CdA couple says donation is payback for ‘blessings’

The foundation is poured and the walls are taking shape. Bob and Elisabeth Scates note the changes on their daily stroll by the NIC Health and Science Building near their Fort Grounds home.

“I’m just delighted to see it go up,” Bob said.

The couple has enjoyed successful careers in the health field. Bob practiced dentistry for 30 years in Coeur d’Alene and Elisabeth is a registered nurse.

“I think a lot of the college,” Bob said. “I think it’s done a lot of good. It’s lifted the level of our horizons.”

Elisabeth remembers when she completed her nursing training in her homeland of Australia in 1942. She wanted to help in the World War II effort, but they wouldn’t send a brand new nurse to the front, she said.

She moved to the United States and practiced at Lake City Hospital and Coeur d’ Alene General before working as an office nurse. Since retiring in 1978, she has followed how the nursing profession is managing in her absence. She believes that increasing space and producing more health-care professionals will ease the burden.

“I think it’s sad not to have the proper help in those positions,” she said. “I’m hoping things will brighten up.”

Once the Health and Sciences Building is completed, a classroom will bear the Scates’ name in thanks for the $25,000 donation they made to the project. They hope their gift helps the local economy and the young people who have difficulty affording school.

“It’s paying back for all the blessings we’ve had,” Bob said.