St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship Program
This scholarship program is truly transformational in nature. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college. Our scholarship program provides academic and emotional support in addition to financial assistance. Each scholar is matched with a healthcare professional who serves as a mentor for a minimum of four years. The guidance of these mentors is vital in encouraging our scholars along their unique journeys and has become a key, distinguishing element of our program’s success. Looking ahead, it’s essential that we foster the next generation of physicians, nurses, dentists, lab technicians, and others to provide quality care to the communities these future healthcare professionals will serve. We are reminded now, more than ever, of the critical importance of a strong healthcare workforce for the health and well-being of our Central Texas neighbors.
“As a recipient of the St. David’s Foundation scholarship, I am truly grateful for the support that enables me to pursue my passion for healthcare. I am committed to honoring this opportunity by dedicating myself to academic excellence, community service, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. I am deeply honored to be part of this scholarship program and am excited to contribute to and learn from the dynamic healthcare community.”
BRANDON BRUCE
2019 KOCUREK SCHOLAR
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
As the largest healthcare scholarship program in Texas, the St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship is focused on investing in the education of Central Texas youth by providing resources to high school seniors within Travis, Hays, Williamson, Bastrop, and Caldwell counties pursuing healthcare careers and attending a university or college in the state of Texas. Since the scholarship’s inception in 2005, more than 700 Central Texas students have received scholarships to pursue health-related careers, many of whom have brought their skills and expertise back to Central Texas.
St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship Committee
St. David’s Foundation Community Fund appreciates the St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship Committee for their continued hard work and dedication.
Scott Alarcon
Catalina Berry
Ed Burger, PhD.
Yolanda Davila
Aaron Delao, MPA
David Gaines, PhD.
Maritza Gonzalez, MS
Julian Huerta
Marisol McDaniel, PhD.
Cassandra Medrano
Ronnye Stidvent, J.D.
Beth Vaughn, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CNML
Yvonne Wong, M.D.
“In my application to UT’s School of Nursing, I spoke about my intention to use my graduate degree in order to give back to the Austin community and more specifically, the St. David’s Foundation, which has opened many doors for me over the years. After graduating, I hope to be working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist with St. David’s as I lead, support, advocate for, and help educate other nurses in caring for patients through adult and into advanced ages of life.”
AYA AKID
2015 KOCUREK SCHOLAR
REGISTERED NURSE