School of Nursing - Development Opportunities

Scholarships, Awards & Endowments

Scholarships and awards for nursing students at UTMB have been made possible by the generosity of family, friends, and alumni of the School of Nursing. These gifts enable our students to gain recognition for their academic achievements and to continue their education with financial assistance. Scholarships and awards are also necessary to ensure that the school can recruit and retain students into our programs.

Students apply for assistance through the Office of Student Affairs. All applications are screened, and the final selection is made by a committee of selected faculty and community volunteers. The established criteria for each scholarship are available for review.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Joseph F. and Debbie Ackerman Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1996 by Mrs. Joseph F. Ackerman as a memorial to her husband and daughter. Mr. Ackerman was born in Hallettsville, Texas and worked for UTMB for a number of years before retiring in 1989. He died in Galveston, Texas on August 28, 1995.

Debbie Ackerman, born on June 23, 1956, was a popular student at Ball High School and was treasurer of the Art Club, a member of the French Club, Student Council and the Whirlettes. She died in November, 1971 at the age of 15.

The Deomeria "Dee" Ackerman Nursing Scholarship

Deomeria “Dee” Ackerman was born in Galveston, Texas on July 23, 1923. She graduated from Ball High School and attended Galveston College. She has been employed by American National Insurance Company, the Public Health Service, and National Marine Fisheries.

Mrs. Ackerman is a volunteer at Shriners Burn Hospital, UTMB, and St. Mary’s Hospital. She is President of the Grandmother’s Club, and President of the Rebecca Lodge.

This endowment is the second gift given by Mrs. Ackerman to the UTMB School of Nursing. Her commitment to nursing education is deeply appreciated by the school.

Betty P. Akins Nursing Scholarship

Mrs. Betty P. Akins, a 1950 graduate of the UTMB School of Nursing, established this scholarship in August 2001. Her wish is that it will enable students to obtain the skills and personal satisfaction that the nursing profession has given to her.

Irene A. Ando Nursing Scholarship

The Irene A. Ando Nursing Scholarship was established by Esther Ando in March, 1995 in memory of her sister, Irene, who was a 1943 graduate of the John Sealy Hospital School of Nursing. Ms. Irene A. Ando died in 1986 in Boerne, Texas. Ms. Ando requests that the scholarship be awarded to a student who expresses financial need.

Donald Barnett Scholarship

In memory of Donald R. Barnett, Ph.D., this scholarship was established by his close friend, Curtis W. Lambert. Mr. Lambert is a former UTMB director of development, administrator, and benefactor of students. Upon Mr. Lambert’s retirement from the university, the Curtis W. Lambert Scholarship was established and is awarded each year to a senior medical student and a graduate student. Mr. Lambert desired to expand the scholarship’s support to nursing students in tribute of Dr. Barnett’s outstanding career and to their mutual admiration of the nursing profession.

Dr. Barnett received his Master of Science degree in 1969 and his Ph.D. in 1971 from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UTMB. As a faculty member in the Department of Human Biological Chemistry and Genetics, he taught in many arenas including the UTMB School of Nursing.

The Marjorie Bartholf Student Nurse Loan Fund Endowment

The student nurse loan fund was endowed in February of 1996 to honor the memory of Miss Marjorie Bartholf, former Dean of the UTMB School of Nursing, who died in December of 1986. The endowment will sustain a program of no interest loans to students who are facing financial emergencies at the UTMB School of Nursing.

Miss Bartholf was appointed the first Dean of the UTMB School of Nursing in 1945 after serving as the director of nursing from 1942. After 18 years as Dean, she retired from UTMB as Dean Emeritus in 1963. While Dean of the school, both student enrollment and faculty members grew. In 1944, Miss Bartholf was paramount in the establishment of a degree program within the school rather than a diploma. The first master’s program in nursing for the state of Texas was offered through her efforts in 1952. She was a much beloved leader for nursing education and a role model in professional organizations throughout Texas.

The Dorothy Blume Scholarship

Ms. Blume received her B.S.N. from the University of Texas School of Nursing in Galveston in 1960 and continued her education with a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin in 1963. Dorothy enjoyed a long career in nursing education there, including serving as associate professor, assistant dean for undergraduate curriculum, and director of continuing education, system-wide. She is now enjoying retirement, living in Austin and the Hill Country and planning future camping trips. She is a member of many nursing organizations, including American Nurses Association and Texas Association of College Teachers.

While in Galveston, Ms. Blume was fortunate enough to receive a small but lifesaving scholarship to help her with her tuition. She has never forgotten this generosity extended to her so long ago, and her goal is to return the favor to nursing students today.

The Mary Alice Beaver Collerain ’38 Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Mr. Joseph B. Collerain, Sr., in memory of his wife, Mrs. Mary Alice Beaver Collerain. Mrs. Collerain graduated from the John Sealy College of Nursing, in 1938. She served the nursing profession for 25 years as a staff nurse and surgical nursing supervisor. She received the Rebecca Sealy Distinguished Nurse Alumnus Award, posthumously, in May 1990.

The Mary Alice Beaver Collerain Dean's Academic Advancement Fund for Nursing Students has also been founded by Mr. Collerain to provide tutorial services for UTMB students. The fund has truly had a positive influence on the success of our School of Nursing graduates.

Elaine Byron Cominsky Nursing Advancement Scholarship

Elaine Byron Cominsky is a member of the UTMB School of Nursing Class of 1945. She, her family and her friends have provided funds to award a scholarship to a student who is continuing his or her nursing education and who has demonstrated academic excellence.

Mrs. Cominsky is pleased to return some of the generosity shown to her over the years and to help other nurses develop their skills by continuing their education from associate degree to graduate and professional degrees.

Mrs. Cominsky worked with the San Jacinto College District for 31 years, where she served as director in the Department of Nursing Education, development chair of Health Sciences and the assistant to the chancellor for development.

The Grace R. Decker Nursing Scholarship

Ms. Grace Decker established this scholarship in September 2000 as a permanent legacy of her love for the nursing profession, and to assist aspiring students in achieving a fulfilling career in nursing.

Ms. Decker is a 1929 graduate of the UTMB School of Nursing. She received a B.S. in Nursing Education from the Incarnate Word College in San Antonio in 1947, and a M.S. in nursing education from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1953. Ms. Decker educated future nursing professionals in a varied career that included positions in Montana, Kentucky and Texas. She served her country as a captain and chief nurse in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Ms. Decker is a current resident of Galveston Island.

The Agnes MacDonald Edwards Nursing Scholarship

In 1993 Agnes MacDonald Edwards graduated from UTMB with her Master of Science in Nursing and began practicing as a geriatric nurse practitioner. Throughout her life, Agnes encouraged those around her to pursue the concept of life-long learning and served as a role model for her family and others. Agnes and her husband, John, had an active life as parents of two daughters and four sons.

After her youngest child was in school, Agnes returned to the workforce and began pursuing her B.S. degree from Marycrest College in Iowa. This degree was earned through hard work and dedication, and she later became the first director of the Clinton Iowa Hospice. After moving to Texas, her interest in caring for the elderly inspired her to enroll and complete her M.S.N. degree.

At the time of Agnes Edward’s death in September of 1999, her friends at UTMB and her family wanted an active memorial in her memory. This scholarship has been established to aid and support nursing careers in gerontology.

Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Endowment

Dr. E. Burke Evans established the Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Endowment in December 2001 as a lasting tribute to his grandmother and her namesake, his sister, Betty Lee Evans. After 50 years of experience in the Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. Evans wished to contribute this gift based on his strong belief of fostering nursing excellence at the bedside. With this endowment, funds will provide support to nursing students and acknowledge the clinical achievements of nursing professionals in the UTMB community.

Olga L. Falkenburg Scholarship

The estate of Olga L. Falkenburg, class of 1944, donated a generous gift to the School of Nursing so that scholarship assistance will be available to students pursuing a nursing education.

The Olga L. Falkenburg Scholarship was established in 2005

Robert E. Farr Nursing Scholarship

Ralph E. Farr established the Robert E. Farr Nursing Scholarship in honor of his father in May 2004. Funds from this endowment will provide scholarship support for a nursing student

The Mary V. Fenton Endowment Fund

Created in 1999, this endowment was established by Chloe Floyd, R.N., M.S.N., associate professor emeritus, to honor Dr. Mary V. Fenton, then dean of the School of Nursing. As both practitioner and educator, Chloe Floyd served the UTMB School of Nursing for more that 30 years. Her many roles included department chair of Medical-Surgical Nursing, interim dean, and spearheading the development of the nursing continuing education programs. The School of Nursing and the Alumni Association established an annual lecture series at Homecoming, The Chloe Floyd Lecture, in recognition of her countless and generous contributions to the school. She has been a teacher, colleague, and friend to many at UTMB.

With this endowment, the dean and future deans will have the opportunity to meet unforeseen needs of the school or to reward programs of excellence within the school.

Mary E. Fisher Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Mary E. Fisher Nursing Scholarship fund was first established through the School of Nursing Development Office to honor Mary Fisher’s many contributions to nursing. The scholarship has since been endowed by Ms. Fisher’s family.

Mary Fisher was a beloved faculty member at the UTMB School of Nursing for more than 10 years. Until her untimely death in August 2001, she graciously contributed her expertise, knowledge, and caring spirit to her students, patients, and the School of Nursing. Ms. Fisher began her nursing career as an ER nurse in Rochester, New York, and continued her education until she earned her Master’s in Education in 1975 from the University of Houston. In the 70’s and 80’s, Ms. Fisher was course coordinator at Galveston College before becoming a full professor. She moved to UTMB in 1991 where she continued to share her positive and enthusiastic ideals for nursing. Recognized by her peers and colleagues, Ms. Fisher received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching in May 2001.

John J. Gaherin Nursing Scholarship

Established in 2004 by Dr. Pamela G. Watson, Dean of the UTMB School of Nursing, this scholarship honors the memory of her father, John J. Gaherin.

Funds from this scholarship will assist a student with an interest in geriatric nursing.

Adele Garcia Nursing Scholarship

Adele Garcia is a proud 1956 graduate of the UTMB School of Nursing and a member of the Alumni Association's Hall of Fame. She is also proud of her 33 years of nursing service at UTMB.

Mrs. Garcia was head nurse in the Department of Medicine for 25 years and the assistant head nurse in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for five years before her retirement.

She is grateful for the help she received when she entered nursing school over 50 years ago, and she is honored to provide the funds to establish this endowed scholarship. Mrs. Garcia hopes that others may be encouraged by the assistance provided during their education and will be generous in helping others achieve a rewarding nursing career.

Edgar and Grace Gnitzinger Endowed Scholarship Fund for Geriatric Nursing

This award is made possible through the generosity of a $500,000 endowment bequeathed by Grace Gnitzinger. The endowment is divided between the baccalaureate, master�s and doctoral programs.

Louise English Hixon Nursing Scholarship

Mr. J.L. Hixon established this scholarship in June 2001 to honor his wife, Louise English Hixon, a 1934 graduate of the John Sealy College of Nursing. This permanent endowment provides scholarship support to students in the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at the UTMB School of Nursing.

The Ivalee Lucille Holtz Scholarship Fund

Miss Ivalee Lucille Holtz graduated from the John Sealy College of Nursing in 1938 and worked as a private duty nurse until World War II. Miss Holtz joined the Army Air Corps as one of the first flight nurses. She served in two overseas missions in the South Pacific and in Europe, and was recalled into active military service during the Korean conflict.

Miss Holtz changed her will in 1992, fulfilling her dream of helping aspiring nursing students. This dream stemmed from her experiences as a young woman during the Depression when she borrowed money from a neighbor, Mrs. Moran, to attend nursing school. This bequest from Miss Holtz will become a permanent endowment to the UTMB School of Nursing.

Miss Holtz died October 22, 1992 in San Antonio, Texas. Personal mementos from her military career are on display in the Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas.

The UTMB School of Nursing at Galveston is deeply grateful to Miss Holtz and has established the Ivalee Lucille Holtz Nursing Scholarship in her honor.

Ann Marie Hooser Scholarship

The Ann Marie Hooser Scholarship was established by Mrs. Hooser�s four daughters, Susanne Sullivan, Mary Lou Pawlowski, Betty Jane Gigliobianco and Nacy Gilman, as well as her many friends and family members to honor her lifetime career as a nurse.

Mrs. Hooser graduated from nursing school at United Hospital in Rye, New York. During World War II, with a strong sense of patriotism and adventure, and an independent spirit, she joined the war effort by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Her military service took her to the South Pacific, where she was stationed in Australia and New Guinea. While serving in the South Pacific she met and married Army Captain Bill Hooser from Tennessee in 1944.

Following the war, Mrs. Hooser worked as a nurse in hospitals in New York, New Orleans, Dallas and Houston. After retiring from nursing she continued to work as a volunteer at St. John Hospital in Nassau Bay, Texas.

Mrs. Hooser died May 1, 2003, a the age of 88

SON Scholarship Fund in Memory of Susan Kales

This award has been made possible by the family and friends of Susan Kales. Mrs. Kales, a 1997 graduate of the School of Nursing, passed away April 7, 2003.

The Hedwig Elisabeth Schroeder Kaufmann Nursing Scholarship

Elisabeth “Heddy” Schroeder Kaufmann was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela on Oct. 15, 1907, of German parents. She spent her youth in Venezuela and Germany, and as a young woman worked with a German company in Indonesia and later accepted a position with the German Embassy in Bangkok. There she met and married Jim Reints Bok. After the birth of their first child, Aletta, they moved to Indonesia where Marguerite was born.

During World War II, as a Dutch colony, Indonesia fell under Japanese control and the family members were placed into different concentration camps. Jim Reints Bok did not survive the war. After three-and-a-half years in concentration camps, upon the liberation by The Allied Forces, they were repatriated to Holland. Shortly after in 1946, Heddy decided to return her family to Venezuela. In Venezuela she met her second husband, Henry Kaufmann, and they had a daughter named Ingrid. Heddy was an active volunteer in her community and a loving mother to her children.

Established by her three daughters Aletta Linares, Marguerite Gregory and Ingrid Hamilton, and other family and friends in her memory, this fund is the first fund designated to assist students enrolled in the Flexible-Option Track at UTMB.

Kempner Fellowships in Doctoral Nursing

This award is made possible through the generosity of a fellowship provided by Harris and Eliza B. Kempner.

Annually more than 85 percent of the fund�s grants are awarded to organizations that benefit the people of Galveston. The grants cover the broad area of arts and historic preservation, community development, education, health and human services.

By terms of the Last Will and Testament of Daniel W, Kempner, the Jeane B. Kempner Fund was established to provide fellowships for graduates of the University of Texas Medical Branch to pursue advanced studies

Dr. and Mrs. Morton H. Leonard, Jr. Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in 1992 by Dr. and Mrs. Morton H. Leonard, Jr. to provide one scholarship each year to an incoming junior student who demonstrates academic excellence at the School of Nursing. Dr. Leonard is a graduate of UTMB and a faculty member of the UTMB Radiology department.

Mary Leonard, RN, BSN, a native of Ireland, is an English trained diploma nurse and certified midwife. She is a BSN graduate of the Flexible Option Track program at the UTMB School of Nursing.

The Barbara Grace Lockridge Mason Scholarship Fund

Mrs. Mason was a beloved faculty member at the UTMB School of Nursing from 1977–1995 and met untimely death in January of 2000. Barbara Lockridge Mason earned her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt, her master’s degree from Texas Women’s University in 1977, and a doctorate in education from the University of Houston in 1987. As a tenured associated professor of nursing, her specialty was gerontology. Her many honors included receiving the President’s Award of Distinction from Vanderbilt University in 1997. Mrs. Mason enjoyed gardening, quilting, traveling, and was very active in the Texas Triumph Register Car Club.

This scholarship fund has been established to memorialize an outstanding and dedicated health care professional.

The Odelia B. McCarley Nursing Scholarship

Mrs. McCarley was born in Port Arthur, Texas in 1908, and graduated from the University of Texas School of Nursing-Galveston in 1926. Upon completing her training, Mrs. McCarley joined the staff at UTMB as a graduate nurse in charge of a ward. After working in Austin as a nurse during World War II, she settled in San Antonio, married Jodie W. McCarley, and had one daughter, Martha. Together the family flourished in business where Odelia was very involved in promoting healthy practices for the employees.

The Odelia B. McCarley Nursing Scholarship Fund Endowment established in 1999 will help support not just nursing scholarships, but also nursing research projects and special projects for undergraduate and graduate students.

Agnes J. McCloskey Nursing Fund

The Agnes J. McCloskey Scholarship fund was established by Ms. Maureen Fitzgerald in honor of her cousin, Miss Agnes J. McCloskey. Ms. McCloskey trained at a small nursing program south of Boston, where she also received her certificate in nursing. She then earned her bachelors degree in nursing from Rutgers and practiced in hospitals and as a private care nurse prior to joining the army reserves during World War II. She was stationed in Germany during and after the war. This experience was her first in treating traumatized patients. After the war, she was recruited by veterans services and continued a long career serving in psychiatric wards of veteran hospitals in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Colorado, and Wyoming. She retired from nursing in 1974.

This fund will provide annual scholarships in the spring and fall semesters to aspiring nursing students interested in the Psychiatric and Mental Health Practitioner Program.

Martha Montgomery Nursing Scholarship

Dr. C. L. Montgomery, a 1954 graduate of the UTMB School of Medicine, established this scholarship to honor his wife, Martha A. Montgomery, and the graduating Class of 1952 from the John Sealy College of Nursing. This gift will provide scholarship support to students in the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at the UTMB School of Nursing.

The Linda Anne Mount Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1995 by the family and friends of Linda Anne Mount, a 1995 graduate of the UTMB School of Nursing, who died of a sudden illness in July, 1995. Ms. Mount attended Trinity Episcopal School and graduated from Ball High School in 1988. She received a Biomedical Science degree from Texas A&M in 1992. She entered nursing school in 1993, and graduated in May, 1995, with her R.N./B.S.N.

This memorial scholarship is a lasting and most fitting tribute to a fine young woman and nurse.

Katherine Shuberg Oppermann Scholarship Fund

Katherine Shuberg Oppermann (1907–1984) was a graduate of the University of Texas School of Nursing-Galveston, Class of 1929. To honor her love of nursing and her contributions to patients and community, the Oppermann family has endowed the Katherine Shuberg Oppermann Scholarship Fund. This fund will be used to provide scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students.

Patricia Ann Nelson Paden

Establishes by Dr. Carolyn Nelson-Becker and Keith Becker in 2004, the Patricia Ann Nelson Paden Scholarship honors the memory of Dr. Nelson-Becker�s aunt. Although not a registered nurse, Patricia Ann Nelson Paden served as a nurse to many members of the Paden family.

This endowment will provide scholarship support for one nursing student who shows promise and a keen interest in obstetrical nursing.

Geraldine Dye Parker Nursing Scholarship

Wade M. Parker, M.D. established the Geraldine Dye Parker Nursing Scholarship in honor of his loving wife to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. In March 2001, at the 50-year homecoming anniversary of her graduation from the John Sealy College of Nursing, Mrs. Parker was surprised with the presentation of the scholarship in her name by Dr. Parker. Mrs. Parker is a member of the class of 1951, often referred to as the “Mighty Ten.”

Don W. Powell, M.D., Endowed Graduate Scholarship in Pediatric Nursing

The Don W. Powell, M.D., Endowed Graduate Scholarship in Pediatric Nursing was established by Dennis E. Miller and Jerry L. Scales. This permanent endowment provides scholarship support to students enrolled in graduate studies for pediatric nursing

The Estalee Price Discretionary Fund for Nursing

As a 1939 graduate from the John Sealy College of Nursing, Mrs. Price credits her sisters for helping to make her dream of becoming part of the nursing profession a reality. Mrs. Price remembers her alma mater as a special place and has made her endowment in memory of her two sisters, Opal and Loretta Morris, and her brother, Guy Morris. This discretionary fund was set up by Mrs. Price to help the dean with priority financial needs in the School of Nursing in March of 2000.

After graduating from UTMB, Mrs. Price continued to pursue her education and in 1945 received a B.S. in Nursing Education from Columbia University in New York. As a young nursing professional, Mrs. Price returned to UTMB as a faculty member and a dedicated clinical nurse until leaving UTMB for a rewarding career as the director of nursing at the Mexia State School. Mrs. Price currently resides in Mexia, Texas.

Stanley E. and Jane E. Saikin Scholarship

To commemorate the 50th wedding anniversary of Dr. and Mrs. Stanley E. Saikin, the Saikin children initiated this scholarship in May 2001. It has since become endowed and is a fitting and lasting tribute to Dr. and Mrs. Saikin who have embraced and loved their chosen professions. Jane E. Saikin graduated from the John Sealy College of Nursing of Nursing in 1951 and is a member of the class affectionately known as the “Mighty Ten.” Dr. Stanley E. Saikin is a 1953 graduate of the UTMB School of Medicine. The endowment will provide scholarships at UTMB on a rotating basis for both nursing and medical students.

Mary Ann and Steven C. Salch Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Nursing

This award is made possible through the generosity or Mr. and Mrs. Steven C. Salch. The scholarship was established as an expression of their gratitude and belief in the mission and work of UTMB. Mr. Salch serves on the UTMB Development Board, and Mrs. Salch is an active member of the School of Nursing Advisory Council.

Funds from this endowment shall be used to provide scholarship support for students enrolled in the School of Nursing.

Salute to Nursing Scholarship

As a result of the first Salute to Nursing Golf Tournament and Party initiated by the School of Nursing Advisory Council in October, 1994, the Salute to Nursing scholarship was endowed in Spring of 1995 with partial proceeds of this event. This scholarship is available for undergraduate or graduate students who have enrolled or who have been accepted into the UTMB School of Nursing. It also can be used to recruit outstanding students. The golf tournament will continue each year to benefit nursing scholarships. A portion of the net income will be added to the endowment. The current market value of this endowment after the eleventh fund-raiser is an estimated $1,000,000.

Captain Anita P. Satterly Scholarship in Nursing

This scholarship was established in November, 1994, by the family and friends of Captain Anita P. Satterly who was chief nurse, Public Health Service Region VII, and an alumna of the UTMB School of Nursing. Captain Satterly was awarded the Outstanding Service Medal with Gold Star, the Surgeon General’s Medal for Exemplary Service, the PHS Citation, and the PHS Unit Citation with Bronze Star. She was named Outstanding Texan of Filipino Ancestry and her picture with her history has been on display in the permanent exhibit on the Philippines at the Institute of Texas Cultures at the University of Texas at San Antonio since 1984. Captain Satterly is the 1995 Distinguished Alumnus for UTMB School of Nursing Alumni Association.

The Captain Anita P. Satterly Scholarship is awarded to senior or graduate-level nursing students who exemplify Captain Satterly’s integrity and service ideals.

The Minnie and Ward Savage Presidential Scholarships

These scholarships were graciously donated by Mrs. Savage in September of 1999. It is her wish that these funds are used to assist students to receive the finest education, to aid future scientific discoveries, and to promote dedicated patient care.

The Annie P. Schmiedeberg Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship was established from the estate of Margaret E. Manning, a Galveston resident, to honor her mother, Annie P. Schmiedeberg who was a nurse. It will provide scholarships for students in the undergraduate and graduate level programs at the School of Nursing.

Margaret Edith Manning was a life-long resident of Galveston. During her lifetime, she was keenly aware of the many medical education, health care and research activities in which UTMB was involved. She was an avid reader of the university’s publication, Impact, and took great pride in the growth and accomplishments of the university.

Ms. Manning had only a sixth grade education, but she was gifted with great intelligence and a desire to learn that led to self-instruction well beyond her age in academic years. This wide range of intellectual interests, along with her respect and pride in UTMB prompted her to make a bequest to the university, the Annie P. Schmiedeberg Nursing Scholarship Endowment.

Karen H. and Donald L. Sexton Scholarship Award Fund

Dr. Karen Sexton and Mr. Donald L. Sexton established this endowment in 2005 to assist a nursing student who expresses a strong interest in and commitment to pursuing excellence in culturally competent nursing practice.

Dr. Sexton, a registered nurse, is vice president and CEO for UTMB hospitals and clinics.

The Arthur V. Simmang Scholarship

This scholarship was established from the estate of Dr. Arthur Vincent Simmang in the summer of 1996 to provide an annual scholarship award to a qualified student in each of the four schools at UTMB. Dr. Simmang was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1912 and attended medical school in Austin. He served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force in Europe and New Guinea in World War II. He returned to the United States in 1951 and was assigned to March Field in Riverside, California.

In 1955, Dr. Simmang became medical director of the Livermore Sanitarium in Livermore, California, serving until 1963. He then opened a private practice in Fresno, California. He retired in 1984 and died on May 28, 1994.

The Mary Hilda Smith-Tidwell Nursing Scholarship

Albert Einstein once said “Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.” Mary Hilda Smith-Tidwell personified this quote by helping others both personally and professionally. When she was not serving others in the operating room, she served them in her church or her community. A 1947 graduate from the John Sealy College of Nursing, Ms. Smith-Tidwell described her experiences as a young nurse with the Texas City disaster when she returned to the island for her 50th anniversary celebration. She also was the founding member of the Texas Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN).

This scholarship was established in January 2000 by her son, Ross Smith, along with many other donations from family and friends, to honor the memory of an outstanding nurse and community volunteer.

The Ralph and Mary John Spence Centennial Scholarship Fund

This award is made possible through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Spence of Tyler, Texas. The Spences were on the UTMB Development Board. The award is presented annually to an outstanding student from one of the four UTMB Schools. Mr. and Mrs. Spence are responsible for the lovely rose garden located on the UTMB campus, "The Gleaves T. James Centennial Rose Garden." Mr. Ralph Spence died in the fall of 1995.

The Betty Sherman Sterling Nursing Scholarship Fund

Betty S. Sterling, who says she always wanted to be a nurse, is a 1946 graduate of the UTMB School of Nursing. In May 1991, Mrs. Sterling’s donation established the school’s first scholarship endowment fund, The Betty Sherman Sterling Nursing Scholarship Fund. The income earned from the endowment is used to provide annual student scholarships. She and her husband, Jim, live in Dayton, Texas. Betty Sterling is an active member of the school's Advisory Council.

SON Stellar Scholarships

Stellar Scholarships are an opportunity for incoming baccalaureate and master�s students to be rewarded for their outstanding scholarly achievements, leadership and commitment to high personal and professional ethics.

Sjoerd Steunebrink Scholarship

Sjoerd Steunebrink immigrated to Richmond, Virginia from the Netherlands in 1956 where he completed another year of medical internship. He practiced family medicine for four years in West Virginia followed by a residency in anesthesia at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Following this, he practiced anesthesia in Houston for 23 years in a medical partnership. In 1983, he went to El Paso to teach and to supervise anesthesia at the military hospital. In 1984, he moved to Boise, Idaho where he did physical exams for military service recruits.

This scholarship was established from the estate of Sjoerd Steunebrink for use on a rotating basis to help a student from all four schools at UTMB. Students are selected on the basis of proven academic ability and financial need.

The Margaret Rehm Traber Nursing Scholarship

Margaret Rehm Traber, a 1925 graduate of the University of Texas School of Nursing-Galveston, began her nursing career at Victoria Hospital where she was named superintendent of nurses in 1949. She passed away in 1981. Mrs. Traber was known throughout her career for the special care she gave her patients and the guidance and encouragement she offered to fellow nurses.

She was the mother of Dr. Daniel L. Traber, director of the UTMB Integrated Functional Laboratory and professor of Anesthesiology and Physiology & Biophysics.

The University Federal Credit Union Scholarship

This award is made possible through the generous contribution of the University Federal Credit Union Scholarship. The University Federal Credit Union granted two scholarships to the School of Nursing Ph.D. Program and to the Graduate School. These two scholarships are to assist students to meet the increasing financial demands of pursuing their graduate education and assist with research costs as the students research their areas of interest.

University Federal Credit Union � Jeanette Abbott Memorial Scholarship

The University Federal Credit Union Scholarship began in 1995 to assist students in the School of Nursing and the School of Allied Health Sciences at UTMB.

The scholarship was renamed in 2003 in honor of Jeanette Abbott, who served as assistant branch manager of the Galveston Branch of the credit union for 30 years.

Mrs. Abbott died April 19, 2003.

UTMB School of Nursing Class of 1968 Scholarship

The members of UTMB School of Nursing Class of 1968 joined forces to establish this scholarship in honor of their education and in memory of deceased classmates, Gayle Aicklen Higgins and Betty Ledbetter Kuehler.

While the Class of 1968 Scholarship recognizes an outstanding student, it is also a tribute to the generosity and vision of UTMB School of Nursing Alumni.

UTMB Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship in Memory of Rosa Mae Pietsch

The UTMB Hospital Auxiliary Endowed Scholarship was established in October, 1993 to assist undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at The UTMB School of Nursing. This fund was originally established in memory of Rosa Mae Pietsch, an Auxiliary member and volunteer, who died in 1966.

UTMB Retirees Association Academic Scholarship Fund

Formed in 1987, the UTMB Retirees Association provides opportunities for retirees to remain closely associated with the university and identifies needs of the retiree community, extending beneficial services to its members

Jack and Jeanette Kristynik Ward Nursing Scholarship

The Jack and Jeanette Kristynik Ward Nursing Scholarship was established by Dr. and Mrs. John A. Ward to honor Mrs. Ward, whom he met at John Sealy Hospital while she was a nurse. Dr. and Mrs. Ward are both graduates of UTMB; the School of Medicine class of 1958 and the School of Nursing class of 1959 respectively. The Wards initiated this gift to UTMB to commemorate the couple’s successes in their chosen professions and for 45 years of marital bliss. This endowment will provide scholarship support to nursing students enrolled in or accepted to the UTMB School of Nursing.

The Vera C. Warrington Memorial Fund

Vera Caldwell Warrington of Lufkin was a 1945 graduate of the John Sealy College of Nursing. As valedictorian of her class, she had a distinguished career as a registered nurse. Following her death in May 1999, this scholarship fund was established by her husband, F. D. Jack Warrington, and other family and friends.

William A. and Madeline Welder Smith Foundation Nursing Scholarship

Established in 1992, the William A. and Madeline Welder Smith Foundation has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting scholarships in the State of Texas.

The foundation was inspired by Steven and Mary Ann Salch�s contribution to UTMB, as part of the Timeless Values, Pioneering Solutions campaign, and elected to invest in each of the university�s four schools by supporting students who will serve as the next generation of health care scientists and practitioners.

The Nancy Snyder Young Scholarship

Nancy Snyder Young graduated from the University of Kansas where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. She was a member of The Assistance League of Houston and served on the Development Board of the Institute of Texas Cultures in San Antonio. Nancy’s spirit and positive attitude allowed her to be a great inspiration, source of strength, and role model for all who knew her.

After a long, valiant battle with cancer, Nancy Snyder Young died on April 1, 1998. Her husband, William E. Young, who was a member of the UTMB School of Nursing Advisory Council, and two children survive her. Her family and friends felt that an endowed scholarship named in her honor was a fitting tribute.

AWARDS

Eleanor Brasher Farley and Stephanie Farley Pardue
Memorial for Nursing Awards

The Eleanor Brasher Farley, R.N., M.S.N., and Stephanie Farley Pardue Memorial for Nursing Awards were established in 1990. Eleanor Brasher Farley was the mother of Stephanie Farley Pardue, School of Nursing alumnus class of 1970. Mrs. Farley was dedicated to professional nursing, having received her master's degree in nursing from Corpus Christi State University. She retired from teaching nursing at Del Mar College. She was actively involved in professional nursing, having worked as a head nurse and supervisor, as a school nurse, and as an instructor in nursing. Mrs. Farley was known for her excellence in nursing practice, education, and administration.

Stephanie Farley Pardue, R.N., Ed.D., was a faculty member at the UTMB School of Nursing from 1972 to 1990. Dr. Pardue received her B.S.N. from the School of Nursing in 1970, her M.S.N. from Texas Women's University in 1973, and her doctorate from the University of Houston in 1978. She served as Associate Dean for the School of Nursing from 1985 to 1987. At the time of her death in 1990, Dr. Pardue was a professor in the Department of Mental Health/Management at the School of Nursing.

Dr. Pardue was a dedicated and gifted teacher and will always be remembered by her students and colleagues. She took great pride in UTMB School of Nursing and was always willing to go the extra step to make it an outstanding school. Members of the School of Nursing faculty and staff remember her as committed to her profession and as someone who had a genuine concern for everyone she worked with or taught. Many of Dr. Pardue's former students have said that she was a valued mentor long after graduation.

The Mary and William McGanity Awards

These awards were established by Mary and William McGanity in 1991. Dr. McGanity served as chair and professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for 29 years. Mrs. McGanity was a medical technologist in the Department of Pathology, Division of Chemistry for 16 years. The Mary and William McGanity Award is given annually to a nursing student for outstanding academic performance and clinical excellence in Maternal and Neonatal health.

The Rebecca Sealy Distinguished Nurse Alumnus Award

The Rebecca Sealy Distinguished Nurse Award was established by Mr. George Sealy, III, a direct descendant of the Sealy family. His grandfather, George Sealy, was the brother of John Sealy, the benefactor of the original John Sealy Hospital. Rebecca Sealy was John’s wife.

Rebecca Sealy was instrumental in raising the needed funds to establish and support the John Sealy Training School for Nurses. The school was the first school for nurses in the state, and among the first in the country. Mrs. Sealy maintained her support for nursing and the school through her leadership in its Board of Lady Managers, which assumed the responsibility for supporting it. Established in 1990, The Rebecca Sealy Distinguished Nurse Alumnus Award is given on an annual basis to a distinguished alumnus from the School of Nursing for excellence in one or more of the following areas: clinical practice, education, administration, organizational work involving health care or innovation in health care delivery systems.

2005 SCHOLARSHIPS

Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Endowment

Lila Muzik, R.N., M.S.N, FNP

Nursing Program Manager

Women�s and Infants� Administration

Deomeria �Dee� Ackerman Nursing Scholarship

Ronica Case Baccalaureate Program

Joseph F. and Debbie Ackerman Nursing Scholarship

Sara Birdsong Baccalaureate Program

Betty P. Atkins Nursing Scholarship

Eleanor Belen Baccalaureate Program

Ronica Case Baccalaureate Program

Kimberly Whitfield Master�s Program

Irene A. Ando Nursing Scholarship

Cynthia Chaney Master�s Program

Hope Cuddeback Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N Program

Kathy Pennington Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N Program

Annual Fund, SON Greatest Needs Scholarships

Charnita Anderson Baccalaureate Program

Angela Douglas Baccalaureate Program

Victoria Guthrie Baccalaureate Program

Donald Barnett Scholarship

Cynthia Chaney Master�s Program

Dorothy M. Blume Nursing Scholarship

Sharon Dillard Master�s Program

Susan Edge Master�s Program

Mary Alice Beaver Collerain �38 Scholarship

Tina Beasley Baccalaureate R.N/B.S.N Program

Allison Kerr Baccalaureate Program

Lynette Schoonover Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N Program

Kathleen Smith Baccalaureate Program

Elaine Byron Cominsky Nursing Advancement Scholarship

Phommalone Nguyen Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N Program

Nancy Lampton Baccalaureate Program

Grace R. Decker Nursing Scholarship

Amy Pope Master�s Program

Debra Hardy Baccalaureate Program

Precisse Woods Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N. Program

Agnes MacDonald Edwards Nursing Scholarship

Debra Hardy Baccalaureate Program

Olga L. Falkenburg Scholarship

Warren Andrade Baccalaureate Program

Mary E. Fisher Nursing Scholarship

Brandon Bredimus Baccalaureate Program

Jiangang Xie Baccalaureate Program

John J. Gaherin Nursing Scholarship

Alexandra Peskuric Baccalaureate Program

Adele Garcia Nursing Scholarship

Alexandro Vasquez Baccalaureate Program

Edgar and Grace Gnitzinger Endowed Scholarship Fund for Geriatric Nursing

Julia Bray Crim Baccalaureate Program

Jennifer Brotten Master�s Program

Wendy Hull Master�s Program

Catherine Garza Master�s Program

Leslie Lindholm Master�s Program

Veronica Mendoza Baccalaureate Program

Michele Noah Master�s Program

Verena Ollikkala Baccalaureate Program

John O�Neill Baccalaureate Program

Holly St. Clair Master�s Program

Kimberly Young Baccalaureate Program

Stephanie Zurovee Baccalaureate Program

Louise English Hixon Nursing Scholarship

Christina Bricker Baccalaureate Program

Amber Human Baccalaureate Program

Alexandro Vasquez Baccalaureate Program

Ivalee Lucille Holtz Scholarship

Liwayway Andrade Baccalaureate Program

Betty Dunn Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N Program

Aisabeth Hearron Baccalaureate Program

Colleen Hicks Baccalaureate Program

Kasie Martin Master�s Program

Rhonda Morrison Master�s Program

Phommalone Nguyen Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N Program

Maria Patawaran Master�s Program

Jennifer Tiller Master�s Program

Ann Marie Hooser Scholarship

Tracie Stratton Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N. Program

SON Scholarship Fund in Memory of Susan Kales

Virginia Beasley Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N. Program

Hedwig Elisabeth Schroeder Kaufmann Nursing Scholarship

Sarah Breland Baccalaureate Program

Abegail Lopez Master�s Program

Precisse Woods Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N. Program

Kempner Fellowships in Doctoral Nursing

Eugenia Blomstrom Doctoral Program

Kim Crocker Doctoral Program

David Crowther Doctoral Program

Mary Gordon Doctoral Program

Brenda Halbardier Doctoral Program

Marilyn Haupt Doctoral Program

Pamela Haylock Doctoral Program

Cathy Hueske Doctoral Program

Connie Ilkiw Doctoral Program

Susan McConnell Doctoral Program

Rosie Morales Doctoral Program

Karen O�Brien Doctoral Program

Margaret Ottenbacher Doctoral Program

Dr. and Mrs. Morton H. Leonard, Jr. Scholarship

Kristi Dowell Baccalaureate Program

Barbara Grace Lockridge Mason Scholarship

Lisa Ginapp Master�s Program

Kimberly Young Baccalaureate Program

Odelia B. McCarley Nursing Scholarship

Cherie Atkinson Baccalaureate Program

Erica Cochran Baccalaureate Program

Julia Cordova Baccalaureate Program

Anna Denton Baccalaureate Program

E. Yvonne Fleissner Baccalaureate Program

Holly Gruwell Baccalaureate Program

Christie Huynh Baccalaureate R.N/B.S.N Program

Chrissy LaComb Master�s Program

Robert Mijares Master�s Program

Kathy Pennington Baccalaureate R.N/B.S.N Program

Amy Pope Master�s Program

Lisa Sansalone Master�s Program

Amanda Stokes Baccalaureate Program

Katherine Turner Baccalaureate Program

Kimberly Whitfield Master�s Program

Kathryn Willits Master�s Program

Agnes J. McCloskey Nursing Fund

Brandon Bredimus Baccalaureate Program

Amanda Douglas Baccalaureate Program

Amy Pope Master�s Program

Linda Ann Mount Memorial Scholarship

Colleen Calderon Baccalaureate Program

Lorena Colunga Baccalaureate Program

Katherine Shuberg Oppermann Scholarship

Lorena Colunga Baccalaureate Program

Kristi Dowell Baccalaureate Program

Meghan Stork Master�s Program

Patricia Ann Nelson Paden

Kristi Crouch Baccalaureate R.N/B.S.N Program

Amy Gillespie Master�s Program

Geraldine Dye Parker Nursing Scholarship

Stacy Carwile Baccalaureate Program

Stephen Bird Baccalaureate Program

Don W. Powell, M.D., Endowed Graduate Scholarship in Pediatric Nursing

Amy McLauchlan Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N. Program

Amanda Kirk Baccalaureate Program

Cathy Vo Baccalaureate Program

Salute to Nursing Scholarship

Warren Andrade Baccalaureate Program

Courtney Barrett Baccalaureate Program

Sherilyn Berthet Baccalaureate Program

Pamela Cable Baccalaureate R.N/B.S.N Program

David Crowther Doctoral Program

Danny Do Baccalaureate Program

Kathryn Faircloth Baccalaureate Program

Elizabeth Gressle Doctoral Program

Brenda Halbardier Doctoral Program

Kylie Johnson Baccalaureate Program

Jennifer Kelly Doctoral Program

Virginia Little Baccalaureate Program

Lera Susan Lucero Doctoral Program

Thomas Mendez Doctoral Program

Amy Moreno Baccalaureate Program

Karen O�Brien Doctoral Program

Danielle Williams Baccalaureate Program

Sarah Williams Baccalaureate Program

Nicole Wogan Baccalaureate Program

Captain Anita P. Satterly Scholarship in Nursing

Jan Dundas Master�s Program

Michele Noah Master�s Program

Scholastica Nwondo Master�s Program

Minnie and Ward Savage Presidential Scholarship in Nursing

Sarah Baldwin Baccalaureate Program

Rosicela Guiterrez Baccalaureate Program

Nancy Lampton Baccalaureate Program

Sherry Matos Baccalaureate Program

Della McMillion Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N. Program

Stephanie Milne Baccalaureate Program

Annie P. Schmiedelberg Nursing Scholarship

Cindy Ceynar Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N. Program

Alici Comeaux Baccalaureate Program

Kaydi Dimmick Baccalaureate Program

Anne Wegner Baccalaureate Program

Karen H. and Donald L. Sexton Scholarship Award Fund

Yvonne Jacobo Baccalaureate Program

Mary Hilda Smith-Tidwell Nursing Scholarship

Spencer Allen Baccalaureate Program

Lavelva Madden Master�s Program

Betty Sherman Sterling Nursing Scholarship Fund

Elva Alcocer Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N Program

Paul Basak Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N Program

Martha Denson Master�s Program

Stephanie Hyden Master�s Program

Joye Patrick Baccalaureate Program

Kathleen Pennington Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N Program

SON Stellar Scholarships

Dustin Crumby Baccalaureate Program

Jennifer Robinson Baccalaureate Program

Amy Lorton Baccalaureate Program

Erin Nutter Baccalaureate Program

Cynthia Chaney Master�s Program

Lisa Robinson Master�s Program

The Margaret Rehm Traber Nursing Scholarship

Shanna O�Donnell Master�s Program

Mickey Kinzer Baccalaureate Program

University Federal Credit Union Scholarship

Elizabeth Gressle Doctoral Program

David Crowther Doctoral Program

Lena Rippstein Doctoral Program

Margaret Ottenbacher Doctoral Program

University Federal Credit Union � Jeanette Abbott Memorial Scholarship

Julie Clowers Baccalaureate Program

Angela Douglas Baccalaureate Program

Victoria Gutherie Baccalaureate Program

UTMB Hospital Auxiliary Endowed Scholarship in the Memory of Rosa Mae Pietsch

Stephen Bird Baccalaureate Program

UTMB Retirees Association Academic Scholarship Fund

Susan Motazedian Baccalaureate Program

UTMB Nursing Class of 1968 Scholarship

Charnita Anderson Baccalaureate Program

Julia Bray Crim Baccalaureate Program

Jack and Jeanette Kristynik Ward Nursing Scholarship

Ann Agu Baccalaureate Program

Sharon Hellman Master�s Program

Tracy Stratton Baccalaureate R.N./B.S.N. Program

Mishelle Serrate Baccalaureate Program

Vera C. Warrington Memorial Fund

Tammy Collins Baccalaureate Program

Sharon Hellman Master�s Program

William A, and Madeline Welder Smith Foundation Nursing Scholarship

Flora Aguirre Master�s Program

Tolupe Bambe Baccalaureate Program

Laura Nwozu Baccalaureate Program

Nancy Snyder Young Scholarship

Teshawna Helmen Baccalaureate Program

Spencer Allen Baccalaureate Program

2005 ENDOWED AWARDS

Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Endowment

Lila Muzik, R.N., M.S.N, FNP

Mary and William McGanity Award for Maternal and Neonatal Health

Colleen Hicks Baccalaureate Program

Gregorio Villarreal Baccalaureate Program

Mary Beth Lott Upchurch Award

Dorace Bedard Master�s Program

Susan Edge Master�s Program