was equally supportive not only of the Beta Nu chapter, but all matters related to the CON. Their home usually hosted the Beta Nu speaker and they consistently went beyond the customary to support the mission of the CON. Hal says that the nursing friendships that have formed over the years have been steadfast and most dear.

The purpose of this scholarship is to fund a student (in state or out of state, undergraduate or graduate) who is a member of Beta Nu with first preference given to a student interested in critical care and/or cardio. Once this scholarship reaches an award of $8,000 it may be divided among two recipients. Mr Pierce still resides in Winterville. Mrs. Pierce died Jan. 15, 2007.