GSW establishes Laken Hope Memorial Nursing Scholarship to honor Laken Riley

AMERICUS, Ga. (October 20, 2026) — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) has announced the establishment of the Laken Hope Memorial Nursing Scholarship within the GSW Foundation, an endowed scholarship honoring the life and legacy of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student whose life was tragically cut short in February 2024.

Made possible through the generosity of a group of donors, including GSW alumni Wes (’70) and Jean Wheeler, the scholarship will be awarded annually to support GSW nursing students as they pursue their education and prepare for careers in healthcare.

Kendall Hall, a senior nursing student from Leesburg, Ga., has been named the inaugural recipient of the scholarship.

“I am incredibly honored and grateful to be the first recipient of the Laken Hope Memorial Nursing Scholarship,” said Hall. “Knowing how passionate Laken was about helping others makes this scholarship especially meaningful. I hope to carry on her legacy of kindness and compassion as I pursue my own dream of becoming a nurse. I am truly thankful to Laken’s family and the donors who made this opportunity possible.”

Laken’s parents, Allyson and John Phillips, recently visited GSW to meet Hall and see firsthand how the scholarship is making a difference. During their visit to the Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex, they met with GSW President Kerry Palmer, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Courtney Ross, and nursing faculty, who also led the family on a tour of the nursing building.

“I've known since the day Laken was born that she was going to change the world,” said Laken’s mother, Allyson Phillips, who shared that Kendall reminded her of Laken. “I obviously didn't know it would be this way. I thought it would be in nursing or something in the medical field, but this would make her so happy because she would just love to see someone else benefiting from this generosity.”

Laken was a nursing student at Augusta University's campus in Athens, Ga., and a former student at the University of Georgia. Described by her mother as “very thoughtful and kind” with “a very serving heart,” Laken had a passion for caring for others from an early age. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license while in high school and worked at an assisted living facility while also serving as a nanny. She was also an active member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

The loss of Laken Riley deeply affected her family, friends and communities across the country. Through this scholarship, her dedication to serving others and passion for nursing will continue to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.

"Laken Riley's life touched so many people, and we wanted her legacy to continue in a way that creates hope and opportunity for others,” said Wheeler. “Establishing this scholarship is a meaningful way to honor her memory while helping students pursue their dreams and build brighter futures."

Laken's family also established the Laken Hope Foundation in her honor to promote women's safety awareness, provide financial assistance and tuition support for nursing students, and advance children's healthcare. To learn more about the foundation and its mission, visit lakenhopefoundation.com/

The Laken Hope Memorial Nursing Scholarship will provide ongoing financial assistance to GSW nursing students, helping ease the cost of their education while honoring Laken's dream of caring for others. As an endowed scholarship, it will create a lasting legacy of compassion and service for years to come. Those wishing to support may make a gift online at gsw.edu/Give by selecting the ‘Laken Hope Memorial Nursing Scholarship.’ For more information or assistance with making a contribution, contact the GSW Foundation at foundation@gsw.edu or 229-931-2014.

From left: Wes Wheeler, John Phillips, Allyson Phillips, Kendall Hall, President Kerry Palmer