Since 1986, Finley Hospital has been awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors with plans to pursue a nursing career, individuals who are currently enrolled in a nursing program or a Finley employee seeking a nursing career. Students must attend an accredited nursing school and pursue an ADN, BSN, MSN or nurse practitioner degree. Scholarships are awarded in late May with recipients being selected based upon a review of the application and a short essay.
Edith Kritz Scholarship
The Edith Kritz Scholarship was founded in memory of Edith Kritz, an alumnus of the Finley Hospital School of Nursing, for the express purpose of furthering nursing education and offering financial assistance to local students.
Each year multiple scholarships ranging in amounts from $250 to $1,000 are awarded. Students must be accepted into an accredited nursing program and pursue an ADN, BSN, or MSN degree.
Dr. Peter J. Kearney Scholarship
The Dr. Peter J. Kearney Nursing Scholarship was established in 2008 in memory of Dr. Kearney, who believed strongly in the critical role of nursing and nursing education in the provision of quality health care for the community.
Each year multiple scholarships ranging in amounts of $250 to $1,000 are awarded to Finley Hospital employees who are currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program and who demonstrate financial need.
Ellen and Fred Phelps Nursing Scholarship
The Ellen and Fred Phelps Nursing Scholarship was founded in 2009 through a generous grant from Col. Fred and Ellen Phelps, both career nurses who believe in the critical importance of quality nursing education. Col. Phelps is a graduate of the Finley Hospital School of Nursing and Ellen is a graduate of Blessing Hospital School of Nursing. Col. and Mrs. Phelps both have BSN degrees from the College of Nursing, University of Iowa. Col. Phelps holds a Master's Degree in Nursing Services Administration from the University of Iowa.
Each year multiple scholarships ranging in amounts of $500 to $1,000 are awarded to high school graduates and nursing students who have committed to pursuing a career in nursing. Students must be accepted into an accredited nursing program and pursue an ADN, BSN or MSN degree.
Carole A. Smith Miller Memorial Scholarship
The Carole A. Smith Miller Memorial Scholarship was founded in memory of Carole A. Smith Miller, a lifelong nurse and graduate of the Finley Hospital School of Nursing.
A scholarship ranging in the amount of $250 to $1,000 is awarded to second year nursing students that demonstrate financial need and who are active in school and civic activities. Students must be accepted into an accredited nursing program and pursue an ADN, BSN, or MSN degree.
Judi Butler Memorial Scholarship
The Judi Butler Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018 in memory of Judi Butler. The scholarship provided by Judi's family is in recognition of exceptional care that Judi received at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.
Annually a $1,000.00 scholarship will be available to one Finley Hospital staff member in good standing who has been accepted into an accredited nursing program; preference shall be given to a staff member pursing an advanced degree.
Linda Abitz Nursing Scholarship
The Linda Abitz Nursing Scholarship was established in 2021 by Linda Abitz in honor of her daughter, Jenna Muchow and all future nurses. Annually, a $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one student who is currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program pursuing their ADN or BSN. To receive this scholarship, applicants must submit an essay showing a financial need due to - overcoming a significant family, academic or emotional hardship.
Dr. Edward Roy Bartels Legacy Scholarship
The Dr. Edward Roy Bartels Legacy Scholarship was established in 2018 in memory of Dr. Edward Roy Bartels, a Dubuque physician.
Annual scholarships will be available to college students entering their sophomore year who have been accepted into an accredited nursing program. Preference shall be given to a Clarke University, University of Dubuque or NICC student.
Finley Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Nursing Scholarship Endowment
Since 2007, the Finley Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association has been providing scholarships to individuals pursuing a degree in the nursing field. With the establishment of the Finley Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Nursing Scholarship Endowment in 2023, the tradition of supporting nursing education will continue. Annually, scholarships will be awarded to students currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program pursuing an ADN, BSN, MSN or nurse practitioner degree. This scholarship can be awarded to a high school senior, a current nursing student or Finley Hospital team members seeking a nursing career and is intended to offer financial assistance to local students.
$26,250 in Finley Nursing Scholarships Awarded in 2024
UnityPoint Health Finley Health Foundation is pleased to announce a total of $26,250 is being awarded to area students who are pursuing a nursing degree in higher education for the 2024-2025 academic school year.
Scholarship Recipients:
- Hanna Albert, Cuba City, WI
- Becca Anthoney, Epworth, IA
- Ava Beck, Colesburg, IA
- Amanda Becker, Dubuque, IA
- Natalie Berning, Hazel Green, WI
- Kamille Berns, Dubuque, IA
- Karly Cerda, Dubuque, IA
- Brooke Douglas, Darlington, WI
- Ashly Ideker, Dyersville, IA
- Carson Jones, Dubuque, IA
- Logan Kleese, Des Moines, IA
- Connor McMahon, East Dubuque, IL
- Cassadi Noel, Dubuque, IA
- Sydney Schmitt, Dubuque, IA
- Allyson Stanton, East Dubuque, IL
- Hailey Stitch, Cuba City, WI
- Jadeyn Sturm, Rockford, IL
- Kaelyn Weigel, Platteville, WI
“We are pleased to continue the tradition of providing scholarship opportunities to assist in the educational needs of tomorrow’s nursing leaders in our community,” stated Jennifer Havens, President of UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital.
Scholarship funding is provided by the Finley Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association, the Edith Kritz Scholarship Endowment, the Dr. Peter J. Kearney Scholarship Endowment, the Colonel Fred and Ellen Phelps Scholarship Endowment, the Carole A. Smith-Miller Memorial Scholarship, the Dr. Edward Roy Bartels Legacy Scholarship, the Judi Butler Memorial Scholarship, the Vance Nursing Scholarship and the Linda Abitz Nursing Scholarship. Since 2006, $315,550 has been granted in nursing scholarships to area students.
Contact the Finley Health Foundation
For scholarship information contact the Finley Health Foundation at (563) 589-2358.