Four students in Nursing programs offered collaboratively by Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) have received prestigious scholarships from the Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario (RNFOO). The awards recognize the students’ academic achievements and positive contributions to the nursing field.

“On behalf of Durham College I extend my sincere congratulations to each of our students for this wonderful accomplishment,” said Susan Sproul, Dean, DC School of Health & Community Services. “These awards demonstrate their commitment to hard work, dedication and academic excellence and the college and university’s dedication to providing high-quality nursing training designed to prepare students to play a leading role in the health-care sector come graduation.”

Recipients include:

• Nicole Deziel, UOIT-DC Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program, class of 2016: RNFOO Undergraduate Scholarship, which provides assistance to first- or second-year undergraduate nursing students who demonstrate high academic standing and outstanding potential in their chosen career, – $1,500
• Karen Foell, UOIT-DC Collaborative Registered Practical Nursing (RPN)-to-BScN program, class of 2016: Regina Borowska Scholarship, which is awarded to individuals who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with preference given to post-diploma RNs, RPNs and applicants whose professional career goals enable them to contribute to the advancement of nursing, – $2,000
• Egers Metaj, UOIT-DC Collaborative RPN-to-BScN program, class of 2016: Regina Borowska Scholarship – $1,000
• Grace Wilson, UOIT-DC Collaborative BScN program, class of 2015: Dorothy Ferguson Scholarship, awarded to a nursing student pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree who demonstrates outstanding leadership potential,  – $2,000

“Congratulations to Nicole, Karen, Egers and Grace on their exciting achievements,” said Dr. Sue Coffey, director, Nursing, UOIT. “These awards are a testament of their hard work and commitment to their studies, as well as the success of the Collaborative Nursing program in producing nurses committed to professionalism and quality care.”