Silver Cross Foundation Awards $75,000 in Scholarships to Hospital Employees, Children of Employees
The Silver Cross Foundation recently awarded more than $75,000 in scholarships to 47 hospital employees and their children to help further their education and training. An additional seven employees also received scholarships made available by the Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission and the Healthcare Workers Pathways Program.
“Just as we invest in new facilities, technology and programs, it is equally important that we continue to invest in our staff as they truly are what makes Silver Cross special,” said Ruth Colby, President and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital. “I’m truly in awe of how many Silver Cross employees are willing to put in the hard work to advance their education and expertise in their chosen fields.”
“Scholarship funding is made available by our many loyal and generous benefactors who strongly believe in Silver Cross Hospital’s mission, vision and values. And that includes many of our Silver Cross Medical Staff Members, who know firsthand that our employees are the reason why Silver Cross delivers exceptional care and hope to our patients and their family members each and every day,” added Craig Lyons, Chairman of the Silver Cross Foundation Board of Directors.
Award recipients for the 2023-2024 academic year include:
Blanca Garcia Nursing Scholarship – Child of Employee
This scholarship is named after Blanca Garcia and funded by her husband, Jose Garcia, who is a Volunteer at Silver Cross Hospital. It is awarded annually to a child of a Silver Cross employee who is enrolled in a nursing program.
Tyler Rothbart, Joliet
Son of Matt Rothbart, Building Services
School: University of Missouri
Pursuing: RN
Childerguild Women & Children Services Scholarship
This scholarship, which is funded by Childerguild, is awarded to Silver Cross employees who provide women and children services.
Whitney Burke, Park Forest
Position: OB Tech, Labor & Delivery School: Chamberlain University
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Kaitlin Duffner, Orland Park
Position: NICU Unit Clerk
School: Moraine Valley Community College
Pursuing: CNA Licensure
Peggy Farrell, Elk Grove Village
Position: Director, NICU
School: Aspen University
Pursuing: Doctor of Nurse Practitioner
Katelyn Peal, Crest Hill
Position: ER Tech, Emergency Department
School: Joliet Junior College
Pursuing: Associate Degree in Nursing
Princessa Gonzalez, Lansing
Position: Lab Assistant 1, Laboratory
School: Arizona State University
Pursuing: B.S. in Biological Sciences/Biomedical Sciences
Donna and Jim Galligan Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by Donna and Jim Galligan, longtime Joliet residents and devoted supporters of Silver Cross Hospital.
Alex Moretti, Shorewood
Position: Special Procedures Tech, PCU
School: University of St. Francis
Pursuing: B.S. in Healthcare Management
Mariana Stanly, Homer Glen
Position: CNA, SPPR
School: Joliet Junior College
Pursuing: Associate Degree in Nursing
Dr. Walid A. Hindo Memorial X-Ray Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by Dr. Joe Hindo and named after his late brother, Dr. Walid Hindo, who was a distinguished radiologist and professor at Chicago Medical School – now Rosalind Franklin University. It is awarded annually to a Silver Cross employee or child of an employee pursuing a career in the field of Diagnostic Imaging or seeking advanced certification in Sonography, Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine.
Isabel Montiel, Lockport
Position: CNA/Clerk, 6:1
School: Triton College
Pursuing: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Lydia Mutz, Lockport
Daughter of Lisa Bright-Gregus
School: Grand Valley State University
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science
Vrundali Patel, Romeoville
Position: Radiographer, Imaging
School: South Suburban College
Pursuing: MRI Program
Hindo-Courey Family Scholarship – Child of Employee
The Hindo-Courey Family Scholarship, sponsored by Dr. Joe Hindo, is awarded annually to a child of a Silver Cross Environmental Services or Nutrition Services employee pursuing a hospital-related healthcare professional curriculum.
Neida Tobias, Joliet
Position: Barista, Nutrition Services
School: Governors State University
Pursuing: Communication Disorders
Janet Fagan Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by Frank Fagan and named after his late wife Janet, who was a nurse at Silver Cross Hospital for 37 years. It is awarded annually to a Silver Cross employee who is pursuing a nursing degree or continuing their nursing education.
Beth Anderson, Oak Forest
Position: Clinical Analyst, IT
School: Chamberlain University
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Alex Dinoffria, Shorewood
Position: RN, Emergency Department
School: Lewis University
Pursuing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Brooklynn Hayes, Joliet
Position: Clinical Research Professional, Nursing
School: Purdue Global University
Pursuing: Masters, Family Nurse Practice
Lynae Mauk, Channahon
Position: CNA, 6:3
School: Joliet Junior College
Pursuing: Associate Degree in Nursing
Laila Hindo Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by Dr. Joe Hindo and named in memory of his mother, Laila. It will be awarded annually to a Silver Cross employee or child of an employee who is part of the Diabetes Center, Wound Center, and/or Silver Cross Medical Group.
Jessica Costilla, Joliet
Position: Patient Navigator, SCMG – Joliet
School: Aurora University
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration
Courtney Grutza, Plainfield
Daughter of Tamara Grutza, Diabetes Center
School: Grand Valley State University
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Makayla Hurd, Joliet
Daughter of Kim Washington-Hurd, Silver Cross Medical Group
School: Northern Illinois University
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Matt Schmitt, Mokena
Son of Bernadette Schmitt, Silver Cross Medical Group
School: University of Georgia
Pursuing: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leroy & Barb Steffes Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by Barb and Leroy Steffes and awarded to a Silver Cross volunteer interested in working in the healthcare field. Barb is a volunteer in her own right as a member and Past President of Childerguild.
Olivia Langlois, Frankfort
Position: Volunteer, Main Lobby Desk
School: Valparaiso University
Pursuing: Health Science
Pathway Program to Healthcare Career Scholarship
This scholarship was made possible by an Amazon grant to the Community Foundation of Will County to fund the Pathway Program to Healthcare Career Scholarship, which is a partnership between Silver Cross, Lewis University and Joliet Junior College.
Claudia Cisneros, Joliet
Position: Barista/Aide, Nutrition Services
School: Joliet Junior College
Pursuing: Associate of Applied Science
Alexia King, Joliet
Position: Unit Clerk/CNA, ICU
School: Joliet Junior College
Pursuing: Associate in Nursing
Makayla Martinez, Joliet
Position: Barista, Nutrition Services
School: Lewis University
Pursuing: Bachelors in Social Work
Keileigh McCarthy, Joliet
Position: Nurse Assistant/Unit Clerk
School: Joliet Junior College
Pursuing: Associate in Nursing
Paul Pawlak Scholarship
The Advisory Board, Childerguild, Silver Belles Circle of the International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons, and Silver Cross Medical Staff created this scholarship to honor Paul Pawlak’s 27 years of service as Silver Cross Hospital’s President and CEO. The scholarship is given annually to four employees who are continuing their education.
Matthew Lucenti, Shorewood
Position: Physical Therapist Assistant, Home Health
School: Hanover College Pursuing: PhD
Eric Perez, New Lenox
Position: Shift Coordinator, Endoscopy
School: University of St. Francis
Pursuing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Meagan Turner, New Lenox
Position: Manager, PSMG Oncology
School: University of St. Francis
Pursuing: Master of Healthcare Administration
Mariah Vining, Coal City
Position: CNA, Unit 4:3
School: Rasmussen University
Pursuing: Associate in Nursing
Peggy Gricus Nursing Scholarship
The Silver Cross Medical Staff and Foundation created this new scholarship to honor retired Chief Nursing Officer Peggy Gricus. The scholarship is given annually to an employee accepted into a RN or BSN program.
Brittany Sleeman, Naperville
Position: CNA/CMT, Unit 4:3
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Physician’s Legacy Scholarship – Child of Employee
The Physician Legacy Scholarship, which is sponsored by the Silver Cross Medical Staff, acknowledges physicians’ legacy of service and commitment to Silver Cross Hospital and is given annually to the child of a Silver Cross employee pursuing a healthcare degree.
Jaclyn Lilek, Channahon
School: St. Louis University
Pursuing: Physician Assistant Master of Medical Science
Isabel Tuckett, New Lenox
Daughter of Jennifer Tuckett, Silver Cross Medical Group
School: Miami University
Pursuing: B.A. Microbiology
Kelsey Wolterink, Mokena
Daughter of Kim Wolterink, Post-Acute Operations
School: Calvin University
Pursuing: Nursing
Physician’s Legacy Scholarship – Employee
The Physician Legacy Scholarship, which is sponsored by the Silver Cross Medical Staff, acknowledges physicians’ legacy of service and commitment to Silver Cross Hospital and is given annually to Silver Cross employees pursuing a healthcare degree.
Christine Frederick, Morris
Position: Shift Coordinator, OB
School: Western Governors University
Pursuing: Master of Science, Nursing Education
Molly Scordo, Minooka
Position: Radiation Therapist, Radiation Oncology
School: University of St. Francis
Pursuing: Master of Health Administration
Sandy Roots Memorial Nursing Scholarship
This is a new scholarship established by the family and friends of Sandy Roots who passed away in December. Sandy worked at Silver Cross for 50 years, serving as a House Supervisor for most of her career.
Jessica Dietz, Wilmington
Position: House Supervisor/Clinical Research Professional, Nursing Administration
School: Western Governors University
Pursuing: Master of Science in Nursing
Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission Scholarship
This scholarship is donated by the Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission, a group of community leaders committed to improving the quality of life in the east side of Joliet – home to the original Silver Cross Hospital.
Shymia Allen
Position: Patient Services Registrar, Emergency Department
School: Rasmussen University
Pursuing: Associate degree in Nursing
Andrea Angeles
Position: Phlebotomist
School: University of St. Francis
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Cassandra Burke
Position: RN, Unit 6:1/6:2
School: Lewis University
Pursuing: Nurse Practitioner
Silver Cross Medical Staff RN to BSN
The Silver Cross Medical Staff sponsors this scholarship to assist registered nurses (RN) to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees (BSN).
Cheryl Cirrencione, New Lenox
Position: RN Case Manager, Continuity of Care
School: Chamberlain University
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Stephanie Martino, Plainfield
Position: RN, Telemetry 4:3
School: Western Governor’s University
Pursuing: RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Lisa Tuley, Minooka
Position: Clinical Research Professional, Nursing Administration
School: Purdue University Northwest
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Delores Tyler, Joliet
Position: RN, Unit 6:2
School: Capella University
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Specialty Certification in Nursing Scholarship
Multiple scholarships are awarded to obtain or renew specialized nursing certifications.
This scholarship is sponsored by the Silver Cross Medical Staff.
Jennifer Killacky, New Lenox
Position: RN, Unit 6:2
Seeking her Certification as a Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Elizabeth Leonard, New Lenox
Position: Physical Therapist, Outpatient Rehab
Seeking her Herman & Wallace Level 2B Pelvic Floor Series
Maria Londos, Chicago Ridge
Position: Registered Dietitian, Diabetes Center
Seeking her Diabetes Care & Education Specialist Certification Renewal
Kathleen Meyer, Shorewood
Position: Clinical Supervisor, Procedural Care Unit
Seeking her Physician’s Practice Manager Certification
Kayla Miner, Elwood
Position: Clinical Education, Nursing Admin
Ann Teruel, Oak Forest
Position: RN, Cancer Center<
Seeking her ONS Chemotherapy/Immunotherapy Certificate Renewal & Oncology Nurse Certification
Krista Weisenfluh, Dyer, IN
Position: Staff RN, IPPR
Seeking her Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification
Lisette Ybarra, Joliet
Position: Patient Service Representative, SCMG
Seeking her Professional Coder Certification
Twilla S. Margaron Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is named after Twilla S. Margaron, who was a 1950 graduate of the former Silver Cross School of Nursing and an active member of the Silver Cross Advisory Board, which operates the Encore Resale Shop. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Silver Cross nursing employee who is continuing their education.
Ashlae Hawkins, Sauk Village
Position: CNA, Unit 5:1
School: Prairie State College
Pursuing: Associates Degree in Nursing
Two Sweet Kids – Child of Employee
This annual award, created by Susan Sweet and her family, is for a child of a Silver Cross employee pursuing a hospital-related healthcare professional curriculum. The scholarships are in remembrance of her daughter Rachel who passed away from cystic fibrosis.
Ame Despojo, Plainfield
Daughter of Paul John, Acute Dialysis & Lovella Despojo, Unit 4:1/4:2
School: St. Xavier University
Pursing: Biology/Pre-Health
Sophia Morey, Tinley Park
Daughter of Mimma Morey, Procedural Care Unit
School: Lawrence University
Pursing: Psychology
To donate to an existing scholarship or create a new scholarship at Silver Cross Hospital, call the Silver Cross Foundation at (815) 300-7105.
