Silver Cross Foundation Awards $89,000 Scholarships to Hospital Employees/Children

The Silver Cross Foundation recently awarded a record breaking $89,000 in scholarships to 69 hospital employees, their children, and volunteers to help further their education and training in this ever-changing world of healthcare.    

“What makes this year even more special is that for the first time, we are awarding scholarships during National Hospital Week, a week that showcases the amazing people who have chosen Silver Cross for their careers.  We absolutely couldn’t do what we do without every single one of them,” said Michael Mutterer, Interim President and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital. 

“We are extremely grateful to our generous benefactors who strongly believe in Silver Cross Hospital’s mission and vision,” said Kathy Miller, Vice-Chair of the Silver Cross Foundation Board of Directors.  “Without their generous support year after year, Silver Cross would not be the outstanding organization it is today.  Their financial commitment helps our employees to follow their dreams while affording them the opportunity to learn new skills, advance in their careers, and ultimately provide our patients and community with an unrivaled healthcare experience.” 

Award recipients for the 2024 - 2025 academic year include: 

$250 The Strive Advocacy Group Healthcare Educational Scholarship

This new scholarship is funded by Julie Castillo to be awarded annually to a child of Silver Cross employee who resides in Joliet or Will County. 

• Abbey Slivka – Daughter of Karen Slivka, Post-Surgical RN with Silver Cross Hospital.  Abbey is pursuing a Bachelor of Science – Allied Health Sciences at Grand Valley State University 

$500 Harold Pascal Memorial Scholarship

This new scholarship is funded by Heather McTighe, a Silver Cross employee, in memory of her grandfather who taught her to pay it forward after, herself, receiving a Silver Cross Scholarship.  Heather established the scholarship to be awarded to a fellow Silver Cross employee enrolled in a healthcare professional curriculum.

• Melanie Williams – Pharmacy Tech Supervisor in the Silver Cross Pharmacy pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management at Rasmussen University 

$500 Two Sweet Kids – Child of Employee

This annual award is for a child of a Silver Cross employee pursuing a hospital-related healthcare professional curriculum.  The scholarships were created by Susan Sweet and her family in remembrance of her daughter Rachel who passed away from cystic fibrosis.

• Ava Andrea – Daughter of Teresa Andrea, Vice President and Chief Information Office for Silver Cross Hospital.  Ava is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Illinois State University
• Nicolas McKibben – Son of Courtney McKibben, Director of Nursing Education and Professional Development at Silver Cross.  Nick is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at University of Missouri 

$1,000 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.

• Molly O’Connell – Daughter of Peg O’Connell, Practice Manager for Premier Suburban Medical Group – an affiliate of Silver Cross Hospital.  Molly is attending University of Missouri to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

$1,000 Donna and Jim Galligan Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by Donna and Jim Galligan, longtime Joliet residents and devoted supporters of Silver Cross Hospital.

• Sarah Boex – Clerical Coordinator & Coder in Home Health pursuing an associate degree in health information management at Bryan University
• Madelyn Valdez – Certified Nurse Assistant pursuing an associate degree in nursing at University of Illinois at Chicago 

$1,000 Janet Fagan Nursing Scholarships

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. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Silver Cross employee who is pursuing a nursing degree or continuing their nursing education.

• Alexis Galvez – Certified Nurse Assistant pursing an associate degree in nursing at Joliet Junior College
• Raymie Hockman – Registered Nurse with Silver Cross Hospital pursuing a Master of Science degree in Nursing at University of Phoenix
• Amy Ittersagen – Nurse Navigator with the Midwest Institute for Lung at Silver Cross Hospital is attending Purdue Northwest University to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing to become a Family Nurse Practitioner
• Alexandra Phelan – Phlebotomist and Assistant in the Silver Cross Lab pursing an associate degree in nursing at Rasmussen University 

$1,000 Ruth Colby Memorial Scholarship

This new scholarship is funded by the Hindo Family in honor of Ruth Colby, the late CEO and President of Silver Cross Hospital.  This scholarship will be awarded annually to a Silver Cross Medical Staff Office employee or Silver Cross Hospital Volunteer.

• Krystian Brzek – Volunteer in the Emergency Department pursuing a medical degree in Osteopathic Medicine at Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
• JP Colarelli – Volunteer in the Emergency Department pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Chemistry at University of Illinois 

$1,000 Holly French Memorial Scholarship

This new scholarship is funded by the Hindo Family in honor of Holly French to be awarded annually to a Silver Cross child of employee or employee, or Shirley Ryan AbilityLab child of employee or employee specializing in physical, occupational or speech therapy.

• Nicole Donnelly – Daughter of Amy Donnelly, Lab Supervisor for the UChicago Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross.  Nicole is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology at Lewis University
• Matt Lucenti – Physical Therapist Assistant in Silver Cross Home Health Department pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Hanover College

 $1,000 Laila Hindo Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the Hindo family in honor of Dr. Laila Hindo.  It is awarded annually to a Silver Cross employee in the Diabetes Center, Wound Center and/or a Silver Cross Medical Group employee or a child of these employees.

• Shannon Atwood – Manager of the Silver Cross Medical Group in Homer Glen pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare administration at Rasmussen University
• Abigail Schmitt – Daughter of Bernadette Schmitt, Office Coordinator for Silver Cross Medical Group Urgent Care and Occupational Health.  Abigail is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at University of Tennessee - Knoxville
• Matthew Schmitt – Son of Bernadette Schmitt, Office Coordinator for Silver Cross Medical Group Urgent Care and Occupational Health.  Matthew is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Spanish at University of Georgia 

$1,000 Dr. Walid A. Hindo Memorial X-Ray Scholarships

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.

• Mikayla Martin – Radiologist Assistant pursing a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiography or Radiation Therapy at University of St. Francis
• Adriana Sanchez – Medical Assistant with Silver Cross Medical Group Urgent Care pursuing an associate of applied science degree in sonography at Midwestern Career College
• Aliana Zarco – Radiologic Technologist in Imaging Services completing a MRI Certificate Program at South Suburban College 

$1,000 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 his education.

• Mykala Wendland – Paramedic in the Silver Cross Emergency Department pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree 

$1,000 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.

• Zachery De Nardo – Volunteer Greeter at the Front Desk pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the University of Dayton
• Cara Jacob – Volunteer in the Emergency Department at Silver Cross Hospital pursuing a degree in molecular cellular and developmental biology at the University of Missouri – Kansas City 

$1,000 Virginia Pe Cox Med Tech Scholarship

This new scholarship is funded by Virginia and Bruce Cox to be awarded annually to a Silver Cross employee specializing in medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in the fields of medical laboratory.  Virginia is a former Silver Cross lab tech and wanted to establish a scholarship to help other in her field.

• Hayat Safi – Core Lab Lead in the Silver Cross Blood Bank pursuing certification as a Blood Bank and Transfusion Services Specialist at Rush University’s College of Health Sciences 

$1,500 Sahibzada Farhan Latif Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by Dr. Maria Latif in memory of her late husband who passed away after a long stay in the Silver Cross Cardiovascular unit.  She was so impressed with the staff that she wanted to do something to recognize their skills and help further their education.

• Morgan Holomy – Registered nurse pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing degree at Maryville University 

$2,000 Childerguild Women & Children Services Scholarships

This scholarship, which is funded by Childerguild, is awarded to Silver Cross employees who provide women and children services.

• Kayla Corsi – Registered nurse in the Silver Cross Birthing Center pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Loyola University
• Wendy Jay – Systems Coordinator for the Amy, Matthew and Jay Vana NICU is pursuing a certification as a Medical Coding Specialist at Joliet Junior College
• Brianna Kessler – OB Technician in the Birthing Center pursuing an associate degree in nursing at Joliet Junior College
• Kimberly Nowicki – Shift Coordinator in the Amy, Matthew and Jay Vana NICU pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Management at Western Governors University 

$2,000 Physician’s Legacy Scholarships

The Physician Legacy Scholarship, which is sponsored by the Silver Cross Medical Staff, acknowledge physicians’ legacy of service and commitment to Silver Cross Hospital and is given annually to Silver Cross employees pursuing a healthcare degree.

• Cathy Davis – Clinical Supervisor of Respiratory Therapy pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management at University of St. Francis
• Stephanie Strizak – Registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Silver Cross Hospital pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Lewis University

$2,000 Physicians Legacy Scholarship – Children of Employees

The Physician Legacy Scholarship, which is sponsored by the Silver Cross Medical Staff, acknowledge physicians’ legacy of service and commitment to Silver Cross Hospital and is given annually to children of Silver Cross employees who are pursuing a healthcare degree.

• Sabina Kalata – Daughter of Dorota Kalata, phlebotomist in the Silver Cross Lab.  Sabina is pursuing Doctor of Medicine degree at Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
• Ryley Nurczyk – Daughter of LuAnn Nurczyk, Manager of Respiratory Care.  Ryley is attending Joliet Junior College’s Certified Nurse Assistant program
• Alexis Schmidt – Daughter of Len Schmidt, Director of Supply Chain at Silver Cross Hospital.  Alexis is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Purdue University 

$2,500 Paul Pawlak Scholarships

The Advisory Board, Childerguild, Will County Union of 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.

• Nisha Cyriac – Advance Nurse Practitioner with Premier Suburban Medical Group, an affiliate of Silver Cross Hospital, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at Chamberlain University
• Jenna Hanson – Talent Acquisition Coordinator in Human Resources at Silver Cross Hospital pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resource management at University of Wisconsin – Madison
• Kassandra Langheld – Aide in Nutrition Services pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Vascular Ultrasound at Rush University
• Kim Zanelli – Manager of Central Transport pursuing a master’s degree in health care management at Western Governors University 

$2,800 Silver Cross Medical Staff RN to BSN

The Silver Cross Medical Staff sponsors this scholarship to assist registered nurses (RN) to earn their Bachelor Science Nursing degrees (BSN). Each RN to BSN scholarship recipient received $2,000.

• Elizabeth Brock – Cardiovascular Unit RN pursuing a BSN at University of Illinois - Chicago
• Roxanne Scorzo – Oncology/Medical RN pursuing a BSN at Purdue Northwest University
• Delores Tyler – RN pursuing a BSN at Capella University
• Amanda Wirtz – Interventional Lab RN pursuing a BSN at Northern Kentucky University 

$3,000 Carolyn Dystrup Memorial Scholarship

Created in memory of Carolyn Dystrup by her daughters to honor Carolyn’s many years of service to Silver Cross Hospital first as a nurse and educator then as a Silver Cross Foundation Board Member and in-service volunteer.  This annual scholarship is awarded to a Silver Cross employee or child of employee advancing their career in healthcare.

• Kristin Hartney – Daughter of Robin and Bob Hartney, both of whom work at Silver Cross Hospital as an Executive Administrative Assistant and RN.  Krissy is pursuing an Associate Degree in Applied Science to become a Radiology Technician at Joliet Junior College.
• Ryan Kojder – Transporter in the Central Transport Department pursuing an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences for Nursing 

$5,000 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.

• Dana Wolfe – Registered nurse in the Procedural Care Unit at Silver Cross Hospital pursuing Bachelor of Science degree at Purdue Northwest University 

Specialty Certification in Nursing Scholarship

Multiple scholarships are awarded to obtain or renew specialized nursing certifications.

• Alison Barna – RN in the Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Clinic pursing recertification for wound and ostomy care
• Kristine Bobbit – Wound Care Coordinator in the Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Clinic will earn continuing education credits by attending the National Wound Care Conference
• Jennifer Bortscheller – Clinical RN Educator in Cardiovascular Unit will earn continuing education credits by attending the National Teaching Institute and Critical Care Exposition
• Susanne Chapman – Clinical Educator in Nursing Administration pursing certification as a pediatric nurse
• Rachel Colbert – Registered Nurse in the Birthing Center pursing a Maternal Newborn Nursing Certification
• Cherie Doyle – Clinical Nurse Educator in Nursing Education at Silver Cross Hospital will earn continuing education credits by attending the National Teaching Institute and Critical Care Exposition
• Barbra DuPlantis – Respiratory Therapist in the Amy, Matthew and Jay Vana NICU pursuing a Neonatal-Pediatric Specialty Certification
• Peggy Farrell – Director of the Amy, Matthew and Jay Vana NICU will earn continuing education credits by attending the Rush Perinatal Program Conference
• Lori Gaedt-Ramirez – Nurse Manager in the Birthing Center at Silver Cross Hospital pursuing Obstetric & Neonatal Quality & Safety Certification
• Scherise Hannigan – Unit Educator in Nursing Administration pursuing Cardiac Vascular Nurse Certification
• Carol Maciejewski – RN in the Birthing Center pursuing Maternal Newborn Nursing Certification
• Diane Mangan – Diabetes Educator in the Diabetes Center pursuing certification for Diabetes Care & Education Specialist
• Erin McWilliams – RN in the Interventional Procedural Care Unit at Silver Cross pursing a Cardiac Vascular Certification
• Ralph Motto – Registration Representative in the Emergency Department at Silver Cross Hospital pursuing certification as a Health Insurance Associate
• Lauren Perino – RN in Birthing Center pursing certification in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing
• Colleen Pospishil – Patient Safety Coordinator in Quality Risk Management Department at Silver Cross Hospital pursuing a Health Care Quality Professional Certification        
• Jennifer Ramiro – Physical Therapist with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at Silver Cross pursuing certification in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
• Carmela Reyes – Oncology Clinical Educator in Nursing Administration will earn continuing education credits by attending the Oncology Nursing Conference and become certified as Advance Oncology Nurse Specialist
• Kristina Salcedo – Director of Women and Infant Services will earn continuing education credits by attending the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Convention as well as pursing an Obstetric and Neonatal Quality and Safety Certification
• Losi Stone – Clinical Educator in Nursing Administration pursuing a Cardiac Vascular Nurse Certification
• Jennifer Wirth – Case Manager with the Amy, Matthew and Jay Vana NICU pursuing a renewal of her Neonatal Certification and earning continuing education credits by attending the Society of Pediatric Nurses Leadership Development Program 

To donate to or establish a new scholarship at Silver Cross Hospital, call the Silver Cross Foundation at (815) 300-7105.