Junior Nursing Student Receives AAUW Scholarship

Brooke Balkiewicz, a junior nursing student, was awarded a scholarship from the American Association of University Women's Northeastern Montgomery County branch. The award honors the accomplishments of a female undergraduate student and AAUW member.

Brooke first joined GMercyU’s American Association of University Women (AAUW) in an attempt to get more involved on campus. For the past two years, Brooke has served as the organization’s President. She was hesitant about the time commitment at first, but she soon found it was the right move for her.

“AAUW’s mission is something that I am passionate about, so it only made sense to join,” Brooke said. “I am so glad I took the opportunity and am proud of all of the work we have accomplished so far!”

GMercyU’s AAUW’s mission is “to provide a community for all those who support women at our University, and to support and advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.”

This scholarship means the world to me. It represents that all of our hard work with AAUW is truly paying off and others recognize my passion. I hope from this opportunity I can connect with NEMCO’s AAUW branch and GMercyU’s AAUW to form a great relationship.

She was nominated for the scholarship by her AAUW advisors, Casey Hilferty, M.Ed, and Ali Jabara Johnston, M.S.

“Brooke has grown into her role as President of AAUW and it is exciting to see her hard work recognized in this scholarship award. Her leadership is collaborative, always encourage new ideas and events, and she seeks out ways to engage new members and work with other clubs on campus. Brooke is passionate about gender equity on campus and in the greater community, and is a deserving recipient of this award,” said Casey Hilferty, M.Ed.

Brooke looks forward to continuing her nursing education as she enters her junior year. She chose this path because she enjoys meeting new people and supporting them. For Brooke, nursing combined person-centered care and her interest in science perfectly.