Jeannette and Robert Barnes’ Scholarship Ensures Success for UArizona Nursing Undergraduates
April 5, 2021
Eric Smith.jpg
Since they made their first donation to the College in 1972, Jeannette and Robert Barnes have been among UArizona Nursing’s most generous supporters. The couple’s Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship — which is open to applicants who are Arizona residents, graduates of an Arizona-based high school and are full-time college undergraduate students that require financial assistance — has enabled the College to train up-and-coming nursing leaders to meet the growing, changing demands of healthcare for nearly 50 years. The Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship offers talented students full tuition support throughout their academic journeys.
As UArizona alumni, the Barnes’ realize that a world class education is valuable beyond measure. Realizing that being a student usually means either working in addition to studying, taking out loans, or both, the support they offer scholars is a gift of stability. The removal of the financial burden of tuition gives scholars the gift of focus. Through the Barnes’ support, scholars are able to allocate the wealth of time, energy, and attention that would otherwise go toward making ends meet to the pursuit of knowledge and excellence.
“The Barnes Scholarship supported me throughout my College of Nursing journey. This scholarship helped relieve me of my financial stress and therefore I was able to focus fully on my College of Nursing education and graduate Cum Laude. I cannot express how grateful and honored I am to receive this generous donation," ~ Grace Li ‘20
Across the board, grateful scholars cite the financial support of the Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship as an integral part of their academic and professional successes. Student Kevin Olivares says, “This scholarship will benefit my academic and career goals by easing the overall financial burden of college with less reliance on school loans that would inflate my college debt. This will contribute to increased maneuverability in the workforce after I graduate by permitting me to focus on nursing fields that interest me instead of being slogged down by concerns of huge student debt. It will also let me absorb more of my study materials and enhance my overall learning experiences by allowing me to focus less on the financial logistics of college and more on my academics. This translates to more hours of studying and fine-tuning my nursing skillset.”
We caught up recently with a few recent graduates, who were happy to update us on their current activities and what the Barnes’ scholarship support has meant to them.
Remy Goc, '17
Remy Goc, ‘17
What are you up to these days?
I work as a bone marrow transplant RN at Colorado Blood Cancer Institute in Denver, Colorado and love my job and work!
What do you love most about nursing?
Getting to know my patients and developing relationships with them. I am proud to be a caregiver and a source of advice and support during a difficult time.
What are your future plans?
I would like to get ICU training hopefully in the near future, working the ICU unit for a couple years then would love to give travel nursing a try!
How did the Barnes Scholarship make an impact on you?
The Barnes Scholarship helped me out greatly. I remember when I received the news that I had won, I was beyond words and very happy and grateful. It was a huge help for both me and my family and my future honestly.
Eric Smith ‘16
Eric Smith ‘16
What have you been up to since you graduated? Any updates you’d like to share
personally and professionally?
Since graduation, I have primarily worked as a RN in the ICU. I have also completed a Master’s Degree in Public Health and worked at the University of Arizona for a year before returning to bedside nursing in the ICU. I will also start the DNP-FNP program this August.
What did you love most about your time at the College of Nursing?
I liked the simulation lab and hands on learning.
What do you love most about nursing?
I love the sense of purpose it lends. The work is meaningful and fulfilling and allows the opportunity to continue learning and growing.
How did the Barnes Scholarship make an impact on you?
It allowed me to focus more on my schooling and preparing to be the best nurse possible.
Grace Li ‘20
What have you been up to since you graduated? Any updates you’d like to share personally and professionally?
Studied to take the NCLEX-RN examination. I recently passed with 60 questions and obtained my license number!
What are your future plans?
I have accepted a job offer to Banner Thunderbird on a general progressive care unit (PCU) and will be starting July 20th! I plan on applying to the BSN-DNP program in the near future (fall 2021).
What do you love most about nursing?
Continuous learning and the ability to provide holistic care to patients and family members.
How did the Barnes Scholarship make an impact on you?
The Barnes Scholarship supported me throughout my College of Nursing journey. This scholarship helped relieve me of my financial stress and therefore I was able to focus fully on my College of Nursing education and graduate Cum Laude. I cannot express how grateful and honored I am to receive this generous donation.