Rivier receives additional $1.5m from the Bedford Falls Foundation
NASHUA – Rivier University recently received an additional $1.5 million from the Bedford Falls Foundation to expand scholarship support for nursing students earning their Bachelor’s degrees through the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship.
This new gift builds on the initial $2 million commitment to Rivier and will provide enhanced scholarship support for deserving undergraduate nursing students over the next three years. The Bedford Falls Foundation, established by philanthropist and Nashua native William Conway, Jr. and his late wife, Joanne Barkett Conway, supports more than 50 nursing schools across the country.
“With profound gratitude for the continued partnership of the Bedford Falls Foundation, Rivier is positioned to prepare even more nurses who will make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families across New Hampshire and beyond,” said Rivier President Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM. “This additional investment strengthens our mission and accelerates the vital work of addressing the region’s critical nursing shortage.”
Rivier’s Division of Nursing and Health Professions is widely recognized for its exceptional preparation of highly skilled, compassionate nursing professionals who are ready to lead in today’s complex healthcare environment. With state, regional, and national rankings, including recognition as the number one nursing school in New Hampshire and one of the top 50 private nursing schools in the country, Rivier continues to set the standard for excellence in nursing education.
“The generosity of the Bedford Falls Foundation removes financial barriers, allowing our students to focus on their academic preparation, clinical training and service to the community,” said Dr. Paula Williams, dean of the Division of Nursing and Health Professions and vice president for Academic Affairs. “This transformative support will have a lasting impact on the quality of care our Rivier graduates provide across the region.”
For more information about the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship or Rivier University’s nursing programs, visit www.rivier.edu/conway.


