Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation Announces G. Fred Dibona, Jr. Fellowship Program
$150,000 Made Available to Nursing Students

Harrisburg, PA - March 7, 2005 - The Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation (PHEF) announced today the new G. Fred DiBona, Jr. Fellowship program, which will provide $5,000 to each of Pennsylvania’s thirty graduate schools of nursing to be awarded to a graduate student for the next academic year.

“The DiBona Fellowship, totaling $150,000, will help practicing nurses continue their education in an effort to become nurse educators," said Rep. Elinor Z.Taylor, Chairman of the PHEF Board of Directors. “Our hope is that nurses who obtain these fellowship dollars will not only teach the next generation of nurses, but will also encourage others to join the healthcare profession,” Taylor added.

The late G. Fred DiBona, Jr. was a visionary in the healthcare field and a legend in the community. As President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, the Philadelphia native was well-known for his public service work. He was dedicated to reversing Pennsylvania’s nursing shortage and making nursing education affordable. Under DiBona’s leadership, Independence Blue Cross partnered with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation to provide undergraduate scholarships for students of nursing, and graduate fellowships to experienced nurses interested in obtaining credentials to teach.

“With Fred’s unwavering support, Independence Blue Cross has committed $2.49 million to the Foundation’s programs. We will always be grateful for his generosity.” Michael H. Hershock, President and CEO of the Foundation said.

In addition to his support of the Foundation, DiBona introduced new healthcare initiatives and public service programs, founded the Caring Foundation (which has provided 150,000 needy children with health insurance), and granted $6 million in assistance to Charitable Medical Clinics.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation was created in 2001 to create, expand and enhance affordable access to postsecondary education through the use of financial assistance and innovative programs and services. The Foundation also promotes the affordability of a quality higher education and the career opportunities that can be realized with continued education.