College of Health Professions student Wendy M. Flerx, left, and College of Nursing student Lucretia Jennings, center, accept the scholarship check from Terri DeVane, president of the MUWC.

College of Health Professions student Wendy M. Flerx and College of Nursing student Lucretia Jennings are the 1998 recipients of $2,500 scholarships from the Medical University Women’s Club.

Each year since 1994, the Medical University Women’s Club (MUWC) has awarded scholarships to deserving female students based upon their need, academic performance and community service. Last year’s fundraising activities helped establish two awards of $2,500 each as student scholarships.

“It’s an honor to be nominated for this,” said Flerx, a second-year physical therapy student enrolled in the new Masters Entry Level program. The Columbia native was drawn to the physical therapy field working as a former teacher and health physicist. She has previously logged numerous volunteer hours teaching deaf children and applying her Spanish-speaking skills in Central America.

Jennings, a second semester nursing student from St. George, volunteered as a mentor and councilor with dozens of at-risk kids. She chose nursing because of the positive influence her nurse grandmother plays. “There is a relationship which exists among nurses. It involves the total care and nurturing of others.” “We try to target our assistance to individuals needing assistance within the community,” said Terri DeVane, president of the MUWC.

The group has successfully raised money for scholarships through the annual Lowcountry Ghost Walk and holiday pointsetta plant sales. The organization celebrates its 34th anniversary this month as an organization open to all women affiliated with the MUSC.