The College of Nursing and Health Sciences has awarded $148,830 in academic scholarships for 2020-2021 to 82 students including DNP, BSN-EC and BSN-MF, BSN-Completion students and Pre-Nursing students. Solid academic records and strong commitment to various areas of nursing service were the criteria for many of the scholarships. Details for each scholarship can be found using the Gold for Blugolds Scholarship Network.
Descriptions of each scholarship and this year's recipients are listed below.
John and Hilde Bacharach Scholarship
Jacqueline Ganser – Appleton, WI
For students majoring in nursing with an emphasis in community or public health; must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Mr. Bacharach was the Director of the Eau Claire City County Health Department and Mrs. Bacharach taught German in the Foreign Language Department.
Elizabeth Barnes & Robert Fugate Memorial Scholarship
Kelsey Halopka – Greenwood, WI
Jennifer Meacham – Eau Claire, WI
Allison Nowaskey – Menomonie, WI
For outstanding and deserving students enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Dr. Nancy Fugate Woods is a graduate of our first nursing class and is the former Dean of Nursing and current Professor at the University of Washington School of Nursing. She established this scholarship in honor of her parents.
William Bartlett Native American Nursing Scholarship
Sydney Maxon – Green Bay, WI
Lexington Wager – Rice Lake, WI
For Native American students who demonstrate professional commitment, personal integrity, and the potential for success in nursing coursework.
Bauer Built Family Health Nursing Scholarship
Kelsey Smith – Rice Lake, WI
For students interested in family health nursing who show promise in the nursing profession. Bauer Built, through the efforts of Mr. Jerry Bauer, established this scholarship in recognition of the great need for health care professionals in Wisconsin.
William and Kathryn Bergman BSN Completion Scholarship
Fern Anderson – Eau Claire, WI
Brianna Roth – Chippewa Falls, WI
For students working to complete the BSN Completion program. The scholarship is intended to support one 3-credit course and any required books, per semester.
Marjorie S. Bottoms Scholarship
John Spencer – Pigeon Falls, WI
For graduate students in the nursing administration or education role preparations; in honor of Dr. Bottoms, a former Associate Dean and Educational Administrator of the School of Nursing.
Mary Jo Boyne Nursing Scholarship
Autumn Adler – Tomah, WI
For nursing students, with preference given to students at the Marshfield campus.
Joyce M. Brown Nursing Scholarship
Andrew Weigel – La Crescent, WI
For a student in the College of Nursing with demonstrated financial need and show promise in the nursing profession. Joyce Brown attended the School of Nursing in the late sixties and treasured her time there. She went on to acquire a law degree, but her heart was always with nursing.
Helen Brunclik German Nursing Scholarship
Hannah Walker – Eau Claire, WI
For undergraduate or graduate nursing students, with preference being given to nontraditional students. This scholarship was established by Dr. John Thurston, a long-time professor of psychology at UW-Eau Claire, and a clinical psychologist. Dr. Thurston created this scholarship in honor of Ms. Helen Brunclik German, the former Director of Nursing of the Luther Hospital nursing program.
Audrey Bryan Memorial Scholarship
Kayla Gardner – Eau Claire, WI
For graduate nursing students with a strong interest and enthusiasm for working with families with children. Dr. Bryan was a member of the School of Nursing faculty from 1987 until her death in 2001.
Andrew D and Anna Burish Nursing Scholarship
Christopher Sanders – Blue Earth, MN
For first-generation college students in nursing with strong academic records and great promise as nurses. Mr. and Mrs. Burish are first-generation college graduates (in business); Mr. Burish is one of the nation's top financial advisers. They appreciate the role nursing professionals play in our communities.
Cindy's Nursing Scholarship
Jillian Filtz – Chippewa Falls, WI
For junior enrolled in the nursing program. Preference will be given to a first-generation college student, a single parent, or a student from a diverse background, in that order. This scholarship is funded by Cindy Sesolak, a 1976 UW-Eau Claire nursing graduate. She also earned her Masters in Nursing from UW-Eau Claire in 1993.
Marguerite Coffman Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Eleanor Sladek – De Pere, WI
For an undergraduate or graduate student in nursing with at least a B+ grade point average and motivation and commitment to the nursing profession. Ms. Coffman was the founding Dean of the School of Nursing and served the University from 1964-1977.
Barbara David Nursing Scholarship
Lily Firkus – Stevens Point, WI
For nursing students, with preference given to students at the Marshfield campus.
Loretta Donnellan Nursing Scholarship
Hannah Buelow – Junction City, WI
For students who show academic ability and promise in nursing. This scholarship was established by Mr. David Donnellan, who was very committed to the Eau Claire community through civic affairs, and through a contribution from the Presto Foundation.
Eau Claire Student Nurses Association (ECSNA) Scholarships
Sophia Wusterbarth – Hudson, WI (leadership role)
Halle Hurst – Rosemount, MN (study abroad)
Jillian Filtz – Chippewa Falls, WI (outstanding student)
Three scholarships were created: 1) For an outstanding student who has been an active Eau Claire Student Nurses Association (ECSNA) participant, preferably having served in a leadership position; 2) for an outstanding student who will be participating in an international study abroad experience; 3) for an outstanding student who shows great promise in nursing. Student recipients must be active members in ECSNA and demonstrate community service.
Renee Foiles Nursing Scholarship
Dawsen Cossalter – Esko, MN
Cassandra Plachetka – Merrill, WI
For graduate and undergraduate nursing students. Ms. Foiles is a career-long nurse who is wishing to benefit nursing students.
Mary E. Granger Nursing Scholarship
Alicia Jensen – Marathon, WI
For sophomore, junior, or senior full-time nursing students. Ms. Granger is a 1974 nursing graduate who is the co-owner of Comfort Keepers, which provides nursing services to individuals wishing to remain comfortably in their homes.
Diana Hancock Nursing Scholarship
Jessica Greuel – Eau Claire, WI
Lucinda Hobbs – Summerset, WI
For a junior or senior nursing major at the Eau Claire campus. Preference will be given to single parent students.
Dr. Harold and Helena Ray Huston Nursing Scholarship
Olivia Brown – Red Wing, MN
For nursing students with proven scholastic ability. Dr. Huston was a respected Eau Claire area physician.
Naomi and James Johnson Scholarship
Mallory Thies – Onalaska, WI
For a student from Wisconsin admitted into the undergraduate nursing program. Julie Zerwic, who received her BSN from UW-Eau Claire in 1981, created this scholarship to honor her parents, Naomi and James Johnson.
The John M. Kildahl Family Scholarship
Jami Ruvelson – Robers, WI
Kendra Skwierczynski – Eau Claire, WI
For a full-time nursing student accepted into the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The student must be a citizen of the USA and if a junior student is not selected, the committee may make a one-year award to a senior, graduate or RN/BSN completion student.
Willard and Carol Korn Nursing Scholarship
Rachel Swanson – Dresser, WI
The recipient must be enrolled in one of the programs offered through the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and must have at least a 3.0 GPA and have demonstrated promise as a future nursing professional. This scholarship was established in 2007 by Willard (Bill) and Carol Korn. Bill taught at UW-Eau Claire for more than 30 years. Carol received her nursing degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1979. Both have been active in the community and University over the years.
Zelda and Lloyd Longridge Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Elizabeth Keena – Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Megan Wimme – Wisconsn Rapids, WI
For undergraduate students majoring in nursing and be of junior or senior status. Preference is to be given to students from central Wisconsin. Zelda and Lloyd's son, Jerry, created this scholarship to help students who help others. Jerry credits his mother Zelda, who was a nurse in Greenwood, WI., for motivating him to attend UW-Eau Claire, which helped him throughout his life both personally and professionally.
Lopas and Cicenas Family Scholarship
Grace Odegaard – Waunakee, WI
Brittany Weber – Marshfield, WI
Anne Zellmer – Jefferson, WI
For nursing students with special preference given to Wisconsin residents with widely diverse backgrounds.
Donald and Leatrice Mathison Nursing Scholarship
Kymberly Carrier – Apple Valley, MN (Nurse Practitioner Graduate Student Scholarship)
Laurel Lendle – Eau Claire, WI (Nurse Practitioner Graduate Student Scholarship)
Laura Creswell – Eau Claire, WI
Tara Guden – Marshfield, WI
Tiffany Guden – Marshfield, WI
Emily Ries – Eau Claire, WI
Jami Ruvelson – Roberts, WI
Paige Weymiller – Le Crescent, MN
Leah Witzel – Woodbury, MN
For nursing students who show promise in the nursing profession and academic achievement. Mr. Mathison taught math for many years and served as the first principal of South Middle School. Mrs. Mathison was an administrative secretary in the District Office of the Eau Claire Area School District.
Mayo Clinic –Eau Claire Foundation –Nursing Scholarship
Morgan Anderson – Eau Claire, WI
Lindsey Boehm – Eau Claire, WI
Nicole Hooper – Chippewa Falls, WI
Shannon Ziska – Eau Claire, WI
For outstanding undergraduate or graduate nursing students with preference given to Mayo Clinic employees.
Mayo Clinic –Eau Claire Foundation–Nurse Practitioner Scholarship
Wayne Kellander – Menomonie, WI
Sarah Nelson – Eau Claire, WI
For graduate students in the nurse practitioner role preparation who are registered for at least 7 credits for each of their final two semesters of their program.
Ardis N. McAfee Scholarship
Benjamin Kampfer – Scandia, MN
Charles Kampfer – Scandia, MN
Scout McCullum – Woodbury, MN
Vanessa Tettamanzi – Eau Claire, WI
Alexandra Tupy – New Prague, MN
For admitted undergraduate or graduate nursing students enrolled in the nursing program. Must have an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher and show promise in nursing.
Robert and Judith Mickelson Nursing Scholarship
Rita Donahue – Neilsville, WI
Trista Kizer – Marshfield, WI
Hannah Schaetzel – Germantown, WI
For nursing students of proven scholastic ability. The Mickelson's are UW-Eau Claire alums and supporters of various UW-Eau Claire programs. Mrs. Mickelson was the Evening Nurse Supervisor for the Appleton Medical Center. Mr. Mickelson was employed in communications and public relations work in Appleton at Aid Association for Lutherans, now Thrivent Insurance.
Vera Nelson Nursing Scholarship
Nicole Hooper – Chippewa Falls, WI
For compassionate and giving nursing students who are residents of Chippewa County and who plan to remain in the County following graduation. Mrs. Nelson was a kind and caring nurse at the Northern Colony in Chippewa Falls.
Rodaynah Obaid Nursing Scholarship
Kayley Blaha – Whitehall, WI
Alexandra Laehn – River Falls, WI
Karli Olsen – Blue Earth, MN
Kylie Olson – Holmen, WI
For nursing students who exhibit high academic achievement and records of service and caring. This scholarship was established in memory of Rodaynah Obaid by her husband, Dr. Sal Obaid, a deeply respected Eau Claire physician.
Mary Jane and William M. Quinn Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Lindsey Friend – Weston, WI
This scholarship will be awarded to an incoming freshman student studying nursing. The student must be a Nurse Scholar in the University Honors program. This scholarship was established in 2019 by Nancy Quinn in memory of her parents who valued higher education. It was established to support nursing students at UW-Eau Claire in achieving educational goals.
RN/BSN Scholarship
Alexandra Laehn – River Falls, WI
For nurses with associate degrees who are completing their BSN degrees at UW-Eau Claire. This scholarship was established by seven RN students to acknowledge and support their nurse colleagues.
Lila Shelley Nursing Scholarship
Andrew Weigel – Le Crescent, MN
For nontraditional undergraduate nursing students in good academic standing. This scholarship was established by Dr. Timothy Shelley, an area physician, as a memorial to his wife.
Erma and Sanae Stacy Nursing Scholarship
Elizabeth Galloway – McFarland, WI
For students who have been accepted into the College of Nursing with a minimum junior standing, show promise for degree completion, are persons of quality who portray a strong work ethic and who embody characteristics that will make them great representatives of the nursing profession. Michael and Sanae Stacy are long-time residents of the Eau Claire area. Michael established this scholarship as a lasting tribute to his mother, Erma, who was a nurse and his wife, Sanae, who is a nurse.
Marsha M. (Zuehlke) Steffen Class of 1969 Nursing Scholarship
Lindsey Boehm – Eau Claire, WI
For nursing students with good motivation and commitment to the nursing profession, with preference given to Eau Claire Memorial High School or Eau Claire area high school graduates. This scholarship was established by Mrs. Marsha Steffen (class of 1969, nursing) and her husband, Mr. Robert Steffen (class of 1968, business administration).
Frances Sundet Memorial Scholarship
Tatum Pass – Belle Planie, MN
Given to an outstanding student in nursing. This scholarship fund was created by James and Carol Sundet in memory of his mother, Frances Sundet.
Maj John Toivo Kallio Memorial Scholarship
Kay Wasyliszyn – Saint Paul, MN
For a full or part-time graduate student admitted to the College of Nursing and Health Sciences with emphasis in adult or family health nursing and a research or practice interest in AIDS or other terminal diseases.
Tri-County Medical Alliance Scholarship
Olivia Miller – Algoma, WI
For students majoring in nursing, environmental public health, and health care administration. This scholarship was established by the Tri-County Medical Auxiliary to acknowledge the important role of health care in area Wisconsin counties.
Berniece Wagner Nursing Scholarship
Nate Caves – Rochester, MN
Lindsey Opelt – Marshfield, WI
Emily Ries – Eau Claire, WI
Brianna Zajda – Eau Claire, WI
For nursing students with academic competence, good motivation, and commitment to nursing. Ms. Wagner was one of the founding faculty members of the School of Nursing and served as the first Associate Dean.
Jeffery K. Walker Humanitarian Nursing Scholarship
Elizabeth Hampton – Baldwin, WI
For nursing students who demonstrate a commitment to community service, with preference for students from Northwestern Wisconsin. This scholarship was established in memory of Mr. Walker, a nurse who attended UW-Eau Claire.
Elaine Wendt DNP Nursing Scholarship
Ellen Jacobs – Eau Claire, WI
For an outstanding student in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, with a preference for students with a history of supporting the nursing programs at UW-Eau Claire. Dr. L. Elaine Wendt is professor and dean emerita of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and was instrumental in helping the College obtain the entitlement to plan the DNP degree program.
Pamela and David White Nursing Scholarship
Courtney Theiler – Tomahawk, WI
For an undergraduate student in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences with demonstrated motivation and commitment to the nursing profession with preference being given to graduates of Amery High School or Tomahawk High School, or graduate of a public high school located in Polk County, WI.
Joan M. Wiensch Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Sara Heller – Chippewa Fall, WI
Callie Hilbert – Barron, WI
Katelyn Neuenfeldt – Almond, WI
Allison Nowaskey – Menomonie, WI
Brianna Roth – Chippewa Fall, WI
For graduate or undergraduate nursing students, with preference being given to graduates of McDonell Central High School in Chippewa Falls, or of Chippewa Falls or Bloomer high schools. This scholarship was established in memory of Mrs. Wiensch, who served for 23 years as a school nurse in the Chippewa Falls School District.
Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Scholarship
Jessica Johnson – Eau Claire, WI
Brittany Weber – Marshfield, WI
For students from Wisconsin family farms or from a rural Wisconsin area (population of less than 20,000) majoring in nursing or environmental public health.
Olga Wise Nursing Scholarship
Shelby Brown – Chippewa Falls, WI
For nursing students, with preference given to students from Wisconsin.
Gerald D. Woldt Nursing Scholarship
Adam Maslonka – Eau Claire, WI
Jakob Pedersen – Grafton, WI
For undergraduate and graduate students with at least a 3.2 grade point average. To increase diversity in nursing and to encourage more men to enter the profession, a preference is given for male students. Mr. Woldt, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), taught and practiced in anesthesia. He retired from the U.S. Army (which included service in Vietnam) with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1987 and from the civilian sector in 2006.
Cyndi Zach Nursing Scholarship
Jessica Gresser – Marshfield, WI
For a nontraditional student or student parent accepted into the undergraduate nursing program. Cyndi Zach, UW-Eau Claire class of 2002, was a first-time college student in her 40s and graduated with a nursing degree at age 45.
Belva M. Zwygart Gerontological Nursing Scholarship
Teresa Werlein – Tomah, WI
For admitted students in the BSN completion program who are presently working in long term health care, consisting of nursing homes, group homes for the elderly, assisted living facilities, palliative care or hospice. Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA and must be presently enrolled in at least one course in the nursing major.
