TWU University Advancement - Foundation Annual Report 2023

Ardent Healthcare Endowment for Nursing
Established and Funded February 2023
Ellen and Jimmie Stapleton founded Ardent Healthcare in 2007.
The company provides compassionate, quality patient care to
families and their loved ones across the North Texas region
and is headquartered in Flower Mound, Texas.
In February, the company gave a generous gift to Texas Woman’s
to establish the Ardent Healthcare Endowment for Nursing.
One-half of the endowment distribution will fund Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) scholarships with preference given to
students who are licensed vocational nurses (LVN) or registered
nurses (RN). The other half will fund a faculty excellence award
for full-time faculty members who inspire students to achieve
excellence and who demonstrate a strong and sustainable
commitment to clinical practice and safety in hospice, palliative,
and home healthcare.
Melton Family Scholarship Endowment
Established and Funded June 2023
Cynthia D. Melton ’93, ’01 obtained her bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in business from TWU leading a successful career in
human resources at Dynacraft and Peterbilt Motors Company.
Cindie attributes her career success to her time at TWU, which
provided her with “a strong foundation and education.”
Motivated by her own educational experience, Cindie is
dedicated to providing similar opportunities to current students
by establishing the Melton Family Scholarship Endowment.
This scholarship is designed to support aspiring students who
seek to major in business. Cindie’s generosity will impact the
lives of future TWU business graduates ensuring they have the
resources they need to succeed.
Dr. Mary E. Ridgway Scholarship Endowment
Established and Funded June 2023
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Professor Emerita of Kinesiology at the University of Texas
at Arlington (UTA) Mary E. Ridgway, Ph.D. ’71, ’74 has created
a second scholarship endowment at her alma mater. This
scholarship will support undergraduate kinesiology students
at Texas Woman's. Dr. Ridgway led a remarkable career as a
head coach, faculty member and senior administrator at
UTA from 1976 to 2006. She achieved a number of notable
accomplishments throughout her career including leading
the NCAA Division I UTA Volleyball team to five national
tournaments, leading the U.S. Wheelchair Sports Team in the
1992 Barcelona Paralympics and serving as the chair of UTA’s
Department of Kinesiology. Dr. Ridgway’s remarkable career
and dedication to public education and sports have left a
lasting impact that inspires future professionals and scholars.