Week of Giving Thanks: Day 6
15th Annual Nursing Excellence Banquet Raises Funds to Support Future Nurses
Moorhead, Miss. – The 15th Annual Nursing Excellence Banquet, held on April 24, 2025, marked another memorable evening of celebration and generosity in support of Mississippi Delta Community College’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program. This year’s event raised over $12,000 for the Nursing Excellence Fund, continuing its vital role as the program’s primary scholarship fundraiser while recognizing outstanding students and faculty for their achievements.
With enthusiastic support from attendees, sponsors, and community partners, the banquet continued to prove a success in scholarship funding. Contributions came through ticket sales, sponsorships, and raffle purchases—demonstrating the region’s unwavering commitment to investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals.
MDCC extends special appreciation to South Sunflower County Hospital, which once again served as the Crystal Sponsor for the event. Their ongoing partnership exemplifies steadfast dedication to advancing nursing education in the Mississippi Delta. The college also thanks C Spire, whose generous donation of an Apple Watch for the evening’s raffle has become an annual highlight, symbolizing continued corporate support for student success.
In addition to raising critical funds, the banquet recognized excellence among nursing students and faculty, honoring their compassion, leadership, and commitment to healthcare excellence both in the classroom and clinical settings.
“Each year, this banquet reminds us of the incredible impact nurses make on our communities—and how deeply our supporters believe in that mission,” said Alan Crews, Interim Director of College Advancement, with Traci Beckham, Director of Nursing, adding, “The generosity shown at this event helps open doors for more students to pursue their calling in nursing. Every ticket purchased and every gift given directly supports the growth and strength of our nursing program and its lasting impact on healthcare in the Delta.”
Community Support Powering the Future of Nursing Education
The success of this year’s banquet comes at a pivotal time for MDCC’s nursing program, as the college looks toward expanding its capacity and facilities to meet the growing demands of healthcare education. The vision for the future centers on creating modern, collaborative learning spaces that bring all health science programs together under one roof, and establishing a unified School of Nursing that fosters innovation, teamwork, and excellence in patient care.
By expanding its facilities and resources, MDCC aims to increase student enrollment and provide even greater access to high-quality nursing education—helping address the critical shortage of nurses across Mississippi and beyond. Enhanced clinical and simulation spaces designed to mirror real-world healthcare environments would give students the opportunity to practice and refine their clinical skills in immersive, hands-on settings that prepare them for success on day one in the workforce.
Events like the Nursing Excellence Banquet and contributions to the Nursing Excellence Fund play a crucial role in making this growth possible. Each gift, ticket purchase, and sponsorship helps sustain the quality, innovation, and accessibility that define MDCC’s nursing program, ensuring that future generations of nurses have the tools and training they need to care for their communities with skill and compassion.
“Our donors and sponsors are partners in this progress,” Beckham and Crews added. “Their commitment doesn’t just change the lives of our students—it strengthens the future of healthcare across the Mississippi Delta.”
The continued success of the Nursing Excellence Banquet underscores MDCC’s enduring mission to prepare compassionate, skilled nurses who will lead and serve with excellence.
For more information about the Nursing Excellence Fund, or to learn how you can contribute to the Greer Stafford Allied Health Building Expansion, please contact the Office of College Advancement at 662-246-6274.