Purpose

Support for graduate nursing students who have a particular interest in public and community health issues including health care delivery for the underserved.

History

This fund was established in loving memory of Iona M. Pettengill and supports fellowships for graduate nursing students.

Iona was born in Mapleton, Maine, in 1924. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Florida in 1971. Iona’s work in nursing ranged from public health to teaching. In 1985, she retired as a public health nursing consultant for the Florida Department of Health.

After her retirement, she continued to be involved with the Florida Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, the Florida Public Health Association and Sigma Theta Tau. She also volunteered with the AARP.

The UF College of Nursing recognized Iona’s commitment and dedication to the profession by naming of the Iona M. Pettengill Nursing Resource Center in the Health Professions Nursing and Pharmacy Complex in her honor.

Iona passed away in 2003. She was married to husband, Dwynal, and had two children, John R. Pettengill and Mary Cintron.