Scholarship Recipient Spotlights


Recipient of 2024 John X. and Veronica A. Deyermond Endowed Scholarship and the College of Nursing Bachelor's Program Scholarship

Pursuing the Next Step: Asia McBride’s Nursing Ambition

Asia McBride’s nursing journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to caring for others. A married mother of seven—six boys and one girl—Asia began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), gaining experience in nursing homes before earning her LPN license and working in medical offices. Driven by her passion for nursing and a desire to grow professionally, she pursued her associate degree in nursing at Onondaga Community College and is now working toward her RN-BS degree at SUNY Upstate College of Nursing, with plans to graduate in spring 2025. Her ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner. 

For Asia, the support of the Alumni Association has been both encouraging and impactful. “It is comforting to know that there is a community of support for students,” she shares. “The support of alumni inspires students to reach their goals.” She plans to use her award funds to purchase a new laptop, cover housing expenses, and buy textbooks, all essential tools to help her succeed in her rigorous program. 

Asia’s journey exemplifies resilience, dedication, and an unwavering focus on her goals. She is honored to be part of Upstate’s nursing community and looks forward to giving back by providing compassionate, high-quality care as a nurse practitioner.


Recipient of 2024 Janette Garlock Miller, MS, RN Nursing Scholarship

Balancing Dreams and Dedication: Jayoung Kim’s Journey to Empowerment in Nursing

Jayoung Kim's journey to nursing began with a BSN from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in 2010. Initially focused on oncology and critical care, she pivoted to public health research when international visa policies reshaped her path. Working as a research coordinator and educator in the Korean American community in Maryland, Jayoung witnessed firsthand the health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Korean American immigrant families. This fueled her ambition to become a primary care provider who could address the unique healthcare needs of underserved communities.

Now in her second semester of Upstate’s DNP FNP program, Jayoung’s dedication has only grown as she balances her studies, a return to clinical nursing, and life as a mother of four. Her recent work on the medical floor reignited her commitment to chronic disease management and health education, skills she looks forward to bringing to her community as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Receiving the Nursing Alumni General Scholarship has provided Jayoung not just with financial support, but also with a sense of solidarity. “This award is more than financial assistance; it’s a reminder that alumni are cheering me on,” she shares. "It’s a voice saying, 'You can do it! Hang in there!'" The encouragement from alumni empowers her to push forward, knowing that those who have come before her are invested in her success. Jayoung is honored to be part of Upstate’s legacy and is committed to creating lasting health impacts within her community. 

Jayoung Kim and Family
Jayoung Kim and her family at the White Coat Ceremony

 

Jayoung Kim is pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus at the SUNY Upstate College of Nursing and is expected to graduate in 2027.

 

 


Recipient of 2024 SACON Scholarship and 2024 Suzanne Spaulding-Gehrke Nursing Scholarship

Spotlight on Success: From Nigeria to Nursing Excellence

Jane Ogunsede

As a first-generation immigrant from Nigeria, the value of education was instilled at a very young age for Jane Ogunsede. This returning student, who resumed studies after a hiatus of over five years, reflects on the exceptional training received at the institution, which enabled the pursuit of a lifelong dream of becoming a healthcare provider.

 

"Education has always been a thing of value that is aspired to at a very young age," the student shared, emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural importance of learning.

 

With over 14 years of experience, Jane has mastered the art of nursing and now seeks to dig into the science behind psychiatric specialty. She aims to bridge the gap in access to quality mental health care, aspiring to make a meaningful impact in a field facing a global crisis. She sees the advanced psychiatric nursing program at SUNY Upstate Medical University as a crucial step in gaining the necessary knowledge and training to achieve her career ambitions.

 

As a student, clinician, and mother, the scholarship awarded by the Nursing Alumni Association of SUNY Upstate Medical University is a significant honor. "Thank you for providing financial support in a time of need to help make my dream of becoming dual certified as a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP) provider," the student expressed with gratitude.

 

These scholarships administered but the Nursing Alumni Association not only support this student's aspirations but we hope they also foster a commitment to paying it forward. As Ogunsede expressed,  “I hope to pass this gift to others in need in the future.”

 

Jane Ogunsede is purusing her Advanced Certificate to become a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the SUNY Upstate College of Nursing and is expected to graduate in December 2024.