CONCORD — In 2015, the Ruby Dickerson Whitfield Memorial Scholarship was created at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences to honor Ruby Dickerson Whitfield. This scholarship was established by her daughter, Connie King, and her husband, John King, highlighting Mrs. Whitfield's lifelong dedication to assisting others.
Whitfield, born on Feb. 3, 1934, in rural North Carolina, was a woman of remarkable dedication and compassion. Raised by hardworking farmers, Mrs. Whitfield grew up with the values of hospitality and helping others, instilled by her parents, Walter Gray Dickerson and Ombrice Harris. These values guided her throughout her life and career.
Whitfield's journey into nursing began in 1969, after feeling helpless during her father's stroke. Despite the challenges of being a single parent, she excelled in nursing school and emphasized the importance of patient care and proper documentation. Her dedication to her profession was evident in her work at the Kernodle Clinic in Alamance County, where she was mentored by John Robert Kernodle.
On Aug. 27, 2024, Connie and John King endowed the scholarship in Whitfield's honor with a generous donation to Cabarrus College of $50,000. The couple, both successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists, wanted to honor her memory and support aspiring nurses who shared her passion for helping others. The donation will allow the scholarship to expand its reach and impact, benefiting more students and communities in the future.
Dr. Kelly Propst, the interim president of Cabarrus College, praised the Kings for their generosity and vision, and said that their donation will help the college achieve its strategic goals. "Ruby Dickerson Whitfield was a remarkable nurse and a role model for our students. She embodied the values of Cabarrus College and made a lasting impact on the health care community. We are honored to have a scholarship named after her, and we are grateful to Connie and John King for making it possible," Propst said.
Connie King, said that her mom was the most courageous and resilient person she ever knew, and that she never gave up on her faith or her mission to help others. "I want to continue my mother's legacy by supporting the scholarship and encouraging more students to follow in her footsteps," King said.
To date, the Ruby Dickerson Whitfield Memorial Scholarship has provided more than $20,000 in financial support to nursing students at Cabarrus College.
"Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is deeply grateful to Connie and John King for their generous donation and their continued support. Their significant difference in the lives of many nursing students who aspire to follow Mrs. Whitfield's example of excellence, compassion, and service," said Christine Corsello, dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
Cabarrus College hosts a scholarship awards dinner each fall to honor all generous donors who support the education of students and the outstanding recipients who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. The dinner gives donors and scholarship recipients the chance to meet, share their stories, and express their gratitude. It also showcases the impact of the scholarships on the students' success and the college's mission.