ALBANY, NY—The St. Luke’s School of Nursing closed in 1974, but their alumni association remains active by supporting scholarships for women pursuing nursing careers. The St. Luke’s Alumni Association Scholarship Committee awarded Maria Spratt, a Maria College student entering the associate degree in nursing (RN) program this fall, a $500 scholarship.
Spratt’s essay to the scholarship committee reflected both compassion and a strong commitment to helping others, both of which are core aspects of the mission of Maria College. Two years ago, she left a successful business career to enter the healthcare field.
Spratt stated, “I felt unfulfilled in my job and wanted to pursue a career that mattered. I was born in Santiago, Chile and earned an associate degree in travel and tourism. I came to the United States in 2002. Because I am passionate about helping people, I took a certified nurse aide course and then about a year ago began working at the Berkshire Medical center as a recovery specialist in a clinical stabilization services unit, as well as a unit coordinator in the “detox” (detoxification) unit. This experience led me to a registered nurse (RN) vocation. This past spring, I completed many prerequisite courses and I am very excited to start the nursing concentration this fall at Maria College. I chose Maria because of the college’s reputation for helping students succeed.”
Victoria Callagan, EdD(c), RN, Maria College AAS Nursing Program Director, stated, “We are so pleased to learn of her passion and drive to enter the nursing profession and we look forward to welcoming her and the other first year nursing students this fall.”
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About Maria College
Founded in 1958, Maria College is one of 16 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The private, co-educational, Catholic college in Albany serves approximately 800 students in a variety of degree and certificate programs including liberal arts, healthcare management, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, and health and occupational sciences. Maria College prepares students for meaningful careers in healthcare and service, so they can make a difference in the lives of others.
Contact:
communication@mariacollege.edu