This is divided into three sections.

Section 1.     Scholarships That Require an Application.

Section 2.     Scholarships That Do Not Require an Application.

Section 3.     Graham Hospital Foundation Scholarships.

Listed below are a number of private groups and trusts that provide private scholarships. You may be able to investigate possible sources of aid in your home community not included in this listing. You need to take the initiative to obtain additional information regarding these resources. GHSON implements federal and state guidelines to ensure students are not over-awarded.

Section I—Scholarships That Require an Application

ALTRUISTIC CLUB NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

The Altruistic Nursing Scholarship will be awarded to a candidate for a diploma in nursing at Graham Hospital School of Nursing who has successfully completed two semesters of nursing courses and is a resident of Fulton County. This $2,000 scholarship ($1,000 fall semester, $1,000 spring semester) will be sent to the School to be applied to the recipient’s tuition, books, supplies, etc. Applications are available in the spring from the Coordinator of Student Affairs.

ALTRUSA SCHOLARSHIP

The Altrusa Club of Canton awards a scholarship to a resident of Fulton County on a one-year basis. Payment will be sent directly to the School to cover tuition, fees or books. The recipient will be selected on the basis of scholarship, desire to continue education, general character, good citizenship, and financial need. Applications are available in the spring from the Coordinator of Student Affairs.

CANTON ROTARY CLUB

In order to promote the School of Nursing and provide financial assistance, the Canton Rotary Club awards scholarships annually to nursing students who are residents of Fulton County. Scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and leadership ability. Applications are available in the spring from the Coordinator of Student Affairs and are due by March 31.

FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIP

A $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to one freshman student based on academic achievement (minimum GPA of 3.0) and community service. The recipient is required to be in attendance for the semester awarded and in good academic standing. Incoming freshmen apply at Admitted Students Prep Days. The recipient is selected by the Hospital president/CEO.

GRAHAM HOSPITAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR GHSON

Students accepted into the Graham Hospital School of Nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 are eligible to apply. Recipients will be given $8,000 ($4,000 per semester) in exchange for a one-year employment agreement. The assistance may be used for tuition, books, fees, and other costs associated with attendance at Graham Hospital School of Nursing, including required support courses at Spoon River College and additional required courses for Illinois State University’s Mennonite School of Nursing RN-BSN program. For more information, please contact the Human Resource department at (309) 647-5240, ext. 2202.

ILLINOIS CRYPTIC MASONS NURSES FOUNDATION

The Nurses Foundation scholarship is for those full-time students who plan to complete a program leading to becoming a Registered Nurse or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in Illinois. The applicant must be a resident of the State of Illinois and have and maintain a “B” or a 3.0 GPA. Applications are due April 1. For more information, visit the Cryptic Masons’ Website: https://cm-il.org/grand-council-programs/nurses-scholarship-program/

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 

The goal of the Nursing Education Scholarship Program is to increase the number of nurses available for employment in Illinois. The applicant must be a resident of Illinois for at least one year prior to application, demonstrate financial need, and agree to the nurse employment obligation. Applicants who have other scholarship or loan funds that require a service commitment that prevent the applicant from meeting the nurse employment obligation of this program are ineligible. The application submission period is March 1 to April 30. For more information, visit IDPH’s Website: http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/life-stages-populations/rural-underserved-populations/nursing-education-scholarship-program

ILLINOIS NURSES FOUNDATION

The Illinois Nurses Foundation offers scholarships for nursing students. Members in good standing of the Student Nurse Association of Illinois (SNAI) are eligible for the Sonne Scholarship, created through a generous bequest from the estate of Maybelle Sonne, a retired nurse, who directed that the funds be used to aid those entering a career in nursing. These funds may be used to cover tuition, fees, or other costs encountered by a student enrolled in a state-approved nursing program that leads to eligibility to sit for licensure examination as a registered professional nurse. The Centennial Scholarship is dedicated to qualified students majoring in nursing who are considered underrepresented according to the Report of the Sullivan Commission on Diversity in the Healthcare Workforce. For more information, visit INF’s Website: https://www.illinoisnurses.foundation/scholarships/

JEAN M. BROWN NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

Jean M. Brown, during her career, worked as an industrial nurse for Caterpillar. Ms. Brown so enjoyed her career in nursing that she wanted to provide an avenue for others to pursue the same vocation. Upon her death, Ms. Brown left a generous gift to the Community Foundation of Central Illinois to establish nursing scholarships for applicants who live within a 50-mile radius of Peoria, Illinois. Application are due the first Wednesday in March. To apply, visit CFCI’s Website: http://www.communityfoundationci.org

NINA L. (HURT) WYATT SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Nina L. (Hurt) Wyatt graduated Graham Hospital School of Nursing in 1957. She embodied the spirit of the nursing profession throughout all aspects of her life. She exemplified a servant’s heart with the utmost humility, caring, and kindness for all. She later stepped away from her nursing career to focus on family while staying ever-connected to her nursing roots. For decades following graduation, her graduating class, along with their families, would gather each year for the nurse’s reunion. This was a staple of Nina’s life that blended the best parts of her world and an event that helped her maintain the enduring friendships she built during her time at Graham Hospital School of Nursing.

The Nina L. (Hurt) Wyatt Scholarship Fund will award a single five-hundred-dollar ($500) scholarship to a current attendee (Freshman, Junior, or Senior) or an incoming Freshman of Graham Hospital School of Nursing. Candidates should submit a brief essay explaining how as a nurse they will demonstrate kindness in this world. No GPA requirement. Applications are open to traditional and non-traditional students. Award decisions will be made by committee.

MCDONOUGH DISTRICT HOSPITAL AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP

McDonough District Hospital provides loans to individuals who are interested in working at their hospital after becoming an RN. Factors considered by the screening committee are scholarship ability, character, financial need, personal interview, and the likelihood the applicant will desire employment at MDH. Questions should be addressed to: Health Careers Chairperson, McDonough District Hospital, 525 E. Grant, Macomb, IL  61455 or (309) 836-1577.

MCFARLAND CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The McFarland Charitable Foundation provides work-service registered nursing scholarships to qualified students who will contractually obligate themselves to return to Havana, Illinois, to work for a number of years after graduation. Graduates must work in the Havana community two years for each year of funding. Applicants must have a guarantee of employment from a nursing employer in the area as a prerequisite for scholarship consideration. Written contracts are executed with those candidates who are accepted. For more information, contact Nancy Elliott, Havana National Bank, at (309) 543-3361.

MELLINGER EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Edward Arthur Mellinger Educational Foundation was founded in 1959 to honor Mr. Mellinger, who was an early proponent of the telephone industry and an executive in various companies in the U.S. and Europe. Applicants must be residents of Warren, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, or Fulton counties. Applications are available February 1^st through May 1^st of each year at https://www.mellinger.org/

SCOTTISH RITE

The Peoria Valley Scottish Rite through the Illinois Scottish Rite Nursing Scholarship Fund provides grants to students based upon academic achievement and financial need. Applications are due March 1. To apply, visit their Website at https://www.valleyofpeoria.com/scholarships

Section 2—Scholarships That Do Not Require an Application

Listed below are scholarships that do not require an application. They are awarded by the GHSON Faculty Organization, Hospital Administration, Families, or Organizations.

ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP

The Alumni Association of Graham Hospital School of Nursing awards a $500 scholarship each year at graduation to a junior student who has a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. The recipient is chosen by the Faculty Organization.

CANTON WOMEN’S CLUB “BEST ALL-AROUND STUDENT” AWARD

The Canton Woman’s Club awards a $100 scholarship to a Fulton County resident enrolled at Graham Hospital School of Nursing who will be entering his/her junior or senior year. The recipient is chosen by the Faculty Organization and the scholarship is awarded at graduation.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS SCHOLARSHIP

The $500 Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship was established in memory of Jim Gummerson, who attended Graham Hospital School of Nursing. The recipient(s) must be a Fulton County resident with financial need. No minimum GPA is required. The recipient(s) is chosen by the School or by the organization, and payments will be sent directly to the School.

DIRECTOR’S ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP

This $400 award is given at graduation to the graduating senior with the highest cumulative GPA.

EDNA S. GEIGER AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP

This $300 award was established in 1982 in memory of Mrs. Geiger, who was in the first graduating class of Graham Hospital School of Nursing in 1913. The award goes to a senior student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities and nursing skills. This scholarship is awarded at graduation.

ELIZABETH CHAMPLIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This $1,000 scholarship was established in 2017 by the family of Elizabeth, who was a 1952 graduate of Graham Hospital School of Nursing. She worked for many years at the clinic. The recipient may be any level student with financial need. No minimum GPA is required. The recipient is chosen by the Faculty Organization and the scholarship is awarded at graduation.

ELIZABETH TALLEY JOHNSON SCHOLARSHIP

This $1,000 scholarship was established in 2016 by the family of Elizabeth Talley Johnson, who was a 1962 graduate of Graham Hospital School of Nursing. One recipient from each level, each with a minimum GPA of 2.5, is chosen by the Faculty Organization and the scholarship is awarded at graduation. It is applied to the student’s account for the next academic year.

GENEVA BRAMBLE – SARA CARSON SCHOLARSHIP

The Geneva Bramble – Sara Carson Scholarship was established in 2003 by the children and husband of Sara Carson. The $250 scholarship is awarded to a senior, nontraditional student. It is not need-based and there is no minimum GPA. The recipient is chosen by the Faculty Organization and the scholarship is awarded at graduation.

KATHERINE B. JAEGER MEMORIAL TRUST

The Katherine B. Jaeger Memorial Trust was established to be used as a scholarship fund for a deserving Graham Hospital nursing student who would ordinarily not be financially able to attend nursing school. The student must carry a “B” (minimum 3.0) average and be involved in community and school activities. The recipient of the $400 award is chosen by the School director and the Coordinator of Student Affairs. The scholarship is awarded at the Senior Recognition Banquet.

OTTO AND EVELETA MEIER SCHOLARSHIP

This $500 scholarship was established in 1985 by Mrs. Meier in honor of her husband Otto. The criteria for selection include leadership, character, motivation, attitude, image, attendance, and a GPA of 3.0 or above. The Faculty Organization nominates up to three students, and the Hospital president/CEO selects two recipients for the scholarship. It is awarded at graduation.

STEPHEN W. WAGNER, SR. MEMORIAL NURSE’S SCHOLARSHIP

Two scholarships in the amount of $150 each will be awarded to a junior and senior student. The Voiture No. 812 Nursing Scholarship chairman will choose the recipients, and members of the 812 Chapter will present checks at a brief ceremony at the School in April.

TAMMY SPENCER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Tammy Spencer Memorial Scholarship was established in 2016 by the family of Tammy Spencer, a 2012 graduate of Graham Hospital School of Nursing. The recipient(s) is chosen by the family and the $250 scholarship is awarded at graduation.

VOITURE 812 40/8 CHAPTER

The Forty & Eight was founded in 1920 by American Veterans returning from France.  Originally an arm of the American Legion, the Forty & Eight became an independent and separately incorporated veteran’s organization in 1960. The Voiture 812 40/8 Chapter offers a $150 scholarship to junior Graham Hospital School of Nursing students who are Fulton County residents. The Voiture No. 812 Nursing Scholarship Chairman will choose the recipients, and members of the 812 Chapter will present checks at a brief ceremony at the School in April.

Section 3—Graham Hospital Foundation Scholarships

Most of these scholarships require a 2- to 3-page essay. Application information is available in the spring from the coordinator of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid.

HELEN (TARTER) SAUNDERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Helen (Tarter) Saunders was a 1943 graduate from the Graham Hospital School of Nursing. She was a very dedicated, hard-working, and loving woman. Helen had very strong faith and loved to share her faith with everyone. She was happily married for nearly 65 years to Howard Saunders.  This annual scholarship, which is a gift of $500, was established in her loving memory and is awarded to a second- or third-year nursing student with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The family selects the recipient, and the scholarship is awarded at graduation.

JEANETTE J. MURPHY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

To honor the life of Jeanette J. Murphy, NP, the Murphy family and Jeanette J. Murphy Estate wished to endow a scholarship to provide assistance to nursing students with a proven heart and passion for providing excellence in nursing and caring for others. The recipient is preferably a single mother or parent from Fulton County. The family selects the recipient and the scholarship is awarded at graduation.

LINDA MYERS BROWN “LOVE OF NURSING” SCHOLARSHIP

The family started this scholarship as recognition for Linda’s “Love of Nursing” profession, her love of Graham Hospital, and her love of Graham Hospital School of Nursing. For 37 years at Graham, Linda interacted with hundreds of fellow Graham employees, held the hands of thousands of moms, comforted thousands of dads, and held the precious gift of a newborn baby in her hands as they struggled to enter into this world. This $1,000 annual scholarship is awarded to a second- or third-year nursing student. The family selects the recipient, and the scholarship is awarded at graduation.

OLIVE RAINEY CARPER SCHOLARSHIP

To honor the life of Olive Rainey Carper, the Carper family wishes to endow a scholarship at Graham Hospital School of Nursing to provide assistance to nursing students in their final year of attendance. The recipient must be entering their third year of study and have a GPA in the top half of their class. No essay is required. The Faculty Organization selects the recipient and the $1,500 scholarship is awarded at graduation.

PHILDA MCCOMBS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Philda McCombs, with her kind-hearted, dedicated and thoughtful ways, cherished the opportunity she was given to care for so many as a nurse at Graham Hospital. In her loving memory and to honor her wishes, Philda’s family established the Philda McCombs Memorial Scholarship. This annual scholarship affords the family the opportunity to keep Philda’s memory alive, as well as helping to financially support nursing students so that they might have the same opportunity as Philda was given. The recipient must be a second- or third-year student. The family selects the recipient, and the $500 scholarship is awarded at graduation.

VERNA SANDALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Verna Sandall Memorial Scholarship is in honor of Verna Sandall that worked at Graham Hospital for many years. This scholarship is for a student that has a willingness to learn and financial need. It is selected by Faculty Organization.