Full-time students who are residents of DeKalb County seeking a college-level nursing degree are encouraged to apply for the Virginia Larsen Nursing Scholarship. Interested applicants can visit dekalbccf.org/scholarships to apply online before the April 1, 2022 deadline.

Each year, the scholarship is made possible through the Virginia Larsen Scholarship Fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The Fund was created in 2001 by Virginia Larsen and has awarded more than $72,000 in its 20 years of existence.

Virginia Larsen

Virginia Larsen was born in Chicago, IL, on July 20, 1933. She married Arnold Larsen on October 23, 1954, and graduated from the Evanston School of Nursing the same year. Her nursing degree was one of her proudest accomplishments. She and her husband moved to the DeKalb/Sycamore area in 1963 and lived there until her death in 2018. She raised her family and played an active role in the lives of all of her grandchildren.

Service to the community was extremely important to Virginia. This commitment was evident through her many volunteer roles in local organizations, one of which was Kishwaukee Community Hospital. She combined her love of nursing, community, hospital, and helping others by creating the Virginia Larsen Nursing Scholarship. Virginia wanted to provide support and make a difference for DeKalb County residents as they pursue careers in nursing.

“Those that knew my mother are forever touched by her love of life, commitment to family, friends, and community,” said Valerie Heintz, Virginia’s daughter. “Her legacy of love continues through the lives she impacts with the Scholarship Fund.”

Applicants must be full-time students. Students interested in applying for the Virginia Larsen Scholarship are encouraged to review guidelines and award criteria. For questions or additional information, contact Becky Zantout, Grants and Scholarships Manager, at 815-748-5383 or b.zantout@dekalbccf.org.

Pictured above: Virginia Larsen circa 1954.

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the Virginia Larsen Nursing Scholarship Fund, can be made online or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or to start your charitable Fund, please contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.