Patricia Lechwar Byrd

The Patricia Lechwar Byrd Memorial Scholarship was established by Greg Byrd to honor his late wife, Patricia, who was killed in 2009 in an automobile accident. Greg, and his father, Jack Byrd of Byrd Operating, established the funds for MC nursing students who have demonstrated financial need and a 3.0 or above GPA.

Patricia earned her Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) certification at Midland College in 1983, then went directly to work at Midland Memorial Hospital. "She knew since she was a child that she wanted to be a nurse," said Greg. "It's because of Midland College, that she felt so good about her LVN, that she decided to go back and earn her Associate Degree of Nursing." Becoming an RN allowed Patricia to work in surgery, a unique specialization and a long-time dream, which became a reality in 1994.