In The Community
College Mourns the Loss of Nursing Benefactor
RALEIGH, N.C. (October 15, 2022) - The Wake Tech family is mourning the loss of benefactor and friend Martha Mann Smith. In 2018, Smith made a million-dollar donation to the college's nursing program, which was renamed in her honor. She passed away on October 4 at the age of 93.
"Martha's generous gift has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of nursing students and thousands of patients and families here in the Triangle," said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. "She had a passion for health care and a heart for giving and will be missed."
Family members say Smith was a natural caregiver, so it was no surprise when she chose nursing as a profession. She graduated from Rex Nursing School in 1950 and became a pediatric nurse. She was an active member of the Apex Baptist Church and supported many missions and charities.
Her $1 million Wake Tech endowment supports student scholarships, equipment and technology upgrades and faculty professional development. In recognition of her generosity, Wake Tech's program was renamed the Martha Mann School of Nursing, making Wake Tech the first community college in the state to have a named nursing school.
The Martha Mann School of Nursing serves about 300 students every year, with approximately 150 graduates who enter the workforce as registered nurses.
