and Alicia Van Meter, Director of Nursing at Eastern WVCTC.
MOOREFIELD, W.Va. – Two Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College nursing students were awarded $750 scholarships by Jeff Fraley, director of nursing education for 40 & 8 Voiture 1623, on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. The recipients were Brittany Goldizen and Cheryl Sanders.
This marks the second time Goldizen has received this scholarship and the first for Sanders. Because only two students were selected for the semester, the 40 & 8 increased each award from $500 to $750.
“The 40 & 8 scholarship has been a source of motivation and encouragement. It has allowed me to focus on my academics, dedicate myself to my clinical training, and develop the skills necessary to provide compassionate and competent care to all patients,” said Brittany Goldizen. “Without this scholarship, balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities would have been much more difficult. I am one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a registered nurse and making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. With this scholarship, I promise to work hard, give back to my community, and one day support future nursing students.”
The 40 & 8 was founded in 1920 by American veterans returning from France after World War I. In 1955, the organization began supporting nursing education. Voiture 1623 of the 40 & 8, based in Moorefield, has been a longtime advocate and supporter of Eastern’s nursing students through this scholarship program.
“I am incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity to fulfill my dreams at last,” said Sanders. “Your kindness and generosity will be remembered every time I am able to help someone. I believe that you helping me get through school is God’s confirmation that I was meant to be a nurse.”
In support of its nursing scholarship program, members of the 40 & 8 hold several fundraising events each year. Over time, Voiture 1623 has awarded scholarships to numerous Eastern students, helping to ease financial burdens and enabling them to pursue careers in nursing.
“Eastern is proud to announce that two nursing students have been awarded scholarships through the generous support of the Forty & Eight,” said Alicia Van Meter, Eastern WVCTC Nursing Program Director. “This scholarship opportunity helps reduce the financial pressures of nursing school, allowing students to focus on developing the skills and knowledge needed to provide exceptional patient care. Nursing programs are vital in preparing compassionate, well-rounded, and criticalthinking professionals. By supporting nursing education, the Forty & Eight are investing in the future of healthcare and ensuring our graduates are equipped to make a lasting impact in their communities.”
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College is deeply grateful for the Forty & Eight’s ongoing support, which plays a vital role in ensuring the next generation of nurses is well-prepared to serve their communities and improve healthcare outcomes for years to come.
About the 40 & 8
La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (The Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses) membership is by invitation and open only to honorably discharged veterans and honorably serving members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The society was created in 1920 in the wake of World War I, and the name comes from the French railway boxcars that carried most of the soldiers to the front lines. The boxcars featured a sign indicating the boxcar’s capacity: 40 men/8 horses. The national organization’s mission to support nursing education began in 1955.
About Eastern’s Nursing Program
The nursing program at Eastern dates back to 2006 when Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College launched a nursing program division in Moorefield. With Southern’s permission, Eastern later adopted the program’s curriculum and earned independent program accreditation from the WV Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses. The two-year RN program, which admits new students every other year, is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Eastern also offers the new LPN to RN Hybrid Bridge Program, which aims to prepare students for completion of the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing in preparation to sit for the NCLEX examination. This program is to be completed over one year (three semesters) with graduation in the fall. The coursework is online, with clinicals combining virtual, simulation, and in-person experiences. For more information, visit https://easternwv.edu/academics/nursing-program/.
