The Calgary Health Foundation – Florence and Lloyd Cooper Scholarship for Nursing Leadership recognizes the pivotal role that nursing leadership plays in Alberta’s health system and in the care of all Albertans. The Calgary Health Foundation – Florence and Lloyd Cooper Scholarship for Nursing Leadership was established in fiscal 2019 by the Calgary Health Foundation to create a scholarship fund to be distributed by the Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust on an annual and ongoing basis. The generous fund has been established through the estate of Florence and Lloyd Cooper to honour the legacy of the philanthropic couple. The fund will provide annual scholarships to individuals in the areas of nursing leadership and nursing research. Recipients must work in Calgary area hospitals funded by Calgary Health Foundation.

In Memory of Florence and Lloyd Cooper

Florence and Lloyd met in 1962 and within a year they became business partners in the planning, building, and managing of Lloyd’s Rollercade; a source of pride and joy for both of them. Lloyd and Flo married in 1981 and enjoyed many years of working side by side at the Rollercade, travelling the world and entertaining family and friends. The couple was well known for their generosity and support of community and health initiatives that impacted the lives of all Calgarians. Lloyd’s Roller rink closed down after 50 years of being a source of joy for so many families. Thanks to this legacy gift- the Calgary Health Foundation will continue to empower future generations of registered nurses in memory of a truly remarkable couple, Florence and Lloyd Cooper.

10 scholarships are available at a value of $5000 each.

A 1968 graduate from the Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing, and then later a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Alberta, Chris Lambert personified the true essence of nursing. A pioneer in patient advocacy, Chris encouraged her colleagues to truly connect with each patient and their families and to trust the patient to take a leadership role in their own health care. Patient focused care; quality of life; palliative care; cultural sensitivity and a multidisciplinary team care approach were all integral parts of Chris’ nursing practice long before they became the focal points of today’s health care system.

A strong advocate for excellence in patient care and best nursing practice, Chris was an outstanding nurse mentor who instilled confidence in her coworkers to recognize that each challenge was an opportunity to grow as a person and as a nurse. She challenged her colleagues to be lifelong learners and to develop the leadership skills necessary to positively influence nursing practice. Chris recognized the value of living your life with passion and creating a healthy home/work life balance. She encouraged her colleagues to follow her exemplary lead.

An influential contemporary nursing role model, Chris worked tirelessly on behalf of her patients and nurses. Competent, energetic, organized, compassionate and intelligent, Chris left an incredible nursing legacy that will be carried on through the scholarship that carries her name. This scholarship is awarded to a nurse who shares Chris’ extraordinary qualities.

One scholarship is available at a value of $2500.

Recognizing the need to ensure equitable health care for Indigenous communities in Canada, CWB Wealth strongly supports nursing research and advanced education programs that promote this area of public service. To this end, CWB Wealth established the Indigenous Health Scholarship through the Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust (ARNET). This scholarship supports nurses working with Indigenous communities in a co-development model to help achieve improved health outcomes for Indigenous people.

One scholarship is available at a value of $5000.

The Dianne Davidson Memorial Fund was established in 1984 by her former classmates to honour Dianne’s memory and to provide an ongoing fund for registered nurses committed to pursuing their education in the fields of mental health nursing. Dianne recognized the diversity of the issues impacting the day-to-day lives of her patients and was committed to ensuring that registered nurses had the educational resources available to them to support their patients in a more holistic manner.

Through the establishment and annual awarding of the Dianne Davidson Scholarships, Dianne’s goals have become a reality. A nurse who demonstrates Dianne’s commitment to enhanced and improved patient care is selected to receive this scholarship.

Two scholarships are available.

The Gayle Hissett Memorial Scholarship was established by Gayle’s husband, Gordon, and her daughter, Ashley, to honour Gayle’s passion for nursing and serve as a memorial tribute to Gayle’s commitment to nursing excellence. Gayle was a strong advocate for lifelong learning and incorporated her advanced nursing education and skills into every aspect of her nursing practice. A strong patient advocate, Gayle ensured her patients had both the information and confidence to guide and manage their own care resulting in improved and empowered outcomes. Gayle’s personal commitment to ongoing education was a catalyst to encouraging other nurses to pursue their educational goals and she readily served as a mentor to new and more experienced graduates.

The fund that bears her name ensures that her commitment to her patients and colleagues is remembered and cherished. This scholarship is awarded to a nurse who is focusing on advanced nursing practice and shares Gayle’s commitment to lifelong learning and nursing excellence.

Two scholarships are available at a value of $2500 each.

A graduate of the Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing, Karen Polowick’s nursing career spans 41 years with a solid track record of sound judgment, common sense, quality improvement, professionalism and effective handling of difficult situations clearly demonstrated throughout her career. A highly respected registered nurse with a strong combination of governance, administration, clinical and educational experience, Karen held positions with the Royal Alexandra Hospital as a direct care nurse, educator, patient care director and Vice President of Nursing prior to joining Capital Health as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

In recognition of the legacy that Karen has left for future generations of Edmonton region registered nurses, this scholarship fund was created in her honour, to be awarded to nurses who share her outstanding nursing leadership, research and education attributes. Applicant should be a current employee of AHS, preference in the Edmonton and area zone.

Four scholarships are available at a value of $5000 each.

Established by the Aplastic Anemia & Myelodysplasia Association of Canada (AAMAC) in memory of Elizabeth (Liz) Lemire, the endowed fund is established as a memorial tribute to the significant role that Liz Lemire played as co-coordinator of the Alberta Chapter of AAMAC and as founder of the Calgary AAMAC patient support group. Liz was a source of inspiration for her family, many friends, and patients living with bone marrow failure diseases.

Soon after getting a diagnosis of aplastic anemia in 2002, Liz began volunteering with the AAMAC and providing patient support through phone, email, and in-person visits. Liz also felt that education of health care professionals, especially nurses, would be an important way to provide individual support for patients. Advanced education ensures nurses are able to be effective advocates for their patients.

This scholarship is established as a fitting and lasting tribute to Liz’s memory and in recognition of both her inspiration and dedication to others. It is awarded to an individual who reflects Liz’s dedication to nursing excellence and patient advocacy in the area of aplastic anemia and myelodysplasia.

One scholarship is available at a value of $2500.

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Lynda Margaret Day Memorial Scholarship in honour and remembrance of Lynda. The scholarship was created by her family to commemorate the life and achievements of an exceptional individual.

Lynda graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in nursing in 1960. Her nursing career included working in hospital and teaching at the University of Saskatchewan. She spent many years working in executive roles at the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses (AARN).

Lynda’s experience and knowledge made her the perfect candidate for many positions. Lynda began her employment at AARN as Assistant to the Executive Director and went on to take on roles including Registrar and Acting Executive Director upon her retirement in 1994.

Lynda played a significant role in establishing the Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust (ARNET) as a registered charity, in 1985, to provide grants and scholarships for continuing education of registered nurses in Alberta. She managed ARNET for many years in her staff role at AARN and supported the ARNET Board with the hiring of the first staff member of ARNET. Lynda continued her involvement with ARNET as a member of the ARNET Board of Directors following her retirement from AARN.

A great leader, mentor, colleague, and person made Lynda loved by all. Lynda had a special place in her heart for family and friends. She was generous, loving, and strong and always put others first. She will be fondly remembered for her infectious laughter and sense of humour. She made work and life so much better for all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The Lynda Margaret Day Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in May 2023 by Lynda’s family to honour Lynda’s memory and to provide ongoing funds for registered nurses committed to pursuing advanced education to become nurse practitioners.

One scholarship is available at a value of $2500.

Mary-Anne Robinson was a recognized leader in nursing and promoted change in both the Canadian and international health care environments. She was committed to improving the quality and delivery of primary health care through innovation and leadership and played a major role in trying to achieve that. Mary-Anne passed away in September 2019 and left a significant legacy as a nursing leader locally and internationally. Her family and friends established this scholarship to honour her memory as a nurse leader.

The scholarship will support emerging and established nursing leaders. Leaders who create innovative and smarter health care strategies for those we care for and care about. Scholarship awards will support leadership development opportunities for a mid-career nursing leader who has a demonstrated record of leading and directing complex programs or projects.

One scholarship is available.

As college educators and lifelong learners and adventurers, Geoff Green and Sheila McKay witnessed first-hand the impact that advanced education had for both their students and the communities that they served. In tribute to their shared passion and commitment to advanced education and the development of educators and community leaders, the McKay Green Scholarship was established in 2016 with the Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust.

The significance of continued education to support career goals of becoming an educator or assuming a leadership role is recognized through the selection of an individual whose achievements best reflect these commitments.

One scholarship is available at a value of $2500.

Generously established by the Patricia Walker Foundation for Childbirth Education (PWF). The Patricia Walker Foundation was created to educate registered nurses and families on the critical benefits of actively involving parents in neonatal and pediatric nursing environments.

A lifelong learner and highly regarding neonatal nurse leader at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and University Hospital, Patricia Walker and her neonatal teams established new protocols and opportunities for parental involvement throughout all aspects and stages of pregnancy and childbirth.

The fund is established to support advanced education studies that will enhance nursing knowledge in childbirth education and maternal and child health nursing. The important role of the registered nurse caring for expectant parents through pregnancy and childbirth is recognized through this scholarship granted to a nurse who demonstrates excellence in these areas.

One scholarship is available at a value of $2500.

The Saskatoon City Hospital Nurses Alumnae Endowment fund was established in recognition of the number of Saskatoon City Hospital graduates who chose to practice nursing in the Calgary region.

The School of Nursing at Saskatoon City Hospital was established in 1910 and the alumnae continued to hold regular reunions after the school was closed in 1969. The founding contribution to the ARNET endowment was made from proceeds of an alumni reunion. This donor group wanted to ensure the legacy of nursing excellence exemplified by the Saskatoon City Hospital graduates continued for future generations of Alberta’s registered nurses. A nurse from the Calgary area who reflects this legacy is selected annually to receive this scholarship.

One scholarship is available at a value of $2500.

The fund is established as a centennial tribute to the significant and active role that the Sisters of Service have played in the provision of health care and nursing services in Alberta. Since the turn of the century, the Community was instrumental in responding to the changing needs of immigrants and early settlers. In 1928, the Sisters of Service assumed responsibility for the Edson Hospital in the northwest sector of the province. The Order expanded healthcare supports to northeast Alberta when they founded the Vilna Hospital in 1929. Each of these facilities, combined with the public health services offered, provided essential healthcare and direct nursing supports to settlers who homesteaded the regions and the communities that followed.

As communities grew, the Sisters of Service readily responded to meeting changing community needs. Utilizing their expertise and maximizing the resources available, these nursing services were early models for the community based healthcare that Alberta uses today. This scholarship is awarded to a nurse who reflects the ingenuity of the Sisters of Service in community or public health nursing.

One scholarship is available at a value of $2500.

The Terrill Margaret Bonnah Memorial Scholarship was created in 2017 to commemorate the life of Terrill (Teri) Margaret Bonnah [May 10, 1955, to October 12, 2015] and continue her legacy by supporting ongoing nursing education in Alberta.

Teri was a member of the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) for over 30 years, taking great pride in both her affiliation with CARNA and her designation as a Registered Nurse. Lifelong learning played a vital role in the advancement of her nursing career; she took countless courses and workshops to improve both her leadership abilities and her clinical skills, while championing for improvements in patient care, safety, research ethics and the development and use of evidence-based tools. Teri was a trainer and facilitator in the Misericordia Hospital’s Total Quality Improvement program from its early stages and later worked as a Regional Quality Manager for Capital Health/Alberta Health Services. Mentorship of others was a significant component of each position she held, from training new staff to offering career counselling and giving guest lectures to post-secondary students. After retiring from Alberta Health Services, Teri expanded her nursing career into private practice as a certified counsellor and coach, where her skills allowed her to continue empowering others to achieve their goals.

The Terrill Margaret Bonnah Memorial Scholarship serves as a tribute to Teri’s commitment to nursing excellence and is awarded to a nurse who demonstrates this commitment.

One scholarship is available at a value of $2500.

2016 was a milestone year marking 100 years of registered nursing practice in Alberta. It was important to Dr. Shannon Spenceley to acknowledge this event by establishing a scholarship for registered nurses who are currently completing graduate studies at the University of Lethbridge and meet the following criteria:

- Academic study shows the potential to impact a current or future health need in Southern Alberta.

- demonstrates a strong commitment to knowledge mobilization and evidence informed practice.

- demonstrates a strong academic achievement and professional background.

Dr. Spenceley lead and mobilized a group of local RNs to plan an annual fundraising gala and utilized her well established community connections to obtain generous sponsorships and donations. As a result of her vision and efforts, the first scholarship was awarded in 2017 and the University of Lethbridge graduate nursing program will continue to benefit from this lasting legacy.

In recognition of her significant contributions, the scholarship was renamed The Dr. Shannon Spenceley Lethbridge Legacy of Nursing Scholarship. The establishment of this scholarship is just one example of Shannon’s commitment to the nursing profession. With over 35 years of experience in a variety of healthcare settings, she has led teams to implement evidence-based care and has been recognized for her work in chronic disease management and primary care, provincially and nationally. She served as both a Provincial Councillor and President for the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta and is currently an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge where her leadership as an educator and researcher informs the future of nursing. Shannon is a proven leader in nursing, is known as someone who always finds possibility in challenging situations and is committed to advocating for the critical role Registered Nurses play within the healthcare system. Described as inspirational and influential, she has had a positive impact on the careers of so many nurses at local, provincial, and national levels. Her contributions to the profession, the healthcare system and nursing education will be realized for years to come!

One scholarship is available at a value of $5000.

William B. Godfrey lived in Grande Prairie and upon his death he established a trust fund with ARNET.

The William B. Godfrey Scholarships are intended for registered nurses completing advanced education. Preference given to RNs completing a nurse practitioner program who reside in Edmonton or Northern Alberta.

Two scholarships are available in 2023 at a value of $5000 each.