Legacy Gifts Impact Student Lives

Legacy gifts can have a life-changing impact on our students. 

Charlotte Ibele, a 1945 graduate of the Huron Road School of Nursing in Cleveland, left Cleveland State University a bequest in her will to award scholarships for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees from the university’s School of Nursing. Today, the Charlotte M. Ibele Scholarship Fund provides invaluable support to CSU’s nursing students so they can pursue their passions of achieving excellence. Our students are so grateful to receive the Charlotte Ibele Scholarship, reflected in their words and stories below.

Barbette Allen

Graduate Program: Doctoral Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 

Area of Focus: Mental Health, Psychology and Forenics

Thank you so much for allowing me to receive the Charlotte Ibel Scholarship. It greatly helped me by allowing me to spend more time learning how to better serve patients with mental health disorders at my clinical and capstone sites. As a doctoral psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, this academic journey has been a wonderful experience, and I truly want to say thank you for this generous scholarship.

Jessica Gioia 

Undergraduate Year: Sophomore 

Area of Study: Nursing

I want to express my gratitude for the Charlotte Ibel scholarship this semester which has made a tremendous difference in my journey through the accelerated nursing program. My decision to return to school for a second degree was not easy, especially given the financial worries it brings. Knowing I'd have to take out loans and move back in with my family was daunting, but receiving this scholarship has alleviated some of the financial strain, which affirms my choice to pursue my passion. I'm grateful I didn't have to sacrifice my dream career for financial stability. This scholarship has also been a relief for my family. This scholarship has allowed me to reduce work hours, giving me more time to focus on my studies. It's a weight off our shoulders, and I'm grateful. With less financial pressure, I've been able to dedicate more time to studying. I'm proud of the knowledge and confidence I've gained, which will equip me with a career of true impact. 

This investment in my education is an investment in my future and the well-being of the community I will serve. Thank you!

Kelsey Hunt

Graduate Program: Master of Science in Nursing 

Area of Focus: Nursing Education 

I am thankful for this assistance to achieve my Master's degree. I am a wife and a mother, and it is difficult for me to go through school financially while raising a family. The financial assistance has greatly alleviated the financial burden. It has allowed me to find relief and not work overtime to pay for school. For that, I'm truly grateful because I can be a present mother, work as a nurse, and pursue my graduate degree. I am forever thankful!

Whether leaving CSU as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or retirement plan, you can designate your legacy gift to support a specific cause such as establishing a scholarship or professorship, building an existing scholarship, or supporting a College or program. For more information, contact Constance Karapelou, Senior Director, Gift and Estate Planning, at 216.875.9838 or constance.karapelou@csuohio.edu.