Turning Support Into Opportunity With a Nursing Scholarship
The Margaret “Boots” Lewis Starnes Nursing Scholarship was established by Hal and Nancy Cohen to honor the legacy of Margaret Starnes and her lifelong commitment to caring for others.
More Information:
Margaret “Boots” Lewis Starnes was a devoted mother, caregiver, and source of unwavering encouragement for her family. Known for her generous spirit and commitment to helping others, Boots demonstrated through her actions the importance of compassion, resilience, and service. Whether supporting family members through life's challenges or caring for loved ones during times of illness, she consistently put the needs of others before her own and served as an example of strength and selflessness.
Her daughter, Nancy Starnes Cohen, credits much of her success to the emotional and financial support she received from her mother throughout her life. Although Nancy dreamed of a career in health care from an early age, life's circumstances led her on a different path before ultimately bringing her back to higher education. As a divorced single parent seeking greater opportunities for herself and her young daughter, Nancy returned to college with the support of her parents, who provided stability, encouragement, and a place to call home while she pursued her educational goals.
The experience reinforced Nancy's understanding of how transformative support can be during difficult seasons of life. Without the love, guidance, and sacrifices made by her mother, achieving her dream may not have been possible. Inspired by Boots' caring nature and lifelong dedication to helping others, Nancy and her husband, Hal Cohen, established this scholarship to honor her memory and extend that same spirit of support to future nursing students.
Annual Award:
The scholarship supports students in Augusta University's College of Nursing, with priority given to single parents who demonstrate financial need. By helping students overcome financial barriers and pursue careers in nursing, this scholarship creates opportunities for individuals to build more secure futures for themselves and their families while preparing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the patients and communities they will serve. Gifts to this fund continue Boots' legacy of compassion, encouragement, and hope for generations of future nurses.
