Published on May 20, 2011

Genesis Nursing Scholarships Awarded

Six college nursing students have been awarded scholarships of $10,000 each from the Genesis Foundations.

Earning the 2011 scholarships are Danika Sawyer, a graduate of Calamus-Wheatland High School who is a student at St. Ambrose University; Michelle Schebler, a student at St. Ambrose University; Sheila Hanlon, a graduate of Sterling, Ill., High School who is a student at St. Ambrose University; Christina Grimm, a graduate of Pleasant Valley High School who is a student at Coe College; Kaitlon Gallon, a graduate of United Township High School in East Moline who is a student at Illinois State University and Anne Kuttler, a graduate of Davenport Central High School who is a student at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

The Genesis Foundations provide scholarships for students enrolled in an undergraduate baccalaureate-nursing program in an Iowa or Illinois college or university.

The scholarships are offered as loans that are forgivable if the recipient works within Genesis Health System for two years on a full-time basis upon completion of their degree.  The scholarships are available to students in the 10-county region of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois served by Genesis Health System.

The Genesis Foundations also award health careers scholarships to Genesis employees. A total of 38 degree-completion scholarships were recently awarded to to Genesis employees.

Scholarships supported by gifts and by special events allow Genesis to build long-term relationships with highly trained and skilled health professionals who provide quality care to patients. This year's scholarships were supported in part by the proceeds of the 2010 Genesis Pro-Am Challenge.

Proceeds from the Genesis Pro-Am Challenge on Aug. 22 will be used to fund 2012 nursing scholarships. The investment in nursing education is considered essential to ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

"By establishing strong relationships with nursing students, Genesis is planning for our future needs to provide the best care possible for patients,'' said Judy Pranger, chief nurse executive and vice president, Genesis Health System. "We are always reaching out to students in health careers with the hope that they will become valued Genesis employees in the future.''

Scholarship recipients were recognized on May 10 at the annual Distinguished Nurse Lecture.

For more information about Genesis Foundation scholarships, go to www.genesishealth.com/scholarships.

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