Scholarship established at CHI Health Good Samaritan in honor of retiring nurse

KEARNEY, Neb. — Aspiring healthcare professionals now have the chance to obtain a new scholarship that honors a local nurse.

The CHI Health Good Samaritan Foundation announced the Evelyn Watts Endowed Scholarship on Friday. Foundation Director Cindi Richter surprised Watts by revealing the scholarship at her retirement reception. Watts spent 43 years working at Good Samaritan in several departments including infection control, heath information management and care management.

“We are tremendously grateful for Evelyn's contributions to our mission and to her family for honoring her legacy of caring in such a meaningful way,” said Richter.

The scholarship was established by Watts’ sons Chris and Jon and their families. A news release says they made the gift to honor their mother’s legacy of service and contributions to the nursing profession.

The scholarship will be added to the foundation’s other scholarship offerings through the Good Samaritan Health Career Scholarship Program. The scholarships are earmarked for students seeking education for healthcare careers. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled or accepted in a recognized health career program and be permanent residents or students attending schools within Good Samaritan’s service area.

The 2024 scholarship selection process began with an April 1 online registration deadline. This year’s recipients will be announced later this spring.