Give to the Arnie Lee Nussbaum Endowed Scholarship in Nursing
Arnie Lee Nussbaum enjoyed a long career in nursing and healthcare. His passion for nursing inspired him to help Seminole State students who share the same enthusiasm earn an Associate in Science (A.S) degree in Nursing (RN).
A man of varied talents, Arnie was a disk jockey (under the name of “Lee Hennus” on WVOX 93.5 FM in Westchester County New York). He was proud of his military service in the Army and the National Guard. He rose to the rank of sergeant as a combat medic instructor in the Army Medical Corps. He was a graduate of Empire State College. He worked as an EMT for NYC Emergency Medical Services while studying nursing at Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing. After graduating as a registered nurse, he worked at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx. He eventually worked in medical sales for Neutrogena, building a multi-year career, and rising to national sales manager before his retirement.
Arnie always believed in serving whatever community he lived in, and as such, he played an active role in the Central Florida community since he moved here almost 30 years ago. In his retirement, he continued to pursue his varied passions and talents. Much of his life revolved around helping children, especially in Central Florida. Arnie served as a guardian ad litem for Seminole County's 18th Circuit Court for 25 years, working to protect children across the region. He organized the Winter Springs Secret Santa program each year to provide toys for children in the community. In 2021, he received the Tuskawilla Homeowners Association’s “Don Gilmore Community Service Association Award.”
His passion for nursing remained constant throughout his life. To make sure others would have the opportunity to enter this noble and rewarding field of service, he established the Arnie Lee Nussbaum Endowed Scholarship in Nursing. Seminole State students who possess a minimum 2.5 GPA and are pursuing an Associate in Science degree in Nursing are eligible to apply.
Arnie Lee Nussbaum passed away Sept. 21, 2022. Please join us in honoring his commitment to our community and his legacy of helping create future generations of dedicated nurses.
Success Stories
Anna Llenza
Working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), Anna dreamed of becoming a registered nurse. While she was working on her prerequisites for the nursing program, she learned she was pregnant and became worried about how she would provide for this new life with no college degree or career. She decided to continue her educational journey, not sure how she would be able to cover her educational expenses.
"Being a single mom, going to college, and trying to make a better life for me and my child is difficult, but through the generosity of Mr. Nussbaum and donors who provided this scholarship, it is now more than possible. Thank you for lighting the way for those like me who need this support."
April Walsh
A wife and mother of two young girls, April decided after COVID to return to school to become a nurse with the desire to help others and live a more meaningful life. Her interaction with nurses during a medical situation deeply influenced her decision. She found the nurses to be compassionate and empathetic during her most difficult times. April plans to earn her bachelor's degree after becoming a registered nurse specializing in pediatrics.
Deciding to change careers at the height of the COVID pandemic seemed impossible. I wasn't sure how I could continue to work full time in a job I no longer enjoyed, raise two children, take care of a household, and focus on school. Leaving my job and not receiving an income was one of the most difficult but very necessary decisions I have made. The rising costs of daily living make this journey even more stressful. Your generosity will be so helpful in relieving some of the stress. My girls are growing up seeing that it is never too late to follow a dream. They see me taking a new career path that helps others. Thank you so much for your support in allowing me to continue to my goal.