Scholarship Information
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Rose Emma And Lester E. Ackerman
This scholarship award was established by the children of Rose and Lester to honor their memory. Son, Owen Ackerman, has been an active member of the Methodist Health Services Board and the Methodist Medical Center Foundation Board and daughter, Carol Ackerman Reynolds (Mrs. Warren) has worked tireless for Methodist as a member of the Service League.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Rose Emma & Lester E. Ackerman Scholarship. Students in the BSN completion program will also be eligible.
- Junior or Senior student who demonstrates a 2.6 GPA
- This scholarship will be awarded every year as interest earnings allow.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Moris A. Adland, MD Scholarship
Dr. Adland practiced at Methodist and was active on the medical and dental staff. He was also actively involved in the establishment of the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate in Peoria at Methodist Hospital. He was a Family Practice Physician. This scholarship was established by his family to honor his memory in 1984.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Morris A. Adland Scholarship.
- Senior student who has the highest or second highest grade point average
- This scholarship will be awarded every year in the amount of $1,000.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Marylynn Allen Scholarship
Marylynn Allen was the School of Nursing's Service Coordinator. She died of breast cancer while employed at the school. Her husband, Sprague, established the award in her memory in 1980. Although Marylynn was not a nurse, she worked closely with our nursing students.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Marylynn Allen Scholarship.
- Students in the BSN completion program will also be elibible.
- Senior student who demonstrates a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Is actively involved in College of Nursing extracurricular activities
- This scholarship will be awarded every year in the amount of $1,000.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Helen Turley Carlton Scholarship
Helen Turley Carlton was a member of the Class of 1931. She was a registered nurse at Methodist for many years, working in Obstetrics. She moved to Jasper, Wyoming in 1936, where she continued her nursing career. In 1979, she returned to McComb, Illinois, where she lived until her death in May 2000. She was 92 and even as a patient in a nursing home, continued to provide her compassionate nursing care to others. This scholarship was established by her niece, Carol Agner.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Helen Turley Carlton Scholarship.
- Applications may be submitted by students who have completed at least the first semester of study of their Junior year at the Methodist College of Nursing.
- Junior or Senior student who demonstrates a 3.0 GPA or higher with a demonstrated commitment to achieve academic excellence
- Financial need is not a requirement
- Priority consideration will be given to a student who is actively involvement in student life and extra curricular activities
- Through a written essay their reasons for wishing to become a nursing professional and how they plan to practice the high ideals of nursing.
- It is requested by the donor that the essay written by the award recipient be made available to her through the Foundation office.
- Also requested by the donor are strong letters of recommendation from two faculty members. Letters should address student's dedication to the ideals of nursing and commitment to being a compassionate patient advocate.
- This scholarship will be awarded every other year beginning in the fall of 2002, in the amount of $1,350.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Nelda Carroll Scholarship
Nelda Carroll has been part of the nursing profession since enrolling at the Bradley Polytechnic Institute (now Bradley University) in pre-nursing science in 1933. She became a student at the Methodist School of Nursing in 1935 and was awarded a BS upon graduation in 1938. Following graduation she did a year of private duty nursing and then she returned to Methodist. Nelda was head nurse on old 5 East at Methodist for one year. In the summer of 1940 she attended Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts for a course in teaching in schools of nursing. When she returned to Methodist at the age of 25 she not only taught nursing but was appointed Assistant Director of the school. In January of 1941 she took a post graduate course in medical nursing. In mid-1941 she became Acting Director after the current Director resigned.Nelda Carroll held the position of Acting Director for two years until Margaret Upp was hired. Ms. Upp appointed Nelda the Education Director of the Methodist School of Nursing. Nelda stayed in this position until 1946 when she met and married her husband, Richard. Marriage was a full time job and took her away from nursing for seven years. Nelda returned in 1953 as an instructor in the School of Nursing teaching Fundamentals of Nursing. She also served as Chairman of Fundamentals. Another move came in 1967 when a new Director of Nursing, Mary Frye, named Mrs. Carroll Assistant Director. Nelda Carroll served Methodist and its School of Nursing in a wide range of capacities: Head Nurse, Instructor, Assistant Head Nurse, Education Director, Assistant and Acting Director of Nursing and Assistant Director of the School of Nursing. In June, 1988 Nelda was selected "Outstanding Alumni of the Year by the Methodist School of Nursing Alumni Association. In May, 2004 she was honored at the Methodist Medical Center Gala Celebration of Nursing and was named Alumnus of the Century. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the school, her community and her country.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Nelda Carroll Scholarship.
- Junior or Senior student who demonstrates a3.0 GPA or higher with a demonstrated commitment to achieve
academic excellence
- Financial need
- Priority consideration will be given to a student who is interested in eventually teaching Nursing Education
- This scholarship is awarded in recognition of Mrs. Carroll and her contributions to the nursing profession.
- The award is in the amount of $1,000 and will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Marie Fortino Scholarship
Marie Fortino received her nursing diploma from Mt. Carmel Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas in 1936. A small town girl from southeastern Kansas, Marie knew in high school that she wanted to become a nurse. At Mt. Carmel, Marie and the other students lived on the top floor of the hospital. They rotated in service according to seniority and were assigned to night duty three months at a time. In due course, Marie passed her state boards and became a registered nurse. In Marie's own words, "Times were hard and jobs were scarce. I was fortunate to be hired in a small hospital in Belleville, Kansas 400 miles from home. My dream had become a reality." A year later, she moved to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, medical advances were taking place. The first successful lung transplant was performed while Marie was at Barnes, and penicillin was in early stages of use. After two years Marie relocated to Burge Hospital in Springfield, Missouri as a supervisor so that she could be closer to her family. In 1943 Marie married and, as was customary at the time, resigned from nursing to care for her husband and home. In time, two daughters were born. She retained her interest in medicine and participated in the original trial of the Salk vaccine for polio. After her daughters were in high school, Marie completed refresher courses, renewed her nursing license and rejoined her chosen profession. "It was a shock," Marie told her daughters, "to learn the advancement and changes made in the twenty years I had not worked." She accepted a part-time position in a psychiatric ward and from there in 1964 became a school nurse in a disadvantaged area. She spent much of her time educating parents, teachers and children about the importance of health care and about how to take responsibility for their own health. In 1975, Marie heard about a college degree program called "University without Walls." She and her supervisor worked with Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas to establish a similar program for nurses in the Wichita area. In 1977, through this program, Marie earned her Bachelor Degree in Nursing. Marie Fortino died in 1997. She was the first generation in her family to earn a college degree. She became a nurse during the Depression, when there was no money and it was almost unheard of for women to work outside the home. She worked in segregated, underprivileged communities before integration and equal treatment became law. She helped create an innovative way for Kansas nurses to earn college degrees without interrupting their careers. All her life Marie Fortino served others, maintained awareness of medical advances, and followed her dreams. This scholarship was established by her daughter to honor her actions, her memory and to provide other aspiring nurses the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
- Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Marie Fortino Scholarship.
- Applications may be submitted by students who have completed at least the first semester of study of their Junior year at the Methodist College of Nursing.
- Junior or Senior student who achieves a 3.0 GPA or higher with a demonstrated commitment to achieve academic excellence.
- Demonstrates a strong work ethic and leadership among peers
- Expresses a preference for hospital nursing
- Also requested by the donor are strong letters of recommendation from two Methodist College of Nursing faculty members.
- Letters should address the criteria and the student's ability to relate to patients with a commitment to being a compassionate patient advocate.
- This scholarship will be awarded every other year in the amount of $1,000.
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Health Improvements Scholarship
Award Criteria:
Essay focus:Describe the ways in which the professional nurse can help to improve the health of the population in Central Illinois according to the Healthy People Objectives.
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James P. Jeschke Nursing Scholarship
James Jeschke was a 1997 graduate of the Methodist School of Nursing. He obtained his RN license during the summer while working in the Heart Care Center at Methodist Medical Center of Illinois. He dies quite unexpectedly in September of that year. Jim was a true "Renaissance Man". Jim served in the Civic Air Patrol as a commander. He graduated from the United Technical Institute in Milwaukee in 1966 and was the chief technician in the first successful heart transplant in the Midwest. He also was a paramedic for OSF St. Francis Medical Center and managed the Mobile Medic Ambulance for many years. He was an accountant for Ragan Communications. He also was a volunteer for 10 years for the West Peoria Fire and Rescue Squad, last serving as an Assistant Chief. Neal F. Ragan, Jr., President of Ragan Communications established this scholarship to honor the memory of James Jeske. Jim worked for Mr. Ragan for several years prior to and during his nursing education program. Mr. Ragan greatly admired Jim, his determination and his compassion for others.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the James P. Jeschke Nursing Scholarship.
- Junior or Senior student who :
- Is employed on a regular basis throughout the year
- Demonstrates responsible/self-directed behavior
- Has above average clinical skills
- Is a non-traditional student
- Two letters of recommendation will be needed from faculty members to address the students performance and the criteria stated above.
- This scholarship will be awarded every year, as funding is available, in the amount of $1,000.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Flo Gamblin Johnson Scholarship
Mrs. Johnson's husband, Ralph Johnson, established this award is 1988 to honor the memory of his wife. Mrs. Johnson was a kind, caring and loving person.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Flo Gamblin Johnson Scholarship. Students in the BSN completion program will also be eligible.
- Junior or Senior student who:
- Is dedicated to the ideals of the nursing profession and to the personal goal of becoming a registered nurse
- Demonstrates financial need
- Demonstrates the promise of giving that special quality of patient care that nurses typically provide
- This scholarship will be awarded every year as interest earnings allow.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Millard J. Koch Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1977 by Millard J. Koch in thanks for the care his wife received as she was dying and to honor his sister, E. Hazel Koch who taught in the Methodist School of Nursing. Miss Koch was the OB instructor and "lived for Methodist". She even had her office in the hospital.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Millard J. Koch Scholarship.
- Students in the BSN completion program will also be eligible.
- Senior or BSN Completion student who demonstrates a 2.6 GPA or higher
- Financial need is not a requirement
- This scholarship will be awarded every year as interest earnings allow.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Velma Kneer Larson Scholarship
Velma Kneer Larson graduated from the Methodist School of Nursing in 1932. Following graduation she worked as a private duty nurse. In 1936 she accepted a position with the Illinois Emergency Relief Commission in Peoria and later returned to Methodist as a supervisor. She married her husband Bob in 1937. Once children arrived her focus was her family. She and Bob have three children. Her daughter, Martha, also chose a career in nursing and is a 1965 graduate of the Methodist School of Nursing. Martha Rogers and her husband Paul established this scholarship in Velma's name to honor her nursing career and the inspiration she has been to so many. Martha attended the University of Illinois where she received her BSN degree. Following a move to Connecticut her career focus turned to home health. This scholarship is about two special talented Methodist School of Nursing graduates. They both are very grateful for the quality education and training they received at Methodist and are proud of their nursing careers. They feel that nursing has been a strong influence in all aspects of their lives. They both salute each of our students for their worthy career choice!
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Harry And Julia Leming Scholarship
This award was established in 1988 after the death of Harry Leming. Rather than leaving an amount in her will to the nursing education for a scholarship, Julia Leming decided to established the award while she was still living so she could enjoy knowing the recipients of her scholarship and following their careers with pride. The scholarship is intended to benefit the student for two years if they continue after the first award to make satisfactory progress. Julia lives in Farmington, Illinois. Her sister Carol Daw lives with her. Each year the Foundation sponsors a luncheon for all recipients of this scholarship to come together to express their appreciation to Julia and to give Julia an opportunity to learn what has been happening in their lives.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Harry and Julia Leming Scholarship.
- Applications may be submitted by students who have completed the first semester of study of their Junior year at the Methodist College of Nursing.
- The award recipient will receive the scholarship again in their Senior year if they continue to make satisfactory progress.
- Junior student who demonstrates:
- A high level of compassion for the patients they will serve
- A dedication to achieve academic excellence
- Financial need based on Student Aid Report from U.S. Department of Education
- Through a written essay their reasons for wishing to become a nursing professional, why they feel they are deserving of this scholarship and how they meet the outlined criteria.
- It is requested by the donor that the essay written by the award recipient be made available to her through the Foundation office.
- Also requested by the donor are strong letters of recommendation from two Methodist College of Nursing faculty members. Letters should address student's ability to relate to patients with a commitment to being a compassionate patient advocate.
- This scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $2,000 each year.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
- This selection shall be made at the beginning of the second semester of the Junior year.
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Carol Sue Hall Majeske Memorial Scholarship
Carol Sue Hall Majeske graduated from the Methodist Medical Center School of Nursing in 1966. She was a registered nurse at Hooverwood Nursing Home in Indianapolis for many years. Carol and her husband William had three children. This scholarship was established in 2004 by her brother, James M. Hall and her husband and funded by memorial contributions at the time of her passing in 2004.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Carol Sue Hall Majeske Memorial Scholarship.
- Students in the BSN completion program will also be eligible.
- Junior or Senior student who demonstrates:
- A 3.0 GPA or higher with a demonstrated commitment to achieve academic excellence.
- Financial need.
- This scholarship will be awarded every year, beginning in the fall of 2006, in the amount of $500.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Harold E. McAvoy Memorial Scholarship
Harold E. "Mac" McAvoy was born in East Peoria in 1940. He attended East Peoria High School and was the Drum Major for the high school band. He was always a leader, leading by the example he set for others. Harold was a popular young man with a tremendous sense of humor. Harold attended the Methodist Medical Center School of Nursing graduating in 1961. He worked as a registered nurse until 1963 when he joined the United States Army Nurse Corp. He served active duty from January 1963 to February 1970 as a captain and received a Bronze Star for meritorious duty at the 95th Evac Hospital in Da Nang, Vietnam. His Colonel said " Harold was the best - a one of a kind individual with a wonderful sense of humor. His jokes and stories kept everyone's spirits high during a very difficult time." When Harold came home to East Peoria from his service in Vietnam he returned to Methodist and worked as a Registered Nurse in the surgical area. He advanced to the position of Surgical Coordinator. He retired from OSF St. Francis on November 1, 2002, after 41 years of nursing. At Methodist our Chaplains are the connection for patient families to the operating room during surgery. Chaplains receive regular updates from the Surgical Nursing Coordinator and other members of the team and share this information with the family in the waiting area. This program resulted from the joint efforts of Chaplain Larry Kirk and Harold McAvoy . Harold is remembered by his co-workers as conducting himself in a very professional manner at all times. He was a leader and a motivator and wanted people to succeed for themselves not just "for the job". He encouraged, he mentored and he celebrated the success of his team members. He always had a joke or a story to share that would lighten any moment that became too heavy. Harold died December 30, 2004. His memorial contributions and contributions from his family have made this scholarship possible.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Harold McAvoy Memorial Scholarship.
- Applications may be submitted by students who have completed the first semester of study of their Junior year at the Methodist College of Nursing.
- Junior or Senior who demonstrates a 3.0 GPA or higher with a demonstrated commitment to achieve academic excellence
- Priority consideration will be given to the following: a non-traditional student, a male nursing student or a student who indicates an interest in surgical nursing.
- Financial need is a requirement
- Also requested by the donor are strong letters of recommendation from two Methodist College of Nursing faculty members. Letters should address student's professionalism, leadership and compassion for patients and fellow students.
- This scholarship will be awarded every year, beginning in the fall of 2005, in the amount of $1,000.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Janet McLaughlin and Emiko Yang Scholarship
Janet R. McLaughlin graduated from the Methodist Medical Center School of Nursing in 1956. She spent several years as a nurse educator, in addition to serving as the Director of Methodist School of Nursing from 1984-1996. She currently resides in Morton, Illinois. A dear friend of Jan’s established this scholarship.This scholarship will be available every year, beginning in the fall of 2002 (even years for Janet McLaughlin and odd years for Emiko Yang). The scholarship will be deposited in the student’s college account and applied to payment of tuition and fees. Funds for the scholarship are distributed from Methodist Medical Center Foundation to Methodist Medical Center College of Nursing. Award Criteria:An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Janet McLaughlin and Emiko Yang ScholarshipJunior or Senior students who demonstrates:
- A 3.0 GPA or higher with a demonstrated commitment to achieve academic excellence.
- Financial need
Also requested by the donor are letters of recommendation from two faculty members. Letters should address student’s dedication to the ideals of nursing and commitment to being a strong patient advocate.This scholarship will be awarded every year, beginning in the fall of 2002, in the amount of $750. In 2002 it will be awarded in the name of Janet McLaughlin and in 2003 it will be awarded in the name of Emiko Yang and will alternate each year thereafter. The award will be deposited in the student’s College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses. Scholarship recipients will be selected by a committee appointed by the President of the College of Nursing.
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Margerie Mieville Scholarship
Marjorie began her career in healthcare as a CAN, progressed to LPN and then became a Registered Nurse. She continued her education earning a Master's degree and taught Level III in the Methodist School of Nursing. Marjorie was the first instructor in the area to teach critical care nursing. She was also a Methodist School of Nursing Counselor.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Margerie Mieville Memorial Scholarship.
- Students in the BSN completion program will also be eligible.
- Junior or Senior student who:
- Demonstrates a 2.5 GPA or higher
- Worked as a CAN or LPN prior to enrollment in the College of Nursing
- This scholarship will be awarded every year in the amount of $1,000.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Rosemarie Murdock Memorial Scholarship
Rosemarie Ewing Murdock grew up in Central Illinois graduating from Bradford High School in 1951. She enrolled at the Methodist Medical Center School of nursing and graduated in October, 1954. She met her husband Charles while attending classes at Bradley University. They raised two daughters, Kristie and Kelli. Rosie was a Registered Nurse for 48 years and a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner for 27 years. She was a staff nurse with Dr. Dean Bordeaux from 1956 to 1976. For 23 years, she was a Clinical Instructor on the faculty of the Family Practice Residency Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria and Methodist Medical Center. Rosie developed and coordinated community health care clinics at the downtown YWCA and B'Nai B'rith Senior Retirement Home. She worked as a nurse practitioner at the Methodist Women's Health Center. Rosie was greatly respected by her co-workers at Methodist. She was awarded the Methodist Medical Center "I Care" employee of the month award in 1979 and again in 2001. In 1996 she was awarded the Methodist School of Nursing "Outstanding Alumna of the Year" award. Rosie was also selected one of WEEK's "Central Illinois' 25 Women in Leadership" in 2001. Rosemarie Murdock's faith and her dedication to nursing combined to give her a very special and unique ministry. She was always caring, available and showed unconditional acceptance to her patients. She volunteered for many organizations throughout her life and had a love for learning, gardening, art, crafts and adventure. Rosie lost her battle with cancer in April 2003. Her memorial contributions and contributions from her daughters and their families have made this scholarship possible.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Rosemarie Murdock Memorial Scholarship.
- Students in the BSN completion program will also be eligible.
- Junior or Senior student who demonstrates a3.0 GPA or higher with a demonstrated commitment to achieve academic excellence.
- Financial need is not a requirement.
- This scholarship will be awarded every year, beginning in the fall of 2004, in the amount of $500.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Ann Landwirth Nickoll Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Michael and Trudy Landwirth to honor the memory of Mr. Landwirth's sister, Ann Landwirth Nickoll. It has also been funded by Ann's husband John Nickoll. Mrs. Nickoll believed strongly in the empowerment of education and the importance of academic achievement and for these reasons, this scholarship will be awarded to the Methodist College of Nursing student with the highest Grade Point Average at the end of the first semester senior year.
Ann Nickoll was born in Peoria, Illinois in 1936. She graduated from Peoria High School in 1954 and attended the University of Michigan where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in art history. In 1958 she married John F. Nickoll. They raised three sons. Ann and John lived in Los Angeles, California where she worked as a real estate broker. Ann was a cancer survivor for 12 years, loosing that battle in 2001. Ann actively supported Planned Parenthood, the Beverly Hills Educational Foundation and the United Way. She was very active in the Republican Party and was chosen twice by the governor of California to be a delegate to the national convention. She was a founding member of WISH (Women in the Senate and House), a member of the California Council for the Humanities and also a member of the Republican State Central Committee. Ann Landwirth Nickoll was a compassionate loving person and a generous philanthropist. She believed deeply in a woman's right to make decisions that affect her own health and well being and was actively involved in numerous efforts to empower women. Her contributions and actions spoke clearly of her passion to make life better for others.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Ann Landwirth Nickoll Memorial Scholarship.
- Senior student who:
- Demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence
- Achieves the highest grade point average in his/her class at the conclusion of the first semester senior year
- This scholarship will be awarded every year in the amount of $1,750, beginning at the conclusion of the 2004 fall semester.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Debbie Simon Scholarship
Debbie Simon began her nursing career at Methodist as a staff nurse in the cardiac unit in 1976 after graduation from the University of Illinois, College of Nursing. She served as a Clinical Coordinator, Director, Senior Director and Assistant Vice President before being promoted to Vice President in 1990. She has been the Senior Vice President for Hospital Operations and Chief Nursing Officer since the fall of 1995. She has a Masters in Business Administration from Bradley University and has attended the Wharton School of Business in Pennsylvania. She was selected for the inaugural class of the Henry Crown Fellowship Program in 1997. As Senior Vice President, Hospital Operations, it is Debbie's responsibility to provide leadership, strategic direction and guidance to hospital and home-related operations to assure that Methodist provides the highest quality services in a cost-effective manner. In 1997 Debbie was selected as one of 22 fellows chosen to participate in the inaugural Aspen Institute Henry Crown Leadership Forum. Most recently she was presented the Edythe Cohen YWCA Leadership award. She serves on the Board of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, the Finance committee of the United Way, the Advisory Board for the Foster College of Business at Bradley and Advisory for the Peoria Woman Magazine. On a personal side, Debbie lives in Pekin with her husband and son and enjoys golf, vacations, family outings and social time with her friends.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist Medical Center College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Debbie Simon Scholarship.
- Junior or Senior who demonstrates:
- A 3.0 GPA or higher with a demonstrated commitment to achieve academic excellence
- Priority consideration will be given to a student who indicates an interest in remaining in the Peoria area following the completion of their BSN
- Leadership through involvement in college activities
- Also requested by the donor are strong letters of recommendation from two faculty members. Letters should address the individual's ability to relate to others and the faculty member's opinion of the student's suitability for nursing.
- This scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,000.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Wendy Underwood Memorial Scholarship
Wendy Michelle Underwood was born February 22, 1973, the youngest of three brothers and three sisters. She was always the “little mother” loving and caring for her family. When Wendy was 10, she helped take care of her sister Cheryl’s baby, who was born with nephrotic syndrome. His death on her eleventh birthday had a profound affect on her.
Wendy was a diligent hard working student and received honors in grade school and the Sterling Merit Award in high school. At age thirteen she was a volunteer at Methodist on the Rehab Unit where her mother, Jane was Coordinator. Working with her mother and sister who were both Registered Nurses impacted Wendy’s career goals. She decided nursing was where she could make a difference in people’s lives. She developed seizures of unknown origin when she was fifteen which made her even more determined to reach her goal.
At seventeen she fell in love with her brother’s best friend, Matt, who was in the Army. On graduation day from Ranger Training, while parachuting, high winds blew him and others into a hillside. Matt’s pelvis and leg were shattered. Wendy was the caretaker again and nursed him back to health. Matt and Wendy were married in October 1991. Wendy became a Nursing Assistant at Methodist and attended the Methodist School of Nursing from 1993 through 1995. Luke was born in 1998 with heart problems and required open heart surgery and Sabrina was born in 2000. Wendy loved being a wife, mother and nurse. Although Luke and Sabrina lost their mom at a young age, their bond with her was very strong. Wendy, by example, taught them valuable lessons that will be with them for their lifetime. She worked on the Oncology, Respiratory, Rehabilitation and Transitional Care Units where she gave outstanding care to her patients until December 17, 2004.
Her co-workers, supervisors and several physicians who worked with her shared the following thoughts about Wendy after her death. Her mother Jane was proud and gratified to learn that they saw and appreciated Wendy as the person and nurse she was. “Wendy was a dedicated nurse committed to giving outstanding patient care to the first patient’s life she touched as a volunteer to the last one as a nurse on December 17, 2004.” “Wendy loved bedside nursing and was always supportive of the team. She was there for all the staff when needed.” “She would go the extra mile and whatever she did, she did well.” “Wendy was a mentor and strong patient advocate.” “Wendy was the best!” She was not afraid or hesitant to call physicians and was respected for this dedication to her patients.
Wendy met life with a sense of humor, an infectious laugh, hugs for others, a loving family and a strong faith in God. It is the hope of Wendy’s family that the recipient of The Wendy Underwood Memorial Scholarship will have the same passion and dedication to nursing as Wendy did. This scholarship is her family’s way of continuing to touch other people’s lives with her legacy as Wendy did each and every day.
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Helen R. Waldo Scholarship
Helen R. Waldo graduated from the Methodist Medical Center School of Nursing in 1943. She was a Private Duty Nurse for many years and then worked in the Lacon Clinc from 1959 to 1977. Helen and her husband Leslie Waldo had three children. This scholarship was established in 2002 by her husband and her daughter Patsy as a Memorial Tribute to Helen and her nursing career.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Helen R. Waldo Scholarship.
- Junior or Senior student who demonstrates:
- A 3.0 GPA or higher with a dedication to achieve academic excellence
- Financial need based on Student Aid Report from U.S. Department of Education
- This scholarship will be awarded every other year, beginning in the fall of 2003, in the amount of $1,000.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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Marlene Mossberger Woodfill, PhD Scholarship
Marlene Mossberger grew up in Streator, Illinois and was a 1952 graduate of the Methodist School of Nursing. She was a Staff Nurse, Head Nurse and Nursing Supervisor at various locations from 1952 - 1970. Dr. Mossberger returned to school in 1965 and earned the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Education (Major: Health Education) in 1968, Master of Arts (Major: Health Education) in 1973 and Doctor of Philosophy (Major: Health Education, Minor: Curriculum) in 1986. Dr. Mossberger's PhD. Dissertation was a history of School Nursing: The Role of the Nurse in the School Setting: An Historical View As Reflected in the Literature from 1902 Through 1982. The American School Health Association published a condensed version of this dissertation in 1991. A copy of this book can be found in the Methodist College of Nursing Historical Collection. Dr. Mossberger married Charles Woodfill in 1956 and they raised one daughter. She retired from active nursing in 1992. She currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.
Award Criteria:
- An individual who is enrolled in the Methodist College of Nursing as a Junior or Senior and meets the stated award criteria shall be eligible to receive the Marlene Mossberger Woodfill Scholarship.
- Applications may be submitted by students who have completed the first semester of study of their Junior year at the Methodist College of Nursing.
- Students in the BSN completion program will also be eligible.
- Junior, Senior or BSN Completion student who demonstrates:
- A 3.0 GPA or higher with a demonstrated commitment to achieve academic excellence.
- Priority consideration will be given to a student who demonstrates or indicates an interest in pursuing a career in either Mental Health Nursing or School Nursing.
- Also requested by the donor are strong letters of recommendation from two Methodist College of Nursing faculty members. Letters should address the students ability to relate to patients and perform successfully as a nursing professional.
- This scholarship will be awarded every year, beginning in the fall of 2003, in the amount of $500.
- The award will be deposited in the student's College of Nursing Account and applied toward tuition and fee expenses.
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