Foundation Announces $285,000 Donation from Former Crystal Oaks Board to Establish Nursing Scholarships
Jefferson College Foundation received a substantial gift of $285,734.40 from the former nonprofit board of Crystal Oaks in Crystal City to establish the Futures in Skilled Nursing Fund for nursing and allied health occupation scholarships at Jefferson College.
Crystal Oaks, a skilled nursing facility with a long history of excellent patient care in Jefferson County, was sold to a private company in 2023 with the accompanying decision by the former nonprofit’s board to liquidate all assets and donate the remaining funds to carry the legacy of the institution into the future, providing opportunities for the best in skilled nursing care.
“Our former board members care deeply about the residents of our community and their care,” said Dan Eckenfels, former President of the Crystal Oaks Board. “While the decision to sell the facility was a difficult one, deciding what to do with the funds had an obvious answer. We think investing in the education of future nurses, who will care for our community for generations to come, is the perfect use of the resources from an institution that meant so much to so many.”
The donation will establish the Futures in Skilled Nursing Fund, an endowed scholarship and grant fund held by the Jefferson College Foundation. Interest from the fund will provide scholarships each academic year in perpetuity. The resulting scholarships will benefit students studying nursing and allied health professions in college credit programs towards nursing degrees, and workforce education and certification programs for CNAs and other allied health professions.
“The Futures in Skilled Nursing Fund will provide so many opportunities to deserving students in our county,” said Melissa Barreca, Executive Director of the Jefferson College Foundation. “Nurses are always in high demand, and we are so happy to be able to support them with this generous scholarship fund. Our gratitude goes to the entire former Crystal Oaks Board and everyone who made this dream a reality for the students of Jefferson College.”
Jefferson College President Dr. Dena McCaffrey announced the donation to an audience of more than 100 scholarship donors and recipients at the Jefferson College Foundation’s annual scholarship luncheon on October 20, 2026, in the Student Center. Joining her in the surprise announcement were Dan Eckenfels, John Winkelman and Tonda Breeze, representing the former Crystal Oaks Board. Dr. McCaffrey emphasized the life-changing impact of education and the high quality of the nursing program at Jefferson College.
“Our nursing program stands out because of its innovative structure, outstanding academic rigor and impressive student outcomes,” said Dr. McCaffrey. “Because our students are so well-prepared to serve in clinical settings, they have gone on to be successful across many hospitals and medical practices, especially right here in Jefferson County at outstanding partner organizations like Mercy Jefferson.”
The first scholarships from the Futures in Skilled Nursing Fund will be available for awards in the 2027-28 academic year.
