Neviaser Makes Donation to Brooks College of Health

Local philanthropist Charles M. “Buddy” Neviaser generously donated $500,000 to University of North Florida’s Brooks College of Health, establishing the Charles M. and Doris B. Neviaser Endowed Nursing Scholarship. The State of Florida will match the gift at 50 percent for a total of $750,000.

“Establishing a nursing scholarship is something I had in the back of my mind for a long time. When President Delaney named Community Nursing a flagship program, I thought it was the opportune time,” said Charles Neviaser.

This endowed nursing scholarship will assist students enrolled in UNF’s School of Nursing program who have demonstrated significant merit or show financial need. Last year, the School of Nursing program was chosen as UNF’s first flagship program, which is a challenge to raise the bar and become one of the best programs in the nation. As a result of this recognition of excellence, the School of Nursing will be able to expand its innovative baccalaureate program.

“This gift is very generous of Mr. Nevaiser. On his own, he decided to support the School of Nursing by making education more affordable for our students,” said Pam Chally, dean of the Brooks College of Health. “This is a true indication of Buddy’s kind heart and desire to assist in solving the nursing shortage. We are touched by his extreme generosity and trust.”

A retired investor, Neviaser was a former president of United Savings&Loan. He and his wife, Doris, moved to Jacksonville in 1984 from Fairfax, Va., where he owned a real estate company and had served as the president of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce. In 2000, Neviaser gave $1 million to Community Hospice for the Charles M. Neviaser Educational Institute, which provides clinical training programs for medical professionals. Neviaser also gives generously to a scholarship fund at Virginia Tech’s School of Business.

The Brooks College of Health, which enrolls 1,000 students annually, currently offers a full complement of degree programs and specialized certifications in athletic training, community and public health, geriatric management, health administration, nursing, nutrition, physical therapy and rehabilitation counseling. An integral part of each of these outstanding programs is the emphasis on quality time in clinical settings, the use of the most up-to-date technologies, innovative faculty and student research, and the opportunity for hands-on-learning experiences and internships.


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