Opwonya, a student at Marian University, has received the Marty Ernsting Memorial Nursing Scholarship. She is pursuing a bachelor degree in nursing and is expected to graduate in May 2010.
“Nursing reaches the heart of those we serve during their time of need,” said Opwonya, who has been a nursing student and emergency departments staff assistant at St. Francis since 2005. I have realized that the focus is not on just the illness or injury; it is centered on the wellbeing of the complete individual.”
The scholarship honors the life and legacy of Marty Ernsting, who worked for many years as a nurse and medical surgical case manager. Her family established the scholarship after her death in August 2008, and it is administered through the St. Francis Healthcare Foundation.
“We congratulate Pamela and wish her well in her pursuits,” the Ernsting family said in a statement announcing the award. The family, Jack and Mary Ann Ernsting (parents) and sister, Kriss Ernsting, M.D., served on the selection committee with St. Francis nurses Susan Brundgardt, Theresa Carnagua, Mary Garnier and Susan McRoberts, vice president and chief of nursing.
To learn more about the Marty Ernsting Memorial Nursing Scholarship go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/Foundation/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=117.
Jack and Mary Ann Ernsting (left) and Dr. Kriss Ernsting (right) present Pamela Opwonya with the first Marty Ernsting Memorial Nursing Scholarship. The scholarship honors the late Marty Ernsting, who was a nurse at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers for many years.
