VITAS HEALTHCARE ESTABLISHES $75K SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR FSU PC SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM

Students seeking a master’s degree in Social Work at Florida State University Panama City may be eligible for scholarships in the coming academic year thanks to a gift from VITAS Healthcare.

“Social workers are essential to the delivery of compassionate, patient-centered care,” said Ashley Heinze, general manager for VITAS Healthcare in Panama City, “especially in hospice and palliative settings, where their guidance can make a difference for patients and families.”

VITAS Healthcare today presented a check to FSU Panama City establishing a $75,000 scholarship fund for master’s degree-seeking students in the FSU PC Social Work program. The check presentation took place in the lobby of the Holley Academic Center, 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City.

“At VITAS, we see firsthand the impact that skilled, empathetic social workers have every day,” Heinze said. “This scholarship is about investing in that future—supporting students who are called to serve and helping ensure our communities have access to the care they deserve. We’re proud to partner with FSU Panama City to help develop the next generation of healthcare leaders.”

Since 1978, VITAS has empowered patients and families as they navigate end-of-life care decisions. The $75,000 scholarship fund will be established through annual donations over the next five years.

“We’re thrilled to have partners like this who are assisting students and making it possible for them,” said Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs Elizabeth Crowe, Ph.D., who oversees the Social Work program. “We have experienced loss in the Panhandle in many different ways, including Hurricane Michael and COVID, so social workers are more important than ever. We’re glad to be part of that process.”

Candidates for the scholarship must be pursuing their degree in the Master of Social Work program at FSU Panama City, maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and reside in one of these Panhandle counties: Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson or Washington.