University Advancement helped to facilitate a unique partnership with Emerson Network Power in Carlsbad, the March of Dimes, Cal State San Marcos and Tri-City Medical Center, which established a new two-year $10,000 scholarship residency program for nursing students. The Emerson Residency Scholarship is awarded annually to two CSUSM nursing students interested in pursuing a nursing specialty in maternal child health.

CSUSM nursing students Jaleh Jaffari and Tara Naughton are the first to be awarded the prestigious scholarship.

The scholarships are the brainchild of Emerson's Vice President of Human Resources, John Hardy, who wanted to ensure that deserving nursing students had opportunities to further their career aspirations. "Emerson is thrilled to associate with the University, the Medical Center and March of Dimes to make a difference in careers and lives of two nursing students," Hardy said.

As part of the scholarship, each student participates in a two-year externship program with Tri-City in Labor and Delivery, and Post-Partum and Neonatal Intensive Care units, training alongside Tri-City's registered nurses.

"I sincerely hope that as a registered nurse I am able to give back to my community in such a way that mirrors Emerson's commitment to improving lives through education," said Jaffari.

Naughton said that the scholarship "allows me to work harder than ever before to provide nothing but top quality care, and to always be learning and refining my skills."

Return to the main Advancing CSUSM page »