NEWS

Louisiana Tech students preparing for careers in the health sciences now have the new opportunity to earn an endowed scholarship recently established to honor Oscar and Emeline Wurster, grandparents of 1964 graduate Rosemary “Toni” Chandler Turner.

Toni Turner

“We are so grateful that Toni and her husband, Dr. William Turner Jr., decided to share their enthusiasm for Louisiana Tech and the future of our students,” said Brooks Hull, Vice President for University Advancement. “The need for qualified and caring medical professionals is at an all-time high, and the demand will continue to grow. The Wurster Scholarship is designed to assist Biology students complete their undergraduate education and prepare for careers as physicians or other health professionals.”

Turner’s $100,000 endowment will help several students complete their education and make an impact in health and wellness, one of the focus areas for Louisiana Tech programs and research aimed at finding solutions for this Grand Challenges in our nation and region.

An alumna of Sigma Kappa sorority, Toni Turner worked as a medical technologist at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and Confederate Memorial Hospital in Shreveport. She also enjoyed a long career with Delta Airlines. She was raised by the Wursters, who valued education highly.

“Oscar Wurster never went to college,” Turner said. “However, he thought that a college education was one of the most significant things that a person could achieve. Emeline Wurster’s father was a longtime president of the Catahoula Parish School Board, and she never missed an opportunity to teach the spoken language.” 

Otto and Emeline Wurster

The Wurster family now includes 22 former and future Louisiana Tech students.

“The Wurster Scholarships will enable future generations of students to experience this fine university, and they will reinforce my beloved grandparents’ vision of the role of education,” Turner said. “The scholarships will assist future students in the School of Biological Sciences realize the vision of [Tech President] Dr. Les Guice to ‘find solutions to the grand challenges of our time.’”

Turner encouraged others to become involved in their University’s success – no matter where they are – especially in its 125th anniversary year. The Turners attend many alumni functions in Dallas, where they live.

“I know all Bulldogs join me in being thankful for the great education we got at Louisiana Tech,” she said. “We take pride in saying we’re Forever Loyal.”