Congratulations 2023–2024 Scholarship Awardees
Catherine & Kenneth T. Gill Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Nagham Al Darwish
Jake Mariani
Vidhi Patel
Champions Endowed Scholarship
Elijah Jowell Caparoso
Clinical & Preventive Nutrition Science Departmental Scholarship
Gloria Verdino
Dr. Laura Matarese DCN Scholarship
Lyssa Lamport
Dr. Joseph A. Schwenkler Scholarship
Lisa Benjamin
Estate of Edith Richards Endowed Scholarship
Madeline Gerdes
John G. Collins Endowed Scholarship
Oluchukwu Ibe
Judith Yannariello, Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship
Noah Reyes
Kirsch Family Physical Therapy Leadership Scholarship
Maekenzi Dixon
Rehabilitation & Movement Sciences Department Scholarship
Oonagh Breen
Melissa Leyman
Office of the Dean’s SHP Scholarship
Elizabeth Atkinson
SHP Endowed Student Scholarship
Sarah Ahawo
Akua Atweaban
Marian Awadalla
Fatoumata Bah
Sasha Feinstein
Madison Palmer
Xiomara Vargas Espiritu
Amber Williams
Sanayah Williams
SHP Student Scholarship Fund
Le’Asha DeBerry
Justice Mpesum
Mira Ryu
SHP Alumni Association Military/Veterans Appreciation Scholarship
Euikyeom Jeong
Stanley S. Bergen Endowed Scholarship
Joshua Suter
Student Assistance Endowment Scholarship
Joshua Suter
W. Paul Stillman Endowed Scholarship Trust Fund
Corrine Calvanico
Marianny Collado
Embaby Asmaa
Yalmin Encarnacion
Melissa Quintana Blanco
Devan Wilson
Melanie Wright
Wells Fargo Bank Endowed Scholarships for Allied Health Professionals
Madeline Gerdes
Meet Some of Our Extraordinary 2023 Scholarship Recipients
Lyssa Lamport
Doctor of Clinical Nutrition
Sasha Feinstein
M.S. in Clinical Nutrition
Madeline Gerdes
M.S. in Clinical Nutrition
Justice Mpesum
M.S. in Diagnostic Cytopathology
Xiomara Vargas
B.S. in Health Information Managemnent
Sanayah Williams
B.S. in Health Information Managemnent
Amber Williams
B.S. in Health Information Management
Fatoumata Bah
B.S. in Health Information Management
Oluchukwu Ibe
M.S. in Healthcare Management
Marian Awadalla
B.S. in Cardiovascular Sonography
Sarah Ahawo
B.S. in Cardiovascular Sonography
Akua Atweaban
B.S in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Corrine Calvanico
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Gloria Verdino, MS, RD, CDN
Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition
Melanie Wright
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Melissa Quintana Blanco
Doctor of Physical Therapy
MaeKenzi Dixon
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Oonagh Breen
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Congratulations 2022–2023 Scholarship Awardees
Alma and Richard Merians Scholarship
MaeKenzi Dixon
Ifeanyi Anaemejah
Argos Scholarship Fund
Eva Frimpong
John Ogando
Aventis Endowed Scholarship Fund
Rachel Sarracco
Catherine & Kenneth T. Gill Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Wooyoon Eunice Chung
Eileen Milicia
Katherine Romero
Champions Endowed Scholarship
Oonagh Breen
Estate of Edith Richards Endowed Scholarship
Rachel Sarracco
Office of the Dean’s SHP Scholarship
Fatoumata Bah
Dr. Joseph A. Schwenkler Scholarship Fund for PA Students
Allison Davanzo
Rushi Mehta
SHP Alumni Association Military/Veteran Appreciation Scholarship
Brianna Lally
SHP Endowed Student Scholarship
Lukmanlat Balogun
Maryam Eltomy
Jordan Faith
Amanda Gialanella
Emmaleigh Hauck
Jenny Lu
Melanie Miranda
SHP Student Scholarship Fund
Folasade Adenodi
Jillian Cullen
Vera Schroeder
Stanley S. Bergen Endowed Scholarship
Juan Hernandez
Student Assistance Endowment Scholarship
Juan Hernandez
W. Paul Stillman Endowed Scholarship Trust fund Scholarship
Mishel Akbar
Alexis Drew
Daniel Flores Castaneda
Ava Mancini
Julia Melao
Skylar Tynan
Amanda Whitlock
Wells Fargo Bank Endowed Scholarships for Allied Health Professionals
Rachel Sarracco
Judith Yannariello, Ph.D Endowed Scholarship
Elise Miller
Clinical Laboratory Sciences Departmental Scholarship
Negussie Kaba
Clinical & Preventive Nutritional Sciences Departmental Scholarship Awardee(s)
Lea Steiner
Physician Assistant Studies & Practice Departmental Scholarships
Xenophon Speros
Department of Rehab & Movement Sciences-Departmental Scholarships
Haley Coursen
Dr. Laura Matarese Doctoral Scholarship
Melissa Wallinga
Meet Some of Our Extraordinary 2022 Scholarship Recipients
Read the stories of some of our scholarship recipients below.
Allison Davanzo
Physician’s Assistant Program
Allison Davanzo
Physician’s Assistant Program
I graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2020 with a BS in public health and a minor in psychology. During my time at TCNJ, I was part of the Bonner Community Scholars Program where I was actively involved with the Trenton community addressing community-identified needs such as food insecurity, homelessness, and sustainability. I also attended Kripalu School of Yoga to become a certified yoga teacher. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, the outdoors, and reading. As a second-year PA student, I am currently soaking up all the information in the medicine modules and looking forward to starting clinical rotations! I am keeping an open mind throughout the didactic and clinical education portions of the program, and I am so excited to see where I may want to work in the future. Thank you again for honoring me with this scholarship!
Brianna Lally
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Brianna Lally
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
When I found out I was selected for this scholarship, I was thrilled! I know there were many other candidates just as deserving, so I am so grateful to have this privilege. Coming from a family of service members, attending college has only recently become an avenue of pursuit. When I was enlisted in the Marine Corps, I realized my path was Physical Therapy. It has been a grueling six-year journey, with multiple sidetracks to get to the position I am in now. The journey thus far has required focus and intestinal fortitude, which I would not have if it weren’t for my time serving my country. I still have quite the road ahead. This scholarship is a much-needed supplement to ensure I can dedicate more time to my studies and work with my classmates on the Executive Board. Again, I am so grateful to have been selected by the School of Health Professions Alumni Association for the Military/Veteran Appreciation Scholarship. I promise to continue to give my full self to this program to reach my full potential as a healthcare provider.
Eileen Milicia
MA Clinical Mental Health & Rehabilitation Counseling Program
Eileen Milicia
MA Clinical Mental Health & Rehabilitation Counseling Program
My name is Eileen Milicia, I’m currently in my final year of my master’s degree in clinical mental health and rehabilitation counseling. Throughout my undergrad and masters thus far, I have worked part time while studying and being a single mother. As I enter the practicum portion of my degree, it has become impossible to balance work, school and being a parent so this scholarship from the Catherine and Kenneth T. Gill memorial fund will allow me to have the stress of finances removed from the many things I must balance.
I’d like to thank my professors and classmates who have supported me throughout my journey to achieve my master’s degree. I’d also like to thank my family and son for their constant support and cheer throughout my academic career. Without their support, I would not have been able to achieve the level of academics I have so far.
Thank you to the Catherine and Kenneth T. Gill memorial fund for selecting me for this scholarship and believing in me.
Elise Miller
Physician’s Assistant Program
Elise Miller
Physician’s Assistant Program
It is truly an honor to be chosen for this scholarship. My journey to PA school has been rather winding, but I am glad to have the opportunity to fulfill my dream. As a second-career student, much like Dr. Yannariello did, I understand that sacrifice, risks, and challenges of following your passion. After high school, I was set on being pre-med in college but, like most, I changed my mind partway through. I completed a BS in Psychology degree at The University of Pittsburgh and immediately began an MS in Mental Health Counseling at Villanova University in the hopes of finding a career dedicated toward the service of others. I began working with underprivileged and low SES adolescents at a juvenile detention center outside of Philadelphia. I found the work compelling and the youth inspiring. Without health insurance and consistent pay, I was unfortunately forced to look for a job elsewhere. It was here that the path veers off course a bit.
I became an Investigator for the US Secret Service. During my 4 years there I got to conduct investigations, protect presidents and foreign heads of state, and travel to parts of the world I would not have had the opportunity to otherwise. But the aspect of the job, I found the most fulfilling was teaching at a junior police academy, with the hope of inspiring the young cadets to pursue careers serving others. It was then I knew I needed to pursue my own dream of becoming a physician assistant. I made the decision to go back to working with underserved kids while taking my pre-requisite coursework at the local community college. I didn’t have a school acceptance letter and I didn’t have any financial support, but I knew with hard work, and a little bit of faith, it would all work out. And here I am! Humbled by your recognition and honored to represent the legacy of such a wonderfully compassionate and strong woman, Dr. Judith Yannariello.
Fatoumata Bah
Health Information Management Program
Fatoumata Bah
Health Information Management Program
My name is Fatoumata Bah, I am from Guinea a small country in west Africa. I immigrated to the U.S when I was 11 years old. I’m a first-generation college student, and as a kid, I always dreamt of working in the healthcare field. As I grew older and explored the many different career fields in healthcare, I realized that the health information management field would best fit my dreams and career for many different reasons. I want to be a health information technology for various reasons, and this person plays a significant role in my life, and why I choose health information management as a profession. The health information profession will be highly fulfilling for me because of its emphasis on improving patient care standards within a setting.
Haley Coursen
Physician’s Assistant Program
Haley Coursen
Physician’s Assistant Program
My name is Haley Coursen and I have wanted to be a PT ever since I was 13 years old. Playing soccer my whole life has led me to see different injuries and the way it affects players, so I have always wanted to be that influence at a vulnerable time of their life. As I went through undergrad, I realized how much the healthcare system needs to change for the better which led me further into my passion for PT. Through my various observation and now clinical experiences, I have grown my knowledge for working with various types of patients. I am honored to accept this award to assist with furthering my education and hopefully bring positive influence on the community.
Rushi Mehta
Physician’s Assistant Program
Rushi Mehta
Physician’s Assistant Program
I am a second-year Physician Assistant (PA) student and a former Rutgers New Brunswick graduate with a degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. I am currently a PAEA Student Health Policy Fellow and the NJSSPA student representative within my program.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Rutgers PA Program faculty, and the SHP Scholarship Review Committee for selecting me as the recipient for the Dr. Joseph A. Schwenkler Scholarship. I hope to continue to work towards my advocacy goals, expand on my experiences from the PAEA Student Health Policy Fellowship this year and encourage students around me to become active advocates for our profession.
Xenophon Speros
Physician’s Assistant Program
Xenophon Speros
Physician’s Assistant Program
I was overcome with excitement after receiving the phone call from SHP congratulating me for earning the award. Words cannot properly express my appreciation of your acknowledgement and support.
I am currently a second year Physician Assistant student. I am having an incredible experience at the Rutgers School of Health Professions and could not be more grateful towards the Physician Assistant Studies faculty for your support and commitment to offering me the best education possible. Prior to my matriculation to the program, I developed my healthcare knowledge through my work as a medical scribe, phlebotomist, and pharmacy technician. Through these experiences, I connected with countless people along different points of the healthcare spectrum while developing a strong understanding and commitment to patient-centered care. I am currently interested in specializing in orthopedics or cardiology but look forward to keeping an open mind to new interests when I start clinical rotations next spring.
Thank you again for your generosity and acknowledgment of my hard work and achievements. By offering me this scholarship award, you have helped lighten my current and future financial burden. This will allow me to better focus on my studies in the present as well as delivering optimal care to my patients in the future. This award truly means the world to me, and I hope I can someday support Rutgers Physician Assistant students the way you have for me and many others.
Jillian Cullen
AS Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Treatment Program
Jillian Cullen
AS Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Treatment Program
I am writing to thank express my sincere gratitude to you for making the SHP Endowed Student Scholarship possible. I was very happy and appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of your scholarship.
I am in my final year of the Associates in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Treatment program. I plan to continue working in the field and utilizing the skills I am learning to improve the assistance I provide individuals in their recovery journeys. After graduation, I will go for my CPRP certification as well as a master’s degree, and hopefully work with individuals who experienced incarceration or who currently still are. Thanks to you, I am one step closer to that goal.
By awarding me the SHP Endowed Scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden, which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school: learning. I promise you I will work very hard and eventually give back to others, both as teacher and possibly a scholarship to future students like myself.
Lea Steiner
DCN Program
It was an honor to be selected for a scholarship award. Thank you for your consideration. It means a lot in continuing my education and pursing my doctoral degree. These pandemic years have been especially hard for everyone. For me it brought unexpected medical hardship which makes this award especially meaningful in helping me to pursue my goals without added financial strain.
I am excited to have the opportunity to further pursue my education and research interests. This scholarship makes this personal and professional goal tangible for me. I am entering my third year in clinical nutrition doctoral program at Rutgers University and continue to work full time as a clinical dietitian. I have been a VA dietitian for almost 8 years now and it is an honor to serve veterans.
A doctorate degree has been a lifelong goal for me, and I am excited to advance the field of dietetics and contribute to research in my field. In the long term, I hope to pursue leadership roles in my field.
Thank you so much for your contribution and consideration to my continued education. I am truly honored to have been selected for this award.
Congratulations 2021–2022 Scholarship Awardees
Catherine & Kenneth T. Gill Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Gabriela Castillo
Emmaleigh Hauck
Champions Endowed Scholarship
Tapan Patel
Estate of Edith Richards Endowed Scholarship
Simisola Olawoye
Dr. Joseph A. Schwenkler Scholarship Fund for PA Students
Paris Davis
Katherine Goodwin
SHP Alumni Association Military/Veteran Appreciation Scholarship
Nakea Hansford
SHP Endowed Student Scholarship –
Jennifer Chalhoub
Samantha Flesch
Nakea Hansford
Juan Hernandez
Nathasha Melukkaran
Rushi Mehta
Monica Piela
Hannah Retamero Cid
SHP Student Scholarship Fund
Brionna Robinson
Gabriela Santiago
Stanley S. Bergen Endowed Scholarship
Manjinder Kaur
Student Assistance Endowment Scholarship
Manjinder Kaur
W. Paul Stillman Endowed Scholarship Trust fund Scholarship
Haley Coursen
Zala Henry-Samuel
Kerry Kleinfeldt
Wojciech Piwowarczyk
Ilsa Rashid
Devraj Roy
Wells Fargo Bank Endowed Scholarships for Allied Health Professionals
Simisola Olawoye
Judith Yannariello, Ph.D Endowed Scholarship
Erika Dalgo
Clinical & Preventive Nutritional Sciences Departmental Scholarship Awardee(s)
Ellen Muhammed
Physician Assistant Studies & Practice Departmental Scholarships
Chun Yen Huang
Department of Rehab & Movement Sciences-Departmental Scholarships
Carlo Atie
Mathew Baek
Dr. Laura Matarese Doctoral Scholarship
Terry Brown
Meet Some of Our Extraordinary 2021 Scholarship Recipients
Gabriela Castillo
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Gabriela Castillo
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Catherine & Kenneth T. Gill Memorial Endowed Scholarship
I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to apply and receive your generous scholarship. I was a full-time undergraduate student and full-time worker to pay for my education, but being a graduate student does not allow me to work full-time anymore. This scholarship helps ease my financial burden and it encourages me to continue working hard to reach my goals.
I would also like to thank my professors from the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions. Their excellent guidance and instruction nurtured my education and supported my academic accomplishments.
I am honored to be a recipient of the Catherine and Kenneth T. Gill Memorial Endowed Scholarship and I hope that one day I will be able to help students the same way you have helped me.
Paris Davis
MS in Physician Assistant Studies & Practice
Paris Davis
MS in Physician Assistant Studies & Practice
Dr. Joseph A. Schwenkler Scholarship Fund for PA Students
It is with great gratitude to have been honored as recipient of the Dr. Joseph A. Schwenkler Scholarship Fund for PA Students for the 2021-2022 school year. As a 3rd year PA Student drawing closer to the finish line of my program, your generous contribution will help to ensure the race is won. I am truly humbled by your scholarship support as this will allow me to maintain focus on my studies for my final laps. Upon completion of my education, I will continue to implement the use of technology in medicine in order to provide access to high quality healthcare to patients in all communities. Again, thank you for selecting me as the scholarship winner for this school year.
Erika Dalgo
MS in Physician Assistant Studies & Practice
Erika Dalgo
MS in Physician Assistant Studies & Practice
Judith Yannariello, Ph.D Endowed Scholarship
My name is Erika Dalgo, and my journey in the medical field began when I was a young girl growing up in Quito, Ecuador, where I witnessed first-hand, the effect that unequal access to healthcare can have on a society. As a result, my parents made the difficult decision to leave their homeland & move to the U.S.A in order to give my brothers and I the opportunity for improved education, & a healthier, safer future. I witnessed their struggles, and thus vowed to work my hardest academically, and allow my parents to see that their sacrifices were not made in vain.
Many years later, my dream of pursuing a career in medicine became a reality!
I am now a third year Physician Assistant student at the Rutgers PA program, and am incredibly grateful and humbled to be the recipient of the Judith Yannariello Scholarship.
Throughout my years here in Rutgers, I have had the pleasure of speaking to many people who personally knew Judith. They recall her love & curiosity for medicine, her passion for life, and the captivating way she connected to all those around her. She was the perfect definition of grace and compassion, and I am honored to receive this scholarship in her memory.
I hope to one day be the best PA that I am capable of being, and thus, represent Judith & the Rutgers PA program with pride. Whether that’s by giving someone a second chance to give their loved ones a hug following a medical emergency, or via providing medical care to underrepresented communities, I want the care that I give my patients to be a fresh start to a healthier life with their families.
Again, thank you for selecting me as the Judith Yannariello scholarship recipient. Please know that your support will not only have a great impact in my future, but also the lives of my future patients. I am excited to see what the future holds, and will continue to work endlessly to improve my knowledge and skills so as to provide the best care for all of my patients, now & always.
Terry Brown
DCN in Clinical & Preventive Nutritional Sciences
Terry Brown
DCN in Clinical & Preventive Nutritional Sciences
Dr. Laura Matarese Doctoral Scholarship
It is an honor to receive the Dr. Laura Matarese Doctoral Scholarship. I have had the pleasure of attending several presentations by her over the years and recently worked with her on a manuscript; therefore, being a recipient of a scholarship named after her is even more special. I hope to follow in Dr. Matarese’s footsteps by striving to be as knowledgeable as her and become recognized as a renowned nutrition expert one day.
I am very appreciative of the scholarship committee that reviewed my application and selected me as the recipient of such as prestigious award. This scholarship will cover a portion of my tuition and allow me to complete my personal goal of finishing the DCN Program within 4 years or less. I am forever grateful and indebted to the School of Health Professions and Dr. Matarese.
Nakea Hansford
BSHS in Healthcare Management
Nakea Hansford
BSHS in Healthcare Management
SHP Alumni Association Military/Veteran Appreciation Scholarship
SHP Endowed Student Scholarship
This scholarship has helped me to enhance my abilities as a community and family leader. Thank you. Determination, perseverance, hard work, and achievement allowed me to see beyond my circumstances and this vivid sight has stayed with me throughout my journeys. This vivid sight has allowed me to be a loving parent, daughter, youth leader, church sister, caregiver, to serve my country, and to be a viable, productive part of society. Now as an adult with wisdom and insight, I am driven to determination, perseverance, and hard work; and with the help of Rutgers University, I will achieve. Along with my vivid sight and a degree from Rutgers University, Thank you for this scholarship with it I can continue to help others in my organization and my fellow veterans. I know the compassion I have for others along with this degree will assuredly help me achieve my goals.
Simisola Olawoye
MS in Health Informatics
Simisola Olawoye
MS in Health Informatics
Estate of Edith Richards Endowed Scholarship
Wells Fargo Bank Endowed Scholarships for Allied Health Professionals
I am writing to express how grateful I am for being a recipient of the Estate of Edith Richards Endowed Scholarship and the Wells Fargo Bank Endowed Scholarships for Allied Health Professionals. I was excited when I learnt that I was chosen for this honor, and I am deeply thankful for your support.
I am a first-year health informatics student, and I plan to pursue a career in the health analytics field, I am aware of the massive amount of data that is available in the healthcare field and how this data can be modelled to make great clinical decisions which in turn will help shape our healthcare organizations to better serve patients and communities.
My family and I moved to the United States few years ago so we could get a better life and good education, and the financial assistance you provided will go a long way towards helping me pay for my educational expenses. It has been a lifelong dream to graduate from a U.S college, so getting an opportunity to study at Rutgers to achieve this dream is a big deal for me.
Thank you for making this possible for me, I am enjoying the program thoroughly and looking forward to what the future holds.
Congratulations 2020–2021 Scholarship Awardees
Kenneth T & Catherine Gill Scholarship
Jill Valiant
Lisa Forst
Champions Endowed Scholarship
Juan Hernandez
Estate of Edith T. Richards Endowed Scholarship
Amira Drake
Dr. Joseph A. Schwenkler Physician Assistant Scholarship Fund
Joseph Verrico
Alyssa Bland
SHP Alumni Association Military/Veteran Appreciation Scholarship
Gonkarnue Koyan
SHP Endowed Scholarship
Allyson Berger
Karen Reyes
Gonkarnue Koyan
Jennifer Morquecho
Jessica Culmer
Towhid Ahmed
Tara Yandolino
Michelle Mensah
Yoshada Seecharran
SHP Scholarship Fund
Tricia Scott-Sahler
Stanley S. Bergen Endowed Scholarship
Amira Drake
Student Assistance Endowed Scholarship
Allyson Berger
W. Paul Stillman Endowed Scholarship
Amanda Stelma
Brittany Teeter
Valeriya Timoshenko
Miranda Meyer
Kimberley Sunchuk
Wells Fargo Bank Endowed Scholarship
Allyson Berger
Judith Yannariello Ph.D. Physician Assistant Scholarship
Bridget Reddington
Clinical & Preventive Nutrition Sciences Departmental Scholarship
Ama Kyeremateng
Terry Brown
Physician Assistant Studies & Practice Departmental Scholarship
Paris Davis
Rehabilitation & Movement Sciences Departmental Scholarship
Kayla Lazaro
Sunyoung Kim
Meet Some of Our Extraordinary 2020 Scholarship Recipients
Jennifer Morquecho
B.S. in Health Information Management
Jennifer Morquecho
B.S. in Health Information Management
“I’m appreciative, proud and honored to receive this award as it allows me to continue with my studies and be the first generation in my family to graduate from Rutgers University in May 2021.”
“I’m also a DACA recipient since 2012 and humbled to say I have worked really hard to get where I’m at now, despite all the odds. I knew I had to repay my parents back for all their sacrifice and plan a future for myself. I worked a minimum wage job to help pay my tuition and save up money to buy a car that would open up better job opportunities and internships.”
“While living in this country for 16 years, I have grown academically and become bilingual in two languages, which helps my community and me. Although I miss my homeland and my family, I have learned to call America my new home – where I’m able to expand my dreams, reach milestones and continue with my education.”
“As you may know, we in DACA are also known as “Dreamers” and I will never stop being one. Thank you for making this possible. It’s a privilege.”
Towhid Ahmed
M.S. Physician Assistant
Towhid Ahmed
M.S. Physician Assistant
“My parents moved from Bangladesh so that my brothers and I could obtain a better education. Recognizing their sacrifices, I have done my utmost to succeed academically. I obtained an undergraduate degree at Rutgers in Cell Biology & Neuroscience.”
“I am second year Physician Assistant student. Coming into the PA program, I quickly found ways to get involved by becoming a student representative in the Physician Assistant Curriculum Committee, which identifies gaps, redundancies and makes suggestions for improvement in clinical and didactic education. This year, I also had the unique opportunity to become a mentor to an incoming student, which allowed me to help the student transition into the rigorous nature of the program.”
“I want to express my sincere gratitude for selecting me as a SHP Endowed Student Scholarship recipient. I truly hope that one day I can be the best PA that I am capable of being and can represent the Rutgers PA program with pride. I am excited to see what the future holds, and I look forward to applying all the skills and knowledge that we are being taught to optimize the care and health of my future patients.”
Tricia Scott-Sahler
Entry-Level Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition
Tricia Scott-Sahler
Entry-Level Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition
“I cannot express how grateful I am for the generous scholarship. This will lessen the burden of my loans post-graduate. My wonderful husband took on the task of supporting us during my graduate school time, and the Corona virus has impacted his business, which made this scholarship even more timely.”
“Choosing to switch careers at my age was not a decision I made lightly. I knew it was risky, but what is life without a few risks? As a person with Type 1 Diabetes, I am well aware of the importance of a great health care team, and especially grateful for the Registered Dietitians I have encountered throughout my own care. I am excited to be able to give back and care for others.”
“I am enjoying the program thoroughly, but it is hard and I am grateful not to have to work simultaneously. Your generosity has not gone unnoticed and I thank you for entrusting me with it.”
Valeriya Timoshenko
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Valeriya Timoshenko
Doctor of Physical Therapy
“I graduated from Rutgers with a major in Exercise Science and minor in Russian Language and Literature. As a Ukrainian immigrant, I aspired to realize my potential in a new country from a young age. It has been a lifelong dream to graduate from a U.S college, but even more so, with a doctoral degree. With the prospect of graduation in the near future, I could not be more excited.”
“I graduated high school as class valedictorian and my drive to learn has only grown. After working as a PT aide for several years, I decided to apply for physical therapy programs and ultimately joined Rutgers SHP in Newark. With regular shifts at the Community Participatory Physical Therapy Clinic in Newark, I can see how the work of a physical therapist is critical to our community’s long term health and well-being. There is nothing more rewarding than helping people get better.”
“As the first college graduate in my family, please know that your support will have great impact on my future. You have not only lightened my financial, but also brought me one step closer to completing my education.”
Jessica Culmer
M.S. Physician Assistant
Jessica Culmer
M.S. Physician Assistant
“I am a first-generation college student who grew up in a city plagued by drugs and violence, in a household with parents who struggled with drug and alcohol abuse. Being responsible for siblings, nieces and nephews was tough. At 14, I started working so I could help provide.”
“Throughout high school, I struggled to be present and maintain my grades. Walking through metal detectors, and constantly looking over your shoulder in case you were the subject of an attack, was not something that I looked forward to so I often skipped. I had no role models, no mentors, and no one to encourage me. I knew where my passion lay, and where I saw my future. I decided that the circumstances of my life would not be barriers to my success and I chose to be my own cheerleader, to encourage and motivate myself to never give up.”
“I am honored to be chosen a 2020 recipient of the SHP Endowed Student Scholarship. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your generosity, which allows me to focus on my studies and decrease the hours I work.”
Congratulations 2019–2020 Scholarship Awardees
Catherine & Kenneth T. Gill Scholarship
Stephanie Santos
Kimberly Sunchuk
Ellen M. Taylor
Champions Scholarship
Alex Osby
Estate of Edith T. Richards Scholarship
Zahrya Clayton
Dr. Joseph A. Schwenkler Scholarship
Lisangi Fernandez
Shama Safdar
Nutritional Sciences Department Part-Time Scholarship
Olya Cuellar
Jessica Lowe
SHP Alumni Association Military/Veteran Appreciation Scholarship
Tany Martin-Mercado
SHP Endowed Scholarship
Mercedes Aguirre
Marissa Bunnewith
Zahrya Clayton
Jasmine Flowers
Meaghan E. Hart
Marianne Ingersoll
Katerina Nickel
Alexander Olan
Susan Stromberg
SHP Scholarship Fund
Madison Troxler
Stanley S. Bergen Endowed Scholarship
Amira Drake
Student Assistant Endowment Fund
Amira Drake
W. Paul Stillman Scholarship
Brian Broadbent
Eliza Firestone
Tania Martin-Mercado
Johanies Melendez
Brianna Walsh
Sylvia Zabielski
Wells Fargo Scholarship
Susan Stromberg
Judith Yannariello Scholarship
Jackelyne Diaz