March 2, 2020
As a student-nurse, Mary Jennifer Torres has consistently demonstrated both compassion and competence, applying classroom concepts to the clinical setting, and all the while communicating professionalism and empathy to her patients.
In recognition of this, the Ursuline College junior will receive a scholarship established by a grateful daughter.
Dr. Paulette Goll made a generous donation to the College after an Ursuline nursing student demonstrated these high standards when caring for her mother. Dr. Goll’s donation established the Lillian Goll Scholarship, named for her mother.
“I will always remember the skilled and compassionate care my late mother received from an Ursuline student nurse,” Dr. Goll said. “After completing his duties at the nursing home, he returned to my mother's room to visit. He was genuinely interested in her--mind, body and spirit. When I returned the next day, she would glow as she told me about their conversations.
“I am proud to support Ursuline College student nurses with her memorial scholarship, and I am gratified to see them graduate and become RNs. Well done, Breen School of Nursing,” Dr. Goll added.
In announcing the award, Patricia A. Sharpnack DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, Strawbridge Professor and Dean of Ursuline’s Breen School of Nursing, wrote to Torres, “Your commitment to compassionate, holistic nursing care has been consistently demonstrated and is well documented in your student evaluations and in the letter of nomination from faculty.”
Dr. Goll will present the scholarship to Torres – and will recognize 2019 Lillian Goll Scholarship recipient Jessica Broderick – at the Breen School of Nursing Convocation Ceremony in May.
Said Torres, “It was truly unexpected, and I hope that I can continue to provide this level of care to the all people that will be entrusted in my care."
The anonymous Breen School of Nursing faculty member who penned Torres’s nomination wrote:
“Jennifer’s clinical faculty shared that she easily applies concepts taught in her classroom to the clinical setting. She is a critical thinker who is not afraid to ask questions. She challenges herself at each level to become better… When providing care to patients, Jennifer is timely, thorough, compassionate, and empathic... She has cared for a variety of patient populations and has strived to meet each of these individual's needs. Jennifer embodies all that the Breen School of Nursing emphasizes, critical thinking, teamwork, and compassion.”
Above: Breen School of Nursing student Mary Jennifer Torres, left, with Dean Patricia Sharpnack, DNP.