March 20, 2024

SUNY Empire announces Dr. Bridget Nettleton Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship honors Dr. Nettleton’s work in the field of nursing, bridging the gap between healthcare and academia by supporting nursing education, building a pipeline for new nurses, and promoting nurse retention and advancement in the field.

David and Susan Theobald.

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – MARCH 20, 2024) Empire State University announces a memorial scholarship in honor of Dr. Bridget Nettleton, the founding dean of the School of Nursing. The scholarship honors Dr. Nettleton’s work in the field of nursing, bridging the gap between healthcare and academia by supporting nursing education, building a pipeline for new nurses, and promoting nurse retention and advancement in the field.

In addition to the new opportunity for students, members of the college community will also be able to help make a difference through SUNY Empire’s Day of Giving: Go Higher for Empire.  

SUNY Empire Alumni David Theobald ’13 ’17 and Susan Theobald ’16 will be offering a $50,000 match for the Nettleton Memorial Scholarship during our 24-hour Day of Giving on March 21.

“My wife, Susan, and I are delighted to contribute to the establishment of annual scholarships in memory of Dr. Bridget Nettleton,” David Theobald said. Dr. Nettleton played a pivotal role as my mentor, guiding me from the inception of my academic journey in obtaining my BSN in '13 to my MSN in '17 during her tenure as the dean of the Nursing and Allied Healthcare department. She was not only a mentor to me but also a beacon of light for many others, offering guidance with kindness and compassion throughout their educational and professional endeavors.

 

About the scholarship:

The scholarship is available to students in the school of Nursing and Allied Health who meet the Empire State University Foundation’s criteria. It may be automatically renewed for eligible recipients until completion of their degrees. Preference will be given to students who have completed an associate degree through the Joint Nursing Degree Program at Nassau Community College, or other programs that build the pipeline for new nurses, and students who enhance diversity within the nursing field. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible and the submission of a FAFSA and 9 credit pre-requisite may be waived for nursing students.

About the match:

This is a one-day opportunity to triple the impact of your gift to the Dr. Bridget Nettleton Memorial Healthcare Scholarship. All gifts made on SUNY Empire’s 2024 Day of Giving that are directed to the Dr. Bridget Nettleton Memorial Healthcare Scholarship will automatically be matched 3:1 by David and Susan Theobald, up to $50,000.

“We believe that investing in the education and development of aspiring healthcare professionals is crucial for the betterment of our communities and the advancement of the healthcare industry,” Theobald said. “Dr. Nettleton's dedication to nurturing talent and fostering excellence in the field serves as a shining example for us all. Through these scholarships, we honor her memory by empowering students to follow their dreams and make a positive impact in the world of nursing and allied health sciences.” 

 

How can you make a gift?

Visit www.sunyempire.edu/gohigher and make a gift directed to the Dr. Bridget Nettleton Memorial Healthcare Scholarship on March 21. 100% of your gift and the matching funds will be directed to support SUNY Empire Students through the Dr. Bridget Nettleton Memorial Healthcare Scholarship.