College of Nursing Recognizes Students and Donors at Annual Awards Ceremony
Undergraduate and graduate nursing students are recognized annually with more than 90 scholarships and awards at the College of Nursing Awards Ceremony. This year on October 18th at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, we celebrated with our donors, students and their families as we presented scholarships and awards totaling just over $171,000.
“The generosity of our donors is overwhelming,” said College Relations Officer Anna Pacik. “They make a tremendous difference in our students’ lives on so many levels.”
Fourth year nursing student Becky Riekman was one of two recipients of this year’s Dr. Darlene Pollock Forrest Award in Nursing. “Receiving a scholarship in my final year of nursing studies has meant so much to me,” said Riekman. “I've been putting myself through school, working part-time during term and full-time during summer. I'm currently in the midst of my final practicum and am unable to work the same hours I usually do. With Dr. Forrest's generous gift, I'm able to focus on developing my practice with financial peace of mind. It was such a special experience to meet and thank Dr. Forrest face-to-face at this year’s awards ceremony. I will not forget her generosity.”
Dr. Forrest was so pleased to meet one of her recipients at the ceremony and had this to say about her award. “During my long career in Nursing, from student nurse to professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta, I have strived to fulfill the criteria of this award - compassionate caring combined with mindful application of Nursing theory and knowledge. This has been the focus of my nursing practice, teaching and research. By establishing this award, the excellence of the recipient's nursing care is recognized, valued and supported. The funds offer financial assistance and provide for further educational opportunities. Creating this award gives me the opportunity to express my gratitude to the College of Nursing at the U of S for the sound initial preparation I received, which provided the foundation for a gratifying and successful Nursing career. I am also pleased to 'give something back' to Saskatchewan, as I feel especially fortunate to have been born and raised by caring parents in a province that valued and supported excellent systems of education and health.”
Congratulations to all our students who received awards this year and thank you once again to our very generous donors.