A $1.6 million grant from the Bedford Falls Foundation – DAF is helping fund the education of 37 University of Kansas School of Nursing BSN students. The number is slated to grow to approximately 170 students over four years. Meet three of KU’s first Conway Scholars, now completing their first year of nursing school. 

Emma Sandler – Overland Park, Kansas

Path to nursing: For the past three years Emma Sandler has volunteered weekly at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. This summer she has an externship in the hospital’s NICU. After graduation she hopes to work full-time in a NICU where she can support infants and their families in their most vulnerable times.

The NICU holds deep personal significance for Sandler. She was born with a rare genetic disease called Stickler syndrome. She herself was a long-term patient in the Children’s Mercy NICU. Growing up, she underwent procedures and therapies with healthcare professionals, from ENTs and retinal specialists to speech pathologists and physical therapists. Nurses, of course, were always there.

“Their impact on me was profound, and it inspired my decision to pursue a career in nursing. I knew I wanted to one day provide the same level of care and comfort to others that I received during some of the most difficult moments in my life.”

Conway Scholars impact: Sandler has worked since she was 13, including babysitting, nannying and teaching swimming lessons. Her parents hoped she could focus on her studies her first year of nursing school without outside jobs, but finances are limited.

“What can I afford?” and “Who’s going to help pay for it?” were questions when she chose a college. The Conway scholarship has alleviated her financial burden, allowing her to more fully focus on her academic and clinical training.

Courtney Trent – Wichita, Kansas

Path to nursing: Courtney Trent’s inspiration to become a nurse started with being a patient.

Her first serious healthcare incident happened in middle school, when she was hospitalized for weeks before being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Managing a severe case has been part of her life since.

“I spent a lot of my time from sixth grade on in the hospital, and one of the only things I remember is the nurses. I’ve always known that’s what I wanted to do — I’ve never wanted to do anything else.”

The day before she was supposed to begin nursing school, Trent’s doctors told her she needed a major surgery — as soon as possible.

Trent could have taken a leave of absence, but she didn’t want to. She wanted to become a nurse — as soon as possible.

Trent continued her studies thanks to accommodations from the KU School of Nursing and support from her family. Not to mention the nurses who held her hand, sat with her during treatment and made sure she was doing okay.

“I want to be an advocate for my future patients the same way I was advocated for.”

Conway Scholars impact: Trent called the scholarship an amazing and inspiring investment in her future.

“I am completely financially independent from my family … I don’t think I’d be able to do this without the Conway scholarship.”

Kathy Vo – Garden City, Kansas

Path to nursing: Kathy Vo’s hometown in rural Kansas is known for its meatpacking industry and cultural diversity, including her own parents, who immigrated from Vietnam. Vo’s father works in a meat packaging plant, and her mother is a nail technician.

“My parents didn’t have much of an opportunity for education. They work really hard and work long hours. They’ve always told my brother and me that education is how we can make a difference in our futures.”

Motivated, Vo worked hard in high school and dual-enrolled at Garden City Community College. She completed a certified nurse aide course and started working at a local nursing home.

That’s where she discovered her calling.

“I really fell in love with working at the bedside, because I really liked getting to know each of the residents who lived there.”

“They taught me the joy of service, courage in the face of the unknown and the power of connection and companionship.”

Even in Garden City, Vo said she was the only employee at the nursing home who spoke Vietnamese. She’s excited to offer a bilingual presence in the nursing field.

Conway Scholars impact: For Vo, every penny counts. She’s had to be intentional with her education plan, with no room for delays or do-overs.

“I was thrilled to hear that I got accepted. It helps not just me but my parents as well — I can lighten their load and focus more on being a nurse and a better student rather than financial needs.”