Nursing Graduate Students Awarded NJLN Scholarships

Last fall, the New Jersey League of Nursing (NJLN) presented its 2023 scholarship awards, celebrating the dedication and excellence of nursing students from across New Jersey. Among the distinguished recipients were Seton Hall College of Nursing students Nikia Sharp and Briana Costa, who were awarded the Dr. Maureen Sullivan Foley Memorial Scholarship, and Yola Mossad, honored with the Jack Robertson Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarships aim to support students who exhibit both academic excellence and a profound commitment to advancing the nursing profession. "These students exemplify the best of what our College of Nursing stands for — dedication, leadership and the pursuit of excellence," said Interim Dean of Nursing Kristi Stinson, Ph.D., R.N., A.P.N.-B.C.

The Dr. Maureen Sullivan Foley Memorial Scholarship recognizes individuals for their leadership qualities and dedication to nursing in New Jersey. The Jack Robertson Memorial Scholarship is given to those committed to nursing education, honoring Robertson's vision for nursing excellence.

Nikia Sharp, slated to graduate from the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program in 2024, sees the scholarship as an acknowledgment of her dedication to transforming healthcare through innovation and a commitment to health equity. "Following in the footsteps of Dr. Maureen Sullivan Foley, I aspire to be a nurse leader who will make a significant contribution to the nursing profession," she said. "With the nursing concepts, competencies, clinical experiences and leadership skills I have gained here, my goal is to also establish mobile health units and visiting home services that will improve health outcomes and eradicate systemic barriers in underserved communities."

Yola Mossad is completing her Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program. Her commitment to advancing nursing education shines through her academic pursuits and proactive approach to her studies. She is especially appreciative of the nursing faculty, noting, "They are experts in the field of advanced nursing practice and have been great mentors throughout this journey."

Briana Costa, who is currently pursuing her degree in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program, echoed Mossad’s sentiment. “What makes my educational experience invaluable is having professors that genuinely care about the success of their students,” said Costa. “Not only are they attentive, but also very approachable and enthusiastic. It is evident they are as passionate about teaching as they are about the patient care they deliver in their own professions.”

"We are immensely proud of Nikia, Yola, and Briana for their remarkable achievements and for being honored with these scholarships," added Stinson. "Not only are they continuing their education as nurses with graduate degrees, but they are also evolving into leaders who will undoubtedly make significant contributions to healthcare in New Jersey and beyond. This recognition is a testament to their hard work and the bright future that lies ahead for each of them."

Categories: Health and Medicine