Marilyn D. Harris Endowment

Support for Nursing Students Through a Lifetime of Service

In 2010, Marilyn D. Harris, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, and her late husband, Charles, established a bequest to benefit Pennsylvania’s nurses through the NFP with the establishment of the Marilyn D. Harris Scholarship Endowment.

A lifetime member of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) and an honorary member of NFP’s Board of Trustees, Marilyn is a staunch supporter of professional development for nursing staff, including opportunities and encouragement to develop leadership roles within the healthcare community.

Marilyn believes that for many nurses, it can be challenging to pursue advanced degrees and specialized credentials. In her case, it took 16 years. Upon receiving her nursing diploma from Abington Memorial Hospital, she worked full-time to earn bother her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania. She is determined to help others find a less financially demanding path to advance their education and assume leadership roles.

Marilyn credits her achievements to loving her work, saying, “I believe in the philosophy that if you have a job you like, you never work a day in your life.” A resident of Warminster, Pennsylvania, Marilyn retired in 1999 as executive director of Abington Memorial Hospital’s Home Care and Hospice. Although officially retired, Marilyn volunteers with several organizations including Jefferson Health and the Museum of Nursing History. She also serves her church as a faith community nurse. 

It is with great pride and gratitude that NFP accepted the wonderful generosity of Marilyn and Charles’ gift. The support offered through their endowment will assist nursing students who, like Marilyn, are inspired to pursue the career they love.