SBL Foundation Awards Nursing Scholarships

For Immediate Release

The Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation awarded several scholarships to SBL nurses and staff members who are continuing their educations.

The scholarships are funded through endowments and were established by donors for the sole purpose of continuing education for Sarah Bush Lincoln nursing staff.

The following scholarships were awarded:

Li-Shiang Chang Award – This award was established by his grandchildren due to the wonderful care he received in the Critical Care Unit, and is awarded annually to a CCU nurse. The recipient is: Nicole Winnett, RN – Critical Care Unit.

Picture 2 – Pictured left to right: Lisa Hernandez, Nicole Winnett and Jerry Esker. Photo submitted by Sarah Bush Lincoln.

Mildred Seidel Perry Award – This award was established by her son Keith Perry to honor his mother’s nursing career, which spanned six decades. This year, three recipients were selected: Mackenzie Floyd, RN – The Heart Cente, Deb Ruiz-Rich, RN – 2 South and Andrew McDevitt, RN, 2 East.

Picture 1 – Pictured left to right: Lisa Hernandez, Keith Perry, Andy Perry, Mackenzie Floyd, Deb Ruiz-Rich and Jerry Esker. (Not pictured is Andrew McDevitt). Photo submitted by Sarah Bush Lincoln.

Dr. John Jemsek Award – This award was established by fellow physicians honoring the career of Dr. Jemsek. This year’s winner is Erica Price, RN – Lincolnland Hospice.

Pictured left to right: Lisa Hernandez, Erica Price and Jerry Esker. Photo submitted by Sarah Bush Lincoln.

Junie Longcor Award – This award was created by Junie’s family, Gary and Deb Longcor, in honor of the care she received in the Regional Cancer Center during her battle. It is awarded annually to a Cancer Center staff member. This year the recipient is Courtney Burke – Regional Cancer Center.

Pictured left to right: Lisa Hernandez, Gary Longcor, Courtney Burke, Deb Longcor and Jerry Esker. Photo submitted by Sarah Bush Lincoln.

Dr. James Van Popering/Gastroenterology Award – This award was created Dr. Van Popering, formerly a gastroenterologist at SBL for the purpose of education and/or certification of a gastroenterology nurse. This year’s recipient is Jennifer Zerrusen, MD – Special Procedures.