Skubitz Foundation makes major donation to nursing

A couple close to the heart of Pittsburg State University has left a gift that will continue to give for years to come.

Last week, the PSU Foundation received a gift of $50,000 from the newly formed Leon V. and Dorothy M. Skubitz Foundation, a charitable fund set up by M&I Bank in Pittsburg. The money will go toward a scholarship for an outstanding student within the Department of Nursing.

“It’s a gift that will give back to the entire community, because nursing is a profession that will be needed even more as the Baby Boomer population ages,” said Mary Carol Pomatto, chairwoman of the nursing department. “We are very grateful for this generous gift and will put it toward good use.”

The fund was set up in response to the wishes of the Skubitzes, two longtime Pittsburg residents. They were married for 54 years before Dorothy, a former administrative assistant for several PSU presidents, passed away in 2001. Leon, a veteran of World War II who earned multiple Purple Hearts, spent his career working for Kansas Gas Service. He died in 2005.

Julie Plank, trust administrator for M&I, said the Skubitz Foundation will give one major donation to a different southeast Kansas entity each year. Mr. Skubitz had established multiple nursing scholarships in the past, she said, leading the foundation to select Pitt State first.

“We liked the idea of making an impact on the nursing shortage and doing something that would be a legacy to them,” Plank said. “I think there’s always a need in this area, and it’s great to have the resources to help with that.”

(Pictured: A group of Pittsburg State University delegates accept a check presented by the Skubitz Foundation.)

---Pitt State---