Legacy in healthcare lives on for Jean and Arthur Ludwick at Wenatchee Valley College

Media Contact: Stacey Lockhart, WVC Foundation executive director, 509.682.6415, or Jennifer Korfiatis, interim community relations director, 509.682.6436

The family of Jean H. Ludwick and her husband Dr. Arthur "Lud" L. Ludwick has established the Ludwick Family Health Sciences Scholarship Endowment through the Wenatchee Valley College Foundation. The annual scholarship will provide $1,500 to a woman pursuing a degree in the health sciences field at WVC.

Jean Ludwick was a strong advocate for community colleges and their important role in providing access to higher education to place-bound or financially disadvantaged students. She served on the Wenatchee Valley College Board of Directors from 1968-1973 and was appointed by Washington State Governor Dan Evans to the State Board of Community Colleges, serving from 1974-1980. She passed away in August of 2013.

Dr. Arthur Ludwick, Jean's husband of 68 years, practiced family medicine for over 51 years, 42 of those years in Wenatchee. He was one of the last family doctors in the community who made house calls, delivered babies, performed surgery and took care of multiple generations of families. He passed away in 2008.

Throughout their lives, both Jean and "Lud" were well-respected community leaders who strongly believed in the power of education to transform lives.

The memoriam scholarship was established by Jean and Arthur's children, Jack Ludwick of Kirkland, Wash., and Peggy Ludwick of Yakima, Wash.

The scholarship, which will be awarded for the 2014-15 academic year, is intended to provide financial assistance to a woman who has had a significant break in her education and is now pursuing a degree in the health sciences field. The annual scholarship award will assist with expenses such as tuition, books, fees, educational equipment or other supplies.

"In the last few months of their lives, my parents received excellent, compassionate care from dedicated caregivers who were often working full time while also going to school to further their education in the healthcare field," Peggy Ludwick said. "We recognized the need to support these women, who were often single moms and struggling financially. Hopefully, this scholarship will not only help deserving students achieve their career goals and a more financially secure future, but will also contribute to more well-trained healthcare professionals in the Wenatchee Valley."

Students may pick up a scholarship application in the WVC Financial Aid office, located on the first floor of Wenatchi Hall, or visit the WVC Financial Aid website at www.wvc.edu/financialaid.

Friends and colleagues of Jean and "Lud" Ludwick may contribute to the Ludwick Family Health Sciences Scholarship Endowment by sending gifts to the WVC Foundation, 1300 Fifth Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801, or through the WVC Foundation website at www.wvc.edu, or by contacting the WVC Foundation, 509.682.6410.

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The WVC Foundation was incorporated in 1971. It exists to build relationships between the community and the college and raise financial support for Wenatchee Valley College students, programs, faculty and staff, as well as special projects such as building campaigns like the Music and Art Center. For information on how to make a gift to the foundation, establish a scholarship or include the WVC Foundation in your estate plans, contact Stacey Lockhart, executive director at 509.682.6410 or slockhart@wvc.edu.