Bill and Maria Boyce of Houston, Texas, have made a significant donation to Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) West Penn Hospital School of Nursing. The contribution establishes the Margaret Lesko Boyce Endowed Fund, which is designed to support nursing students by providing essential supplies and reducing financial obstacles.
The fund honors Bill’s late mother, Margaret Boyce (née Lesko), who graduated from the school in 1947. Bill Boyce described his mother as “nothing but practical as a nurse,” a quality that influenced the family’s decision to focus their gift on helping students with tangible needs.
“My mother cherished her time at West Penn Hospital School of Nursing, and it truly shaped who she was as a caregiver,” said Bill Boyce. “Maria and I wanted to create a way to honor her memory while also making a tangible difference for students who are pursuing this vital calling. We believe that by ensuring they have the resources they need, we can help alleviate some of the financial burdens that can stand in the way of their dreams.”
The endowment will help cover costs such as stethoscopes, uniforms, shoes, and other necessary supplies for academic success and clinical training. The allocation of funds will be determined with input from the Boyce family and may also include scholarships for living expenses or support for licensure exam preparation.
Amy Stoker, PhD, RN, Director of AHN Schools of Nursing stated: “We are incredibly grateful to Bill and Maria Boyce for this profoundly thoughtful gift and their foresight in establishing this vital fund. The Margaret Lesko Boyce Endowed Fund will have a profound impact on our students, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary to excel in their education and become the compassionate and skilled nurses our community so desperately needs. It is a beautiful tribute to Mrs. Boyce’s dedication to nursing.”
Bill Boyce previously served as a justice on Houston’s 14th Court of Appeals after practicing law for two decades. He has also chaired the Houston chapter of Healthcare for the Homeless. Maria Boyce is an attorney focused on health equity issues with experience serving on various health-related boards.
This donation comes at an important moment as healthcare systems continue efforts to strengthen nursing workforces. AHN’s Schools of Nursing—including West Penn in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood and Citizens School of Nursing in Tarentum—remain committed to preparing nurses equipped for modern medical challenges.
