The Montgomery County Community College Foundation is announcing a transformative gift that aims to elevate the college’s esteemed nursing program and also nurture the next generation of healthcare heroes.

Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine, MCCC’s nursing program will be known as the Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine Nursing Program.

Furthermore, this generous gift will establish the Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine Fund for Nursing Innovation and the Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine Nursing Scholars Annual and Endowment Scholarship Funds, significantly reinforcing the MCCC’s commitment to excellence in nursing education.

“On behalf of the College and our nursing students, we extend our deep appreciation and gratitude for the Fines’ generous gift,” said Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez, MCCC President.

“Given the critical shortage of nurses and the significant role of this high-priority occupation, this substantial gift will help enable more students to successfully pursue their nursing degrees, ultimately contributing to the fulfillment of these crucial positions in healthcare, and also allow the college to continue to be in the forefront of nursing education.”

The Fines’ investment in MCCC’s future is a testament to their belief in the power of education and the critical role of healthcare professionals.

Their donation will pave the way for the creation of innovative programs and provide substantial scholarships to nursing students, ensuring a continuous pipeline of skilled and compassionate healthcare providers.

“Simply stated, high-quality nursing care is essential to the functioning of our nation’s healthcare delivery system,” said the Fines.

For the spring 2024 semester, Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine Nursing scholarships have been awarded to five students – Djazia Aissiouene, Grace Coombs, Maya Crockem, Nicole Erdmann and Kellie Sirianni.

The Fines have had extensive careers in healthcare, each dedicating a substantial amount of their time and efforts to advancing the field.

With a career spanning 40 years in healthcare, Stuart Fine served as Chief Executive Officer of not-for-profit health systems in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.  He later served as Associate Professor & Program Director in Healthcare Management for Temple University’s Fox School of Business and College of Public Health.  

Additionally, Dr. Fine served for many years as a board member, officer and committee member for numerous healthcare related entities and associations, both nationally and regionally. 

A Fellow of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia and a Life Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, he earned an undergraduate degree in Health Planning & Administration from The Pennsylvania State University, an MBA in Health Administration from Temple University, and a Doctorate in Health Administration from Medical University of South Carolina.

Sandra Fine also has devoted 30 years to healthcare, working in multiple health systems throughout Philadelphia. Beginning her professional journey as a public-school teacher in Ohio, where she taught English for six years, she subsequently transitioned into a career as a healthcare administrator specializing in Medical Staff Credentialing and Graduate Medical Education. She holds a BS in Education from Ohio University and an MBA in Health Administration from Temple University.

With the Fines’ impactful gift, the Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine Nursing Program—which boasts a first-time pass rate of 95.35 percent on the National Council Licensing Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) as of the last exam in October 2023 and a reputation for producing knowledgeable and proficient graduates—is set to reach new heights.

The initiative will ensure that MCCC remains at the forefront of nursing education, adapting to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

The Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine Nursing Program combines the art and science of nursing to create caring professional nurses who demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to care for patients across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings. Classes take place at the Blue Bell Campus in the state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center and combine theory with practical application. Students gain experience in the classroom, MCCC’s Simulation and Skills Suite and clinical settings.

For more information about the Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine Nursing Program, visit Montgomery County Community College’s website.  

Montgomery County Community College