Debra Howe, a former NOVA student who has gone on to a successful career in healthcare, is giving back to the school by donating $1 million to her existing endowed scholarship fund for NOVA nursing students.

According to a press release, the Northern Virginia Community College Educational Foundation (NOVA Foundation) is proud to announce an exceptional gift of $1 million from donor Debra Coffman Howe of Palm Beach, Florida.

Howe is adding to her existing endowed scholarship fund to increase her support for NOVA nursing students. Supporting NOVA nursing is more important than ever given the current pandemic. Howe has also generously donated to the NOVA COVID-19 Emergency Student Aid Fund.

Founded in 1979, the NOVA Foundation is dedicated to supporting the college’s goal of providing all students with a high-quality, life-changing education. The NOVA Foundation, through its donors, funds more than 300 scholarships, emergency aid grants and a range of academic programs and student services throughout the College’s six campuses and NOVA Online.

By connecting donors to NOVA programs, the Foundation raises funds, increases visibility and strengthens partnerships among the College, individual donors, businesses and state and local communities.

As a nursing student as NOVA, Howe reached a point where financially she could not afford to finish her associate degree in science. She went to a trusted NOVA nursing instructor to postpone her studies.

Within days, she was notified that her current year tuition and books had been paid for by an anonymous donor. She was put in contact with NOVA Financial Aid and the NOVA Foundation and with their help, received grants, scholarships, loans, and even a part-time job. Howe was able to complete her studies and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph University in Windham, Maine.

“Debra Coffman Howe is an outstanding example of the power and impact of NOVA’s alumni – not just here in Northern Virginia but throughout the U.S.,” said Dr. Anne Kress, President, Northern Virginia Community College. “I am grateful that our alumni continue to invest in NOVA through our Foundation.”

Howe continues a successful career in healthcare and has held key leadership positions in long-term healthcare and senior care. She is currently the Managing Partner and President of Airamid Health Services as well as Kaine Financial Services. Airamid Health Services, LLC is a progressive leader in providing a full range of healthcare consulting services across the State of Florida, with a goal of helping clients keep pace with the challenges that are reshaping America’s healthcare future, the press release states.

“I was able to fulfill my dreams thanks to the dedicated faculty, staff, and donors at NOVA. I will never forget the relief and gratitude for those who allowed me to focus on moving forward,” said Howe. “NOVA was truly my launching pad to a very successful career in healthcare and I am happy that I am now in a position to ‘give back’ to other hard-working and focused NOVA students.”

“With NOVA’s nursing program at capacity and the critical shortage of nurses across Northern Virginia and throughout the country, the impact of Howe’s gift will be felt by generations of nursing students here at NOVA,” said Kelly Persons, Executive Director, NOVA Foundation.

Additional information about the NOVA Foundation can be found here.

News of the donation came just one day before Virginia coronavirus cases hit over 2,000 – an increase of 306 in one day.