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JP Cullen Donates $50K for the Nancy B. Parker Scholars Program at Blackhawk Tech

December 18, 2019

As three classes of Nancy B. Parker Scholars celebrate the end of finals week, Blackhawk Technical College is celebrating the announcement of a large gift to the scholarship program. The JP Cullen Foundation, the charitable arm of the nationally recognized construction company headquartered in Janesville, has pledged $50,000 to the Nancy B. Parker Nursing Scholars Program.

The decision to support the Parker Scholars Program is a personal one for the Cullen family. “When my father, J.P. relied on 24/7 homecare, he was cared for by a number of individuals who were CNAs looking to obtain their nursing degree. They really made a positive difference in his care,” said Mark Cullen, Chairman of JP Cullen.

JP Cullen and BTC President holding donation check

The Parker Scholars program at Blackhawk launched in fall 2018 thanks to the generosity of the Parker Family Foundation. First-year students can be eligible for a $1,000 maximum award with an opportunity for an additional $1,500 in year two. With another class of scholars set to begin in January, over thirty nursing students will be beneficiaries of the award that targets high-achieving students in the Blackhawk Technical College nursing program.

The purpose of the scholarship is three-fold: increase diversity in the nursing program, improve nursing student retention, and retain nurses in Rock and Green Counties.

“The degree of compassion and outstanding quality of the Blackhawk Technical College Nursing Program is something we hope can continue to have a positive effect on families just like ours in the future. We are thankful that we are able to contribute to a program that keeps Wisconsin vital and growing,” continued Cullen.

The JP Cullen Foundation is actively engaged in supporting education throughout our region and state through mentorship, internships, and co-ops as well as hosting a large hands-on career fair for high school students interested in construction.

JP Cullen is a fifth-generation family construction business with more than 800 employees. It is noted for taking on challenging government, education, healthcare, commerce, arts and entertainment, and historic restoration projects across Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and northeast Iowa.

“This generous donation is just one example of the Cullen family’s commitment to our community,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk Technical College. “They clearly understand the importance of a technical college education, and how our graduates fill essential positions in the workforce and contribute to the economic growth of our region.”

For more information about scholarship opportunities at Blackhawk Technical College, contact the Blackhawk Foundation at (608) 757-7704.
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