COM Foundation hosts the Educate a Woman Laughs for Lunch as an annual event to raise dedicated scholarship funds–giving our female students access to a life-changing education.
Since its inception in 2021, the Educate a Woman Scholarship Program has been a priority for COM Foundation, with 203 Educate a Woman scholarships (some multi-semester recipients) awarded as of the Fall 2023 semester. These hard-working women are motivated to succeed; 52 recipients have since completed programs with either a certificate or degree. Lunch is served while a comedian provides live entertainment, and our students’ successes are celebrated. All funds raised at this popular campus and community event go directly to students to ease financial barriers that could otherwise prevent them from reaching their dreams.
Event tickets are $75 each. Sponsorships and tables are available as well. Please RSVP by March 1.
Donor Spotlight
The Constance O'Kane Nursing Scholarship
Connie and Jim O’Kane visit with Kimberly M., a recipient of the Constance O’Kane Nursing Scholarship
COM Foundation is grateful for donors like Connie and Jim O’Kane, creators of the Constance O’Kane Nursing Scholarship. Each year, the scholarship supports two students in our nursing programs. Students in the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program (both LVN to RN and RN tracks) and our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program are eligible to apply. The O’Kane Scholarship provides funds to assist with tuition, books, and fees to a student in their first year of their chosen nursing track and continues the scholarship into a second year–providing continued student support for the entirety of the student’s chosen program.
The reason behind this amazing gift is best explained in Mrs. O’Kane’s own words, “During my 30-year nursing career, I taught at three different schools of nursing, including twelve years at College of the Mainland. By far my favorite has always been COM. I found that graduates of COM are competent and caring nurses. Since I received my own education because of a scholarship, it has always been my goal to help deserving nursing students to receive their education also. I am so happy that my husband and I are able to donate my scholarship to a student at COM.”
Connie and Jim O’Kane are a perfect example of paying it forward. We are proud to partner with the O’Kanes and celebrate them and their gift!
Thank you Texas New Mexico Power Company
and former College of the Mainland student
As a long-time partner with COM Foundation, Texas New Mexico Power (TNMP), together with the PNM Resources Foundation, has generously supported multiple COM programs through the years. This support has provided updated CPR equipment and instructional materials for our EMS program, funding for the Educate a Woman scholarship program, and creation of the Random Acts of Kindness program (the forerunner to our current Student Emergency Aid fund). Their 2023 Power Up Grant gives the gift of education through scholarships to students seeking training through our continuing education programs. During 10 years of partnership, TNMP has given over $50,000 in support of COM students. We honor TNMP with a Giving Star on our Wall of Honor recognizing their years of generosity. COM campus leaders and TNMP guests recently celebrated TNMP’s partnership by moving their Giving Star to the Mustang giving level.
