The Joseph M Jacob Memorial Scholarship was established with the Moraine Park Foundation in memory of Joe Jacob, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 53 after a 14-month battle with stage 4 brain cancer. To honor his legacy, his family sought to support students interested in hospice, home care, or long-term care. Leading this initiative is his wife, Pam Jacob, who has taught in Moraine Park’s Nursing Assistant program for more than 20 years.
Joe and Pam met in high school and were married for 30 years. Together they had three daughters. His family and friends remember him as a fun-loving, positive man who loved his family deeply and always gave the best advice.
“I started the scholarship to thank the students that attend school with intentions of helping others in need of care,” Pam said. “I know that many of my students come to MPTC with limited income, have to borrow money for courses, work full-time or are also raising children. Joe would be proud to help those students fulfill their dreams, and I think this scholarship helps honor his legacy.”
Throughout his life, Joe worked his way up in the telecommunications industry, becoming director of technical support and network operations and overseeing 130 employees. He valued education and made sure that his daughters had the opportunities and support needed to obtain their degrees.
“Watching what their dad went through and the tremendous support the health care team gave us inspired two of my daughters to return to school for nursing,” Pam said.
In spring 2024, Pam and the Moraine Park Foundation received a generous $12,800 donation from the 100+ Women Who Care of Washington Country. This contribution will directly fund the Joseph M. Jacob Memorial Scholarship, providing 15 scholarships for nursing and nursing assistant students in Washington County and assisting 25 students with the costs of skills testing required for their licensure.
The 100+ Women Who Care of Washington County, a local group with over 140 members, is dedicated to community support through collective donations. Each member contributes $100 four times a year, and together, they select one charity each quarter to receive their pooled funds.
“Over the past five years, nearly 1,500 students have received scholarships to reduce the amount of student loan debt,” Dana Bourland, director of college advancement at Moraine Park, said. “Providing funds for nursing and nursing assistants through the Joseph M. Jacob Scholarship will make an even greater impact, not only for students but also for health care facilities in Washington County that desperately need skilled talent.”
From a scholarship recipient:
My name is Michael, and I am currently enrolled in the nursing program at MPTC. From a young age, I have possessed a deep passion for providing compassionate care to those in need. This scholarship has come as a tremendous blessing, as it will alleviate some of the financial burden associated with pursuing my education and enable me to focus more on my studies and practical experiences.
The impact of this scholarship extends far beyond financial assistance. It is a source of encouragement and validation of my chosen career path. It reinforces my commitment to serving individuals and families during their most vulnerable moments. Your investment in my education has inspired me to work even harder, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those under my care. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Pam Jacob for your generosity and support. Your benevolence has provided me with an incredible opportunity to continue pursuing my dreams and make a positive impact.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Michael Boyd
