A foundation created by former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan has awarded $2 million to Mount Saint Mary’s University for the future of nursing education, the school announced May 21.

The Riordan Foundation, based in South Pasadena, issued the grant to the 93-year-old Catholic women’s college in Brentwood known for establishing the state’s first four-year degree for nursing in 1948.

“The university’s dedication to increasing the number of culturally competent and highly skilled nurses is truly remarkable and perfectly aligned with the mission of the Riordan Foundation,” said Riordan, in a statement.

His Riordan Fund for the Future of Nursing Education will help support the school’s efforts to advance nursing education and modernize health care through innovative health and wellness programs.

The gift will establish student scholarships for 48 students over three years, develop online registered nurse and Bachelor of Science programs, expand opportunities for undergraduate students and expand a nursing wellness initiative.

Mount Saint Mary’s, founded in 1925, prepares nearly 1,000 women a year to enter the field of nursing. More than 80 percent of its 3,000 students are women of color.

The Riordan Foundation was founded in 1981to support the development of early literacy skills in children, then expanded to support education and workforce learning.

Health business reporter Dana Bartholomew can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @_DanaBart.