Mr. Coogan, left, and Dr. Christopher M. Reber, Executive Dean of Clarion University–Venango Campus

Well-known Franklin Businessman Establishes Endowed Nursing Scholarship

at Clarion University–Venango Campus

OIL CITY, PA-Retired Franklin businessman John A. Coogan has donated $60,000 to Clarion University–Venango Campus to establish a scholarship endowment to honor the memory of his late wife, Rosemary Coogan, a dedicated and beloved member of the nursing staff at the Franklin Hospital. The scholarship will benefit students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in the university’s School of Nursing and Allied Health who demonstrate strong academic merit and financial need.

            “My colleagues in the School of Nursing and Allied Health and I are enormously grateful to Mr. Coogan,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of Venango Campus, the academic home of the School. “His very generous donation is especially important as we seek to meet the increasingly critical need for nurses in our region and beyond. Through the Rosemary Coogan Endowed Scholarship, Mrs. Coogan’s exceptional example will live on in perpetuity through educational opportunities for future generations of nurses who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue careers in nursing.”

            Mr. Coogan is a retired plumber and founder of Jack Coogan & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air-conditioning in Franklin, a business now operated by his son.

            Mrs. Coogan received her nurse’s training at Spencer School of Nursing, completing her course work in 1951. After more than thirty years of dedicated service, she retired in 1992.            

            “Rose loved nursing, said Mr. Coogan, “and anybody will tell you that she made sure that the job was done right. I know some doctors who will tell you that they learned a lot from Rose. When she was sick, we talked about how we could help someone who needed it, and I know she’d be happy about this scholarship. We need more nurses like Rose.”

            “Mr. Coogan’s generous gift is a great and moving tribute to his wife’s memory,” said Charles E. Desch, Clarion University Foundation Major Gifts Officer, “that will benefit many nursing students in the years to come.”

            Clarion University-Venango Campus, located in Oil City, PA, is the oldest regional campus in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.   The campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed.  Students can earn an associate degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses.  The campus is home to Clarion University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health and its Department of Applied Technology.  Clarion University-Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community

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