The William & Janice Clarkson Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund was established through The Research Foundation with a $50,000 donation from the Clarkson family.
The Clarkson family’s connection to health care is personal. Bill and Janice have 11 children and 43 grandchildren. This meant the family relied on health care services, including the birth of 27 grandchildren delivered by the same obstetrician at Research Medical Center. From pediatric checkups to emergency room visits, their family learned firsthand the value of accessible, high-quality medical care.
Throughout their lives, Bill and Janice demonstrated generosity,without expectation of recognition. Their commitment to improving health care shone brightly through Bill’s service on the Research Medical Center Board of Directors. They inspired a legacy of giving that would extend beyond their own lives and be passed on to members of their family including their son Don and daughter Linda who served in leadership roles within Research Medical Center and Research College of Nursing and many other children and grandchildren who are also active in community service.
Their dedication to health care reached a new milestone with the establishment of the William & Janice Clarkson Memorial Nursing Scholarship. This annual award supports nursing students and serves as a celebration of Bill and Janice’s commitment to bettering Kansas City. The scholarship also reflects the family’s admiration for the nursing profession, a tribute amplified by the achievements of Clarkson family members who pursued careers as registered nurses.
“Bill and Janice were proud to witness three granddaughters, and one great granddaughter receive their nursing degree. We are hopeful there will be more graduates from our family in the future,” Linda said.
The Clarkson family recognized the financial burdens of nursing education as one of the primary barriers for aspiring students. The scholarship aims to remove these obstacles, empowering future nurses to dedicate themselves to their education and their profession.
"We hope future recipients of this scholarship will carry out their mission and duties of nursing with care, compassion and respect for all they serve,” Linda said.
Through this enduring gift the Clarkson family honor the lives of Bill and Janice Clarkson and continue their work in making Kansas City a healthier place to live.
