Two Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) nursing students were recently awarded scholarships from the Healthcare Associates Providing Positive Education and Networking (HAPPEN) organization at their annual Caregiver of the Year luncheon. HAPPEN, established in 1977, was founded to promote healthcare education and networking opportunities for professionals supporting the communities of the Treasure Valley.
Each year, HAPPEN offers several life-changing scholarships for those seeking to begin or further their careers in healthcare. These highly competitive scholarships require students to apply and be evaluated and scored in several areas. Multiple students from other 4-year nursing programs apply for the “I Make it Happen” scholarship, and the HAPPEN board makes the selection. Additionally, several NNU students apply for the matching scholarship, with selections made by the HAPPEN board and affirmed by NNU nursing staff. This year was unique as both scholarships were awarded to current NNU students.
This year, Natalia Ordonez and Kate Larsen became the first two NNU nursing students to receive these $5,000 scholarships. These scholarship dollars will help them continue their pursuit of nursing at NNU.
Associate Professor of Nursing Amanda Giomi praised the recipients:
“Kate Larsen is an exceptional nursing student who consistently demonstrates excellence both in her academic courses and the lab/skills settings. Her dedication to learning is evident, and her ability to apply theoretical knowledge to competency-based scenarios is excellent. Additionally, her role as a TA further demonstrates her commitment to supporting her peers and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Kate is a valuable asset to our program, and I have no doubt she will continue to excel in her academic and professional pursuits in nursing.”
“As a first-year nursing student, Natalia Ordonez exhibits a commendable eagerness to learn and a genuine passion for the nursing profession. Natalia’s enthusiasm, engagement, and positive attitude will serve her well with her future success in the field of nursing. She demonstrates dedication and willingness to embrace new challenges; she is well liked by her peers and the nursing faculty. I am confident Natalia will flourish in her academic journey and make valuable contributions to the nursing profession.”
Kate expressed her gratitude, stating, “The scholarship means I can continue in school and work toward my goal of becoming a registered nurse. Receiving the scholarship decreases my stress and allows me to stay focused on studying. Nursing school requires a large degree of focus and many hours of studying. Dr. Hulen and Professor Hazel are both very motivating and encourage all of us to stay focused on our dreams and not give up or get discouraged. This scholarship represents encouragement and motivation to not give up. I have attended several other colleges in various states when working on my pre-requisites. NNU is a very different kind of school. I had heard it is a special place, but it wasn’t until I enrolled and started classes that I realized what makes it special. It’s the people, the nursing professors, and the grace and kindness that is sincerely given.”
Natalia also shared her thoughts: “As a recipient of the HAPPEN scholarship, I’m genuinely grateful for the recognition and support it provides. This scholarship not only eases the financial burden of my education but also validates my hard work and dedication. With the HAPPEN scholarship, I can pursue my academic goals with greater focus and determination. Reflecting on my educational journey at NNU, I’m reminded of the invaluable tools and resources provided to me, but what stands out the most are the remarkable professors like Ms. Nixon. Her unwavering support, guidance, and dedication have been instrumental in my academic and personal growth. I’m truly grateful for her inspiration and encouragement throughout my time at NNU.”
