Menu
We want you to become the best nurse you can be.
That means providing opportunities for scholarships and assistance so you can receive the education needed to serve others and carry on Christ’s healing ministry.
Looking for an affordable education and great future career? Participants in the Franciscan Health Nursing Incentive Program are awarded financial aid during their time with the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. After graduation, participants can work for the Western Region of Franciscan Health as a registered nurse and have their interest-free loan forgiven. Pay isn’t reduced or affected-it’s as simple as forgiving monthly payments for full-time service.
For more information, contact the financial aid office at:
Applications will be sent to all students who meet minimum criteria in advance of the deadline. All applications must be turned into the financial aid office at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing.
Through the generosity of our donors and alumni, the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing is able to provide a variety of scholarships to our current and future students that have completed the enrollment process.
The Alexandra (Alex) Laine Wickes Nursing Scholarship was established in 2020 by her family to ensure that adults and children with intellectual disabilities and special needs receive the necessary care and understanding needed from responsible and skilled medical professionals. Alex was born in 2007 with Down Syndrome, and over her lifetime has received great care from various nurses throughout Indiana.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Anita Reed served St. Elizabeth School of Nursing for 31 years as a faculty member, Department Chair of Community Health and Coordinator of Admissions. Students were her number one priority as she listened, advised and mentored them through their nursing journey. This scholarship is for a student(s) who are passionate about nursing and caring for others.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Betty Jean Lowery was born in 1938 in a farm house near New Ross, Ind. She had to overcome many obstacles throughout her life. She knew at the age of 16 that she needed to do something to better her future. She was a dedicated high school student graduating valedictorian of her class, and had secretly applied for various nursing scholarships to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. Betty was awarded those scholarships and began her nursing training at the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in August 1956. She graduated in 1959. She went on to receive her BSN in 1963 and work in various hospitals throughout Indiana. Betty stated that the main reason she wanted to establish a scholarship was to help more individuals achieve their dream of becoming a nurse. Scholarships had helped her, and she wanted to pay it forwards. “My career would not have happened without those scholarships,” said Betty. “I have been victorious in my life. I am a Christian. My faith has sustained me. Any negativity I may have had I now know it too shall pass. Thank you, Father God and Lord Jesus, for showing me how to have compassion, love and to take care of others. I have been blessed.”
The Betty J. McCay Schober Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of Mrs. Schober and provided in her memory by her family. Mrs. Schober was an alumnus of St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, having graduated in the class of 1947. Mrs. Schober was raised in a small farming community in Indiana and it is the family’s wish that students benefiting from this scholarship have a similar background.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The Brenda E. Murray Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by Brenda’s family to honor her memory. Brenda was a dedicated nurse, wife, sister, mother, family member and friend. After graduating from the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in 1989, she began her nursing career in the emergency department at Home Hospital and then went on to have a successful 29-year long career as a nurse at the Roudebush VA Medical Center. Brenda’s life may have been shortened due to a battle with cancer, but her legacy and devotion to others continues to shine with each new day.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The Candy Genda Nursing Scholarship was established in 2020 by her brother, Mark Genda, to honor her service and the service of all nurses who have dedicated their lives to caring for others. Candy is a St. Elizabeth School of Nursing alum who tries her best to live by the “Golden Rule”. “As a nurse it is important to remember to care for each person without judgment and treat everyone like they are part of your family” – Candy
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Cheryl A. Ransom St. Elizabeth School of Nursing Scholarship was established in 2021 by Cheryl to commemorate her 50 year career as a nurse, educator and leader. For the last 15 years, Cheryl has served as the Chief Nursing Officer for Franciscan Health Western Indiana, and as a nursing leader, Cheryl had one very important policy regarding patient care: “We do it the right way, the way that is best for the patient, or we don’t do it at all,” which is a great policy for future generations of nurses to remember and put into action.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The Loeb Scholarship was established to provide a $1,000 merit scholarship for up to eight semesters of assistance to an outstanding applicant of the Registered Nursing Diploma-Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN), St. Elizabeth School of Nursing-University and Saint Francis Cooperative Nursing Program. The award is renewable for up to eight semesters (a total of $8,000) as long as the student is maintaining satisfactory academic progress as outlined in School of Nursing policies.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
In 1968, the Franciscan Health Auxiliary Lafayette established a scholarship for St. Elizabeth School of Nursing students. The funds for the scholarship came from the Washburn Health Careers Fund, which was established in honor of Mary B. Washburn, a long-time volunteer of the Auxiliary, as well as other sources and activities.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Hunter Ryan, born at 34 weeks and 6 days, entered this world on January 28, 2018 without a heartbeat. He was revived by a NICU nurse 12 minutes after his delivery and fought hard against his very rare diagnoses of hydrops. Hunter lived in the NICU for 10 days, and during that timeframe many nurses were able to learn a lot about hydrops from him. Although Hunter’s life on Earth has ended, his strength and legacy will live on and continue to educate future generations of nurses! The Hunter Ryan Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 by his family, who have found comfort in the following scripture: “Let the little children come to me because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Luke 18:16
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The Jacqueline Bahler BSN, RN St. Elizabeth School of Nursing Endowed Scholarship was established through a contribution by Jackie Bahler. This scholarship recognizes Jackie’s 50 years of dedicated nursing service, and her desire to provide a nursing education to deserving individuals.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The James and JoAnn Vorst Scholarship was established by the couple to support the men and women who are dedicated to the healthcare profession. The Vorsts believe that nurses are an integral part of human society. With this scholarship, the couple support individuals whose careers are dedicated to meeting holistic needs of those they serve.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Juanita Burnett Marchand was born in 1927 in Indianapolis, Ind. and from a very young age she knew that taking care of others would be at the root of her career. In December of 1941, while sitting in a freshman study hall, Juanita very much remembered the loud speaker at her school crackling with the message: “This is your President.” The President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was announcing that the United States was at war. In the stunned stillness of the room, a black and white picture came into Juanita’s head of a young dark-haired woman dressed in white, weaving her way through men on a battlefield. She knew at that moment that her desire was to become a nurse. In the late summer of 1945, she began a three-year nursing program in Indianapolis. She held various nursing positions in her lifetime: on medical and surgical floors, in doctor’s offices, in nurseries and in nursing homes.
To those who receive this scholarship: “I hope you may find satisfaction – even soul satisfaction – in this Healing Modality – always remembering that those we are, and those we serve, are more than bodies. My very best to you, I am thankful I could help with your education. Hang in there, I’m pulling for you,” – Juanita Burnett Marchand, 2015.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Karen Bahler, MSN, RN graduated from St Elizabeth School of Nursing in 2008. She was known for her contagious laugh and her comforting humble spirit. While going to nursing school, she gracefully juggled the tasks of school, clinicals, motherhood, working a part time job at Wal-Mart and a new diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. Following graduation, she would go on to obtain her masters in nursing and work as the Patient Care Director at IU Health in Bloomington, IN. Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29 which took her from us at the age of 36. She was a wonderful mother to three children, and wife to her husband of fifteen years.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Mabel M. Knight was born in Attica, IN in February 1916 and remained a lifelong resident of the area. During her life, Mabel held many positions; she worked as a secretary for the Lux Agency for over 50 years, before retiring in 1987 and she worked part-time as a closing agent for Prairie Homes. She was also a member of the Women of the Moose, served as president of the Women’s Carpenter Auxiliary, was a charter member of the American Motorcycle Association, a member of the Long Center Theatre Organ Society and served as volunteer with the Franciscan Health Lafayette Auxiliary.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The Marcia Lynn Wykoff Nursing Scholarship was established by her family to commemorate her life as a compassionate nurse, wife, mother, grandmother, family member and friend. Marcia dedicated her life to caring for children. She served 34 years at Lafayette’s Home Hospital and retired as the nursing director of the pediatric unit where she provided loving care to thousands of children throughout her career. In addition to being a nurse, She also volunteered in her community by serving as a mentor to various at-risk youth through Big Brother Big Sister of Greater Lafayette and prepared meals for prisoners through the Kairos Prison Ministry program.
Known for her love for Jesus, Marcia will always be remembered as a very caring and giving person spreading unconditional love to everyone she knew. Marcia Lynn Wykoff entered heaven on August 26, 2020 and will be spending eternity laughing and dancing with Jesus.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The Nola J. Gentry St. Elizabeth School of Nursing Endowed Scholarship was established by Ned Derhammer in memory and honor of his wife, Nola Gentry. Nola was a true leader in the Greater Lafayette community. She not only served as a Tippecanoe County Commissioner from 1990-1996, but she was a frontrunner in her church and in Indiana agriculture, having been the president of Gentry Farms since 1981. Nola Gentry will always be remembered as a leader who was fun to be around, had an ever-present smile, a positive attitude, a willingness to help and volunteer and the wonderful food she would bring into every carry-in.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Richard C. Nelson
Richard C. Nelson was born the sixth of eight children in Brockton MA, and lived through the Great Depression with ten people in a series of five-room tenements. Dick enlisted in the US Army during the mop-up phase of WWII, and the G.I. Bill served as his “scholarship.” This allowed him the opportunity to become a teacher, then a counselor. He used his profession as a ticket to fulfill his enthusiasm for traveling abroad. He completed a Master’s and Ph.D. at Ohio University, and a series of opportunities brought him to Purdue University. During his Purdue years, he served a second enthusiasm by singing with the Cherry Lane Dudes at many retirement and nursings homes. He was on the Purdue counselor education faculty for 32 years, and retired as professor emeritus. Dick was blessed with remarkably good health until he suffered a debilitating stroke just short of his eightieth birthday. He attributes his remarkable recovery to the nursing care he received. He wishes his scholarship to serve as a thank-you to the nuses who cared for him and to those who will care for others in the future.
Betty M. Nelson
Betty M. Nelson grew up in the heart of the Appalachian coal mining country where there was and still is a scarcity of medical services, along with an abundance of chronic health problems. “It is a privilege to encourage new generations of students enrolled at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing,” said Betty. From her days as a graduate assistant in a university residence hall, to serving as the Dean of Students at Purdue years later, her career focused on the development of students. Along the way, Betty has been actively involved with the Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette, the Diversity Round Table, Leadership Lafayette, Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, the Purdue Retirees Association, St. Elizabeth Hospital Lay Advisory Council, United Way, YWCA and a host of other organizations. Betty has always worked hard and focused her attention on important ways to help her community. She gets involved and makes a difference whenever and wherever she can. However, the one thing she hasn’t done well? Cooking. She never established a reputation as a decent cook – always too many other interesting things to do!
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Richard C. Nelson
Richard C. Nelson was born the sixth of eight children in Brockton MA, and lived through The Great Depression with ten people in a series of five-room tenements. Dick enlisted in the U S Army during the mop-up phase of WW II, and the G.I. Bill served as his “scholarship.” This allowed him the opportunity to become a teacher, then a counselor. He used his profession as a ticket to fulfill his enthusiasm for traveling abroad. He completed a master’s and Ph.D. at Ohio University, and a series of opportunities brought him to Purdue University. During his Purdue years, he served a second enthusiasm by singing with the Cherry Lane Dudes at many retirement and nursing homes. He was on the Purdue counselor education faculty for 32 years, and retired as professor emeritus. Dick was blessed with remarkably good health until he suffered a debilitating stroke just short of his eightieth birthday. He attributes his remarkable recovery to the nursing care he received. He wishes his scholarship to serve as a thank-you to the nurses who cared for him and to those who will care for others in the future.
Betty M. Nelson
Betty M. Nelson grew up in the heart of the Appalachian coal mining country where there was and still is a scarcity of medical services, along with an abundance of chronic health problems. “It is a privilege to encourage new generations of students enrolled at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing,” said Betty. From her days as a graduate assistant in a university residence hall, to serving as the Dean of Students at Purdue years later, her career focused on the development of students. Along the way, Betty has been actively involved with the Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette, the Diversity Round Table, Leadership Lafayette, Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, the Purdue Retirees Association, St. Elizabeth Hospital Lay Advisory Council, United Way, YWCA and a host of other organizations. Betty has always worked hard and focused her attention on important ways to help her community. She gets involved and makes a difference whenever and wherever she can. However, the one thing she hasn’t done well? Cooking. She never established a reputation as a decent cook — always too many other interesting things to do!
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The Captain Sally Watlington, USN (Ret.) St. Elizabeth School of Nursing Endowed Scholarship was established by Captain Watlington. She is a volunteer with Franciscan Health Western Indiana, having served as Board Chair from 2014 through 2017, as well as Chair of the Mission/HR and Medical Staff Affairs/Quality Improvement committees and has been a member of the hospital board since 2008.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
In 1951, a seventeen-year-old from a small town in northern Indiana stepped off the bus to begin her path to becoming a St. Elizabeth graduate. Sharon was introduced to medicine by her grandfather, a veterinarian, by accompanying him on farm visits and assisting him with all manner of medical procedures. As the oldest of ten children, she was caring for younger siblings while she herself was very young. This stirred her passions for helping others, and that same spirit has continued all her life. Sharon loved her time at nursing school, appreciating the wisdom and instruction of the nuns while making several lifelong friendships with fellow students. Meeting her future husband at a St. Elizabeth dance was clearly a highlight of her time at nursing school. Richard Haby, a young man pursuing a master’s degree in agriculture at Purdue University, became her husband just weeks before her graduation, and they were married for over 65 years. Although she served as a private-duty nurse in different settings, Sharon spent the majority of her life helping her husband in business and caring for their six children and 25 grandchildren. Always others-focused, she is a nurse at heart and has helped many friends, family and neighbors who have benefitted from her medical care and wisdom.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The St. Clare Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship was established through funds raised by the Auxiliary in recognition of more than 50 years of dedicated service given by volunteers supporting quality patient care in Montgomery County at Franciscan Health Crawfordsville.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The Susan (Hoenigman) Castor Nursing Scholarship was established by her husband, Michael, in 2023. Susan graduated in August 1966 from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. After graduation, she devoted her early years to her marriage, raising her children and caring for her family; but then went on to serve in multiple nursing leadership positions such as the director of nursing for various long-term care facilities and a hospice program administrator. After retiring from the nursing field, she and her husband moved to Pentwater, Michigan where they opened two stores, Air Fun Kites and Pentwater Toy Box, which they owned and operated for 17 years.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The Susan Oesterling Whitaker Nursing Scholarship is named in honor of Mrs. Oesterling Whitaker and was established by her family in honor of her memory. Susan was an alumnus of St. Elizabeth School of Nursing class of 1989 and worked as a registered nurse at St. Elizabeth Regional Health for more than 20 years following graduation. She lived a wonderful life that was tragically shortened after a battle with cancer at the age of 42. She touched many lives including her family, friends and patients.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Thomas R. Schilli Nursing Scholarship was established through a planned gift left by Tom to the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing after his passing in April 2021. For over 50 years, Tom owned and operated Schilli Transportation Services, Inc., Schilli Distribution Services, Schilli National Lease. Tom was a big proponent for higher education. After a 13-year battle with a rare form of cancer, he felt the need to support future nurses just as many nurses had supported him during his various cancer treatments.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The Wilson Family Nursing Scholarship was established by Terry and Annette Wilson to encourage and support students enrolled at the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
The William and Martha Fancher Nursing Scholarship was established by Mrs. Fancher in 2011 to help deserving students achieve their dream of becoming a nurse by offsetting the cost of tuition at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. Mrs. Fancher is an alumnus of the St. Anthony Hospital’s School of Nursing in Terre Haute, Indiana, and worked for a family doctor in Lafayette for many years.
Minimum Criteria for Consideration:
Applications will be sent to all students who meet minimum criteria in advance of the deadline. All applications must be turned into the financial aid office at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing.
For more information, contact the financial aid office at:
The financial aid team at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing helps students wade through difficult paperwork and find the right resources to help with educational expenses. Whether it’s an email reminder about an upcoming deadline or a one-on-one consultation about other opportunities, they’re here to help.
All gifts made to St. Elizabeth School of Nursing allow us to continue Christ’s healing ministry and make a lasting impact in the education and lives of our students. Your generosity will help turn ordinary people into extraordinary nurses for generations to come.