Southeast Scholarship Opportunities

Through the generosity of Mercy Health Foundation Southeast, scholarship opportunities are available for students involved in direct patient care. Preference will be given to students enrolled in programs within the Mercy service region. Recipients will not be required to serve any period of time in employment with Mercy upon graduation.

Mercy Health Foundation Southeast offers many scholarship opportunities each year. These scholarships are funded historically through the generosity of donors. The number of Foundation scholarships awarded each year will be determined subject to availability of funding. Only one complete application is needed to apply for Foundation scholarships. Scholarship applications may be submitted Feb. 6 to May 31.

Mercy Health Foundation would like to offer a sincere thank-you to all donors who have supported health care students throughout the years. If you or your family would like to offer a scholarship to students entering the health care field, please contact Mercy Health Foundation Southeast at 573.519.4920 or [email protected].

Mercy Foundation Endowed Scholarships

The Cape Girardeau County Area Medical Society Alliance has supported nursing education since the group was organized in 1924. In September 2005, the Cape Girardeau County Area Medical Society Alliance established an endowed scholarship to be awarded to a nursing student enrolled in the Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences.

The purpose of this endowed scholarship is to perpetuate the past commitment in a way that will directly impact the health of the Cape Girardeau County Area in the future.

The recipient is selected from the recommendations of the Scholarship Committee to the Medical Alliance.

The Medical Alliance makes a second award of an annual $500 scholarship. The recipient is also selected from the recommendations of the Scholarship Committee.

Nontraditional nursing students enrolled in the Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences may apply.

Sheila R. Caskey, PhD, Scholarship

The Sheila R. Caskey Scholarship was established in 2013 after her death in recognition of Dr. Caskey’s lifelong dedication to healthcare education.

Sheila R. Caskey, PhD, MS, BSE, was the founding president of the board of trustees at Mercy-Southeast Hospital College of Nursing & Health Sciences. She was a professor and dean of graduate studies and extended learning at Southeast Missouri State University as well as a past member of the Higher Learning Commission and NCATE review teams. Dr. Caskey was the author of numerous scholarly articles published at the state and national levels. In addition, she was extensively involved in community leadership roles in the Cape Girardeau Library, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the Community Council.

The Sheila R. Caskey, PhD endowed scholarship is open to students enrolled in the Southeast College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Students must also demonstrate a financial need.

Students enrolled in SE-CONHS may apply.

Jean Chapman, M.D., Scholarship

Dr. Jean Chapman returned to Cape Girardeau in 1959 and helped establish the Internal Medicine Group. Certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology in 1974, he was in private practice until 1997. Dr. Chapman was a clinical assistant professor at SIU School of Medicine from 1988 to 1997 and an assistant professor in clinical medicine at Washington University School of Medicine from 1953 to 1954. In 1995 he was honored as a Master of the American College of Physicians.

Dr. Chapman was one of the founders and a former president of Cape Girardeau Doctors’ Park. He helped establish and hosted the “Ask Your Doctor” program on local cable television. He served as president of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri and received the Otto F. Dingeldein Award in 2002. He served as a volunteer for the Professional Division Fundraising for Area Wide United Way.

The Jean Chapman, M.D. Nursing Scholarship was created as an endowed scholarship to assist individuals enrolled in the Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences in the nursing curriculum.

RN students may apply.

Karen Crites Hendrickson EdD, RN, NEA-BC, Scholarship

The Karen Crites Hendrickson Nursing Scholarship was established by friends of Dr. Hendrickson at Mercy in recognition of contributions by Karen in the field of nursing as Vice President of Nursing/Chief Nursing Officer upon her retirement from Mercy July 1, 2011.

Karen’s dedication and hard work led Mercy Hospital-Southeast to receive Magnet Nursing Services recognition in 2004 and 2009. She was instrumental in establishing the Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences, the open heart surgery program, LifeBeat Air Medical Service, neonatology services, Generations Family Resource Center, Building Blocks, Home Health and Hospice services, dialysis and hospitalist services.

The Karen Crites Hendrickson Scholarship is to assist individuals who are employed by Mercy. Applicants must have and maintain a 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate financial need. In addition, Dr. Hendrickson will make the final recommendation for the scholarship.

Individuals employed by Mercy may apply.

Hugh & Marietta Logan

Hugh Logan served on the Southeast Missouri Hospital Board of Trustees from 1967–79. He was the first Executive Director of Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation from 1977–85, and was president of the Foundation for three years.

Marietta was an active volunteer in the Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary. Through a generous bequest by Mr. and Mrs. Logan, this endowed scholarship was established in 1995 to assist students enrolled in a healthcare-related field at Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences.

The scholarship is restricted to:

  • Graduates of the Cape Career and Technology Center LPN Program and who are accepted at Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences’ LPN to RN Bridge program.
  • High school graduates who are accepted into one of Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences’ programs.
  • Scholarship application information may be obtained at the Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
  • Recipients are selected by the college administration based on need and aptitude to succeed.

L.P. Maxwell, M.D., Nursing Scholarship

The L.P. Maxwell, M.D., Nursing Scholarship was established in 2009 by the friends of Dr. Maxwell at Cardiovascular Consultants in recognition of his contributions to the field of cardiology.

Dr. Maxwell was dedicated to mentoring healthcare workers in their study of cardiology and gave much of his time and knowledge to advancing the skills and increasing the knowledge of others in the medical profession.

Dr. Maxwell was a lifelong learner and teacher. This scholarship is dedicated to his spirit of mentoring students and enhancing the life and health of others.

The L.P. Maxwell, M.D., Nursing Scholarship was created as an endowed scholarship to assist individuals enrolled in the Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences’ nursing curriculum.

RN students may apply.

O.D. Niswonger Scholarship

The O.D. Niswonger Scholarship was established by the Southeast Missouri Hospital Board of Trustees in 1991 upon the retirement of Mr. Niswonger as President of Southeast Missouri Hospital. This scholarship was created in recognition of Mr. Niswonger’s distinguished 30-year career at Mercy.

The O.D. Niswonger Scholarship was created as an endowed scholarship to assist individuals enrolled in the Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences.

Employees of Mercy Hospital-Southeast enrolled in an allied health program may apply for this scholarship.

Dorothy Kies Penzel Scholarship

Dorothy Kies Penzel attended Southeast Missouri State University and graduated from Gradwohl Institute of Medical Technology. She worked as a medical technologist at various hospitals, including Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Through the generosity of Dorothy Kies Penzel’s two daughters, Georganne Syler and Carolyn Ford-Bock, an annual scholarship was established in April 1999 for students enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Science Program at Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences.

Med tech students may apply.

William and Martina Scott Scholarship

The William and Martina Scott Scholarship is an endowed scholarship established in October 2000 when Mrs. Scott donated property to Mercy Foundation to fund scholarships for allied health students.

William A. Scott was born on June 19, 1902, in Puxico, Missouri. His parents were of German and Scottish origins. He attended the public school through the fifth grade. He then started to work in a local “handle” factory (a manufacturer of hammer, ax and other tool handles). He worked in this business for the vast majority of his life, until his death in September 1999.

Martina Scott was born on April 25, 1908, in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. Her maiden name was Sutter, and she was one of 10 children (seven girls and three boys). William and Martina met in Wisconsin, and they were married in 1935. They both worked in sales on the road for more than five years before returning to Puxico in the early 1940s to run the company and continue sales work on the road. Their manufacturing operations over the years included the assembly of tools (shovels, scoops, garden tools) as well as the manufacturing of bull rakes, hoes, axes, hammers, etc. They would buy the handles unfinished, as well as the metal components. When not fully engaged in the business, Mr. Scott enjoyed the outdoors, particularly wooded areas.

Allied health students may apply. Those from Puxico, Missouri and Stoddard County will have first preference.

Ronald James Schwent Nursing Scholarship

The Ronald James Schwent Nursing Scholarship was established through the generous donations from family and friends in Ron’s memory. Ron was a lifelong learner and teacher. This scholarship is dedicated to his spirit of enhancing the life and health of others.

Ronald James “Cooter” Schwent, 64, of Jackson, Missouri, passed away Saturday, July 6, 2019, at St. Francis Medical Center, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born to the late Welton T. and Frances “Billie” (née Link) Schwent on Sept. 14, 1954, in Red Bud, Illinois. Ron married Marjorie A. Gosche on April 23, 1988, in New Hamburg, Missouri. He attended Belleville Area College and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with an Associate of Arts in Nursing in 1982. He graduated from Webster University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1988. He received his CCRN certification in 2014. Ron worked as a registered nurse at Mercy Health for 37 years, primarily in the ICU. He retired in 2018. Ron spent his career taking care of other people, and continued to save lives as an organ donor.

The Ronald Schwent Nursing Scholarship was created as an endowed scholarship at Mercy Foundation to assist students enrolled in Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences’ nursing program. Recipient must have a minimum high school or college GPA of 3.0, and preference will be given to those who demonstrate financial need.

The Ronald James Schwent Nursing Scholarship was first awarded in July 2020.

Hazel Harrison Strickler Scholarship

The first and largest scholarship fund at Mercy was established through a bequest from Hazel Harrison Strickler in 1981 to assist individuals who were enrolled in a nursing curriculum. Hazel Harrison Strickler, a resident of Cape Girardeau since 1900, died on her 94th birthday, Nov. 10, 1981.

Mrs. Stickler felt the call to give back for a life she felt was richly blessed. She left a legacy that has benefited numerous nursing students over the years. Along with other members of the Harrison family, Mrs. Strickler was a longtime supporter of Mercy Hospital-Southeast.

RN students may apply.

Tom Welch Radiography Scholarship

The Thomas Welch Radiography Scholarship was established by the friends of Tom at Mercy in recognition of Tom’s contributions in the field of radiology. Tom was employed at Mercy from 1974 to 2010 and was Director of Radiology for 36 years.

Tom was a lifelong learner and teacher. This scholarship is dedicated to his spirit of mentoring students and enhancing the life and health of others.

The Thomas Welch Radiography Scholarship was established in 2010 as an endowed scholarship to assist individuals enrolled in Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences’ radiology curriculum.

RT students may apply.

James W. Wente Scholarship

The James W. Wente Scholarship was established by the Southeast Missouri Board of Trustees in 2009 upon the retirement of Mr. Wente as President/CEO of Southeast Missouri Hospital. This scholarship is in recognition of Mr. Wente’s commitment to nursing and allied health programs and a tribute to the friendship and deep respect the Board of Trustees held for Mr. Wente.

Mr. Wente’s progressive style of leadership positioned Southeast Missouri Hospital as the region’s leader for comprehensive, quality healthcare services, and as a leader in responding to the region’s healthcare educational needs by preparing skilled healthcare professionals at Mercy’s College of Nursing & Health Sciences.

The James W. Wente Scholarship was created as an endowed scholarship to assist individuals enrolled in the Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences.

MLS/RN/RT/ST students may apply.

Mercy Auxilary Endowed Scholarships

Ilena Aslin Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2007 by Ilena Aslin in gratitude for the many opportunities she has enjoyed during her life.

Ilena states, “Perhaps this scholarship will make it possible for other young people to realize their dreams. This is my way of making a difference.”

This scholarship will be awarded annually to a student who is pursuing a degree in nursing or certification in a healthcare related field.

RN/RT/MT/ST students may apply.

Balsamo Family Scholarship

For four generations the Balsamo family has been involved in some area of the healthcare profession. Members of the family continue this legacy to endeavor to enhance the healthcare and well-being of their communities.

Acknowledging the importance of healthcare to the Balsamo family and the opportunities it has provided, this scholarship was established in 2009 by:
Salvatore Charles Balsamo, DDS & Sue Keim Balsamo
Charles Anthony Balsamo & Ann Wedemeyer Balsamo
Luke Hodgson Balsamo, MD
Kathryn Balsamo Puttroff, BSN & Aaron Michael Puttroff

This endowed scholarship is awarded to a student who is pursuing a degree in nursing or certification in a healthcare related field.

RN/RT/ MT/ST students may apply.

Elda Haertling Scholarship

Elda Haertling was a longtime, valued member and former President of the Mercy-Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary.

This scholarship was established through the generous support of friends and family of the Haertling family.

The Elda Haertling Scholarship was created in 2000 as an endowed scholarship to assist individuals enrolled in a nursing curriculum.

The Elda Haertling Scholarship was first awarded in 2003.

RN students may apply.

Hutson Family Scholarship

Through the generous support of Helen Hutson Hammond, Charles Hutson and Jim Hutson, this scholarship was established in February 2001 in honor of their parents, Glenn J. and Helen Farrar Hutson. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is pursuing a degree in nursing.

Glenn J. Hutson was a longtime businessman in Cape Girardeau and a Mercy-Southeast Missouri Hospital Trustee and supporter. Helen Farrar Hutson, a registered nurse, began her career at Mercy-Southeast Missouri Hospital and maintained her interest in that profession throughout her lifetime. She was an active member of the Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary.

The Hutson Family Scholarship was first awarded in 2005.

RN students may apply.

Polly DuVal Kinder

Polly DuVal Kinder was an active member of the Cape Girardeau community for many years. Both in her work as a teacher and later as a parent, she was a champion of education. As a cheerleader for those pursuing degrees to make their lives more meaningful, she had no peer.

Through the generous support of friends, this endowed scholarship was established in 2005 in loving memory of Mrs. Kinder.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who is pursuing a degree in nursing.

The Polly DuVal Kinder Scholarship was first awarded in 2006.

RN students may apply.

Margaret Foster Roberts

In 2004, friends and family of Margaret Foster Roberts endowed a scholarship in her memory. Margaret was a past President of the Mercy Hospital-Southeast Auxiliary. In addition, devotion to the mission of the Auxiliary, its membership growth, service expansion and financial stability were characteristics of Margaret. She had innovative, enthusiastic and exemplary leadership skills and an unwavering commitment to the Auxiliary.

Following the death of her husband, Ben Roberts, in 2012, a gift was bequeathed from his estate for the purpose of enlarging the Margaret Foster Roberts Scholarship Fund. His generous bequest will allow the Auxiliary to give many more scholarships each year to students pursuing degrees in healthcare related fields.

The Margaret Foster Roberts Scholarship was first awarded in 2005.

RN/RT/MT/ST students may apply.

Mercy Auxilary Scholarships

Charlotte Black Sargent

This scholarship was established in January 2002 to honor Charlotte Black Sargent on the occasion of her retirement as Director of Volunteer Services at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Charlotte provided leadership and guidance to the Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary for 19 years.

The Charlotte Black Sargent Scholarship was established through the generous support of the members of the Auxiliary, as well as the family and friends of Charlotte.

This scholarship is given each year to a student who is pursuing a nursing or healthcare-related career.

RN/RT/MT/ST students may apply.

Nancy Ann Bray Scholarship

The Mercy-Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary created this scholarship to honor Nancy Bray’s leadership as Volunteer Coordinator of the Meals on Wheels Program from 1994 to 2007 during Nancy’s tenure as Director of Marketing at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

As a Life Member of the Auxiliary, Nancy Bray oversaw the growth of this community healthcare endeavor, established a fund for those who needed meals but could not afford them, and cemented the relationship between area churches, other community organizations and Southeast Missouri Hospital. The loyalty of those volunteer drivers and meal deliverers has made possible the continual delivery of hot meals to those in need.

The Nancy Ann Bray Scholarship was established in 2008 through the generous support of the family members and the friends of Nancy Bray.

This endowed scholarship is awarded to a student who is pursuing a degree in nursing or certification in a healthcare related field.

RN/RT/ MT/ST students may apply.

Outside Scholarships

Missouri Nurse Loan (Department of Health)
Apply online: dhss.mo.gov
RN students may apply.

U.S. Department of Health Resources & Services Administration
Apply online: hrsa.gov
RN students may apply.

Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association
Apply online: nsna.org – click on Foundation & Scholarships
RN students may apply.

Nursing/Allied Health Scholarship
Offered by St. Louis area healthcare recruiters. Information available in the Student Services office after Sept. 1 each year.
RN/RT students may apply.

Scholarship Award Luncheon held the 1st Friday in August – All recipients are highly encouraged to attend to accept their award.

Scholarship Policy | Process | Requirements

Scholarship Application

For more information on Mercy scholarships, contact Mercy Health Foundation Southeast at 573.519.4920. Deadline for all scholarship applications is May 31st of each year.

Mercy Health Foundation
Skip to content