When University of Iowa College of Nursing junior Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student Ahava Atar talks about her future, her vision is clear: work in an intensive care unit, pursue graduate studies to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and continue her advocacy for the Deaf community. But her path hasn’t always been smooth.
“As a financially independent student, balancing coursework, work hours, and leadership roles has been a constant challenge,” she said.
Atar is one of the undergraduate students whose lives have been impacted by a $3 million gift from the Bedford Falls Foundation-Donor Advised Fund to the College of Nursing. Of the total gift, $2.4 million is dedicated to scholarships for Iowa residents pursuing a BSN. Over the next four years, approximately 120 students annually will receive the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship, named for the foundation’s creators.
“This scholarship eases my burden significantly,” Atar said. “It brings relief, balance, and a renewed sense of purpose.”
The Bedford Falls Foundation was established by Bill Conway Jr., co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, and his late wife, Joanne Barkett Conway. Guided by the belief that nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, the foundation partners with schools across the country to remove barriers to nursing education.
“Through this partnership with the University of Iowa College of Nursing, we’re proud to support Iowa students as they work toward their nursing degree,” said Conway. “These future nurses will go on to make a difference in the lives they touch.”
The Bedford Falls gift also directs $600,000 to Simulation in Motion–Iowa, a program that brings mobile simulation training to healthcare providers in all of Iowa’s 99 counties.
UI College of Nursing Dean Julie Zerwic sees the dual impact clearly. “This investment directly supports our mission to educate the next generation of nurses while extending vital training to providers cross Iowa,” she said.
When financial barriers fall away, the future of nursing—and the health of Iowa communities—grows stronger.
For junior BSN student Evan Lacina, the scholarship is helping transform his personal experience as a patient into a professional calling. “I didn’t choose nursing. Nursing chose me. I was a patient in the Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and I plan to give back excellent nursing care that I once received,” he said.
Lacina hopes to build his career first in emergency nursing, then pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to become a nurse practitioner. “My goal is to build a strong foundation in direct patient care before advancing my practice,” he said. “The scholarship is helping me take these steps with confidence, and I cannot thank the Conways enough."
► Read more from the 2025 Iowa Nursing magazine