Scholarship Established in Memory of Beloved SIC Nursing Instructor

A new scholarship has been established with the Southeastern Illinois College Foundation in memory of Carla, a cherished SIC nursing instructor.

The Carla’s Wings of a Butterfly Associate Degree in Nursing Scholarship is being established by Carla’s sister Renae Zappa and mother Elaine Enos who, like Carla, believe strongly in the importance of education. This scholarship will kick off with a $1,000 award for the academic year of 2016-17. The family will continue establishing a scholarship endowment so that deserving students will be awarded for years to come.

“Carla understood and appreciated how you may achieve anything you want if you put your mind to it and gain the necessary education,” said Renae.  “She cared very deeply for her nursing students and was a phenomenal mentor in helping them to understand the educational roadmap to achieve what they wanted in their specific nursing careers.”

A recipient will be chosen by an appointed committee at Southeastern. Funds from this scholarship will pay for tuition, fees and books for a full-time SIC student with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (GPA), who is going into the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program.                                                  

“I sincerely hope that any recipient of this scholarship may appreciate that it’s a special gift from Carla, a person who has walked in their shoes and strongly believes in their future success as a nurse,” said Renae.  “I further hope that it will allow them an easier path to pursuing their nursing education and achieving that future success.”

To be considered for this scholarship, the applicant must demonstrate the characteristics of good citizenship as well as positive healthcare worker traits. An essay written by the student that addresses these qualities must be submitted with the formal application. The student must also have received a tentative letter of acceptance into the ADN program.

“I want to honor Carla’s legacy and the incredibly beautiful person she was, including her drive, determination and focus in teaching her nursing students,” said Renae.  “She absolutely loved her students and her role as a nursing instructor, as it brought great joy to her life to be able to help them create and build a strong foundation for success to be carried forever in their nursing careers.”

Dean of Academic Services, Gina Sirach said “Not only will this scholarship assist students in achieving educational goals, but it will also provide long-lasting benefits to patients as it will allow nurses to touch the lives of patients across the country. Carla’s legacy will live on, and the impact of this gift will be felt for many years to come.”

Additional donations are currently being accepted for the memorial scholarship.  To contribute or for further information about the Carla’s Wings of a Butterfly Associate Degree in Nursing Scholarship, contact Sky Fowler at 618-252-5400 ext. 2482.

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