Senior Nursing Student Nyla Sanders Awarded Prestigious McLean Scholarship
Senior Nursing student Nyla Sanders has been awarded the McLean Scholarship for Nursing and Physician Assistant Majors for the 2026-27 academic year. Funded through the McLean Contributionship and administered by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP), the scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and service.
Nyla was one of just eight students selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. Nyla credits the support of GMercyU faculty, particularly Jane Tang, PhD, RN, NE-BC, Dean of the Frances M. Maguire College of Nursing and Health Professions, for encouraging her to pursue the opportunity.
"I am grateful for Dr. Tang's guidance and support throughout the application process," Nyla said. "Being nominated for the scholarship was an honor and gave me the opportunity to share my story and experiences."
For Nyla, receiving the scholarship is both an honor and a reflection of her strong commitment to academic excellence, campus involvement, and community service.
"Knowing that the scholarship committee took the time to learn about my personal story and recognize the work I'm doing is incredibly rewarding," Nyla said. "This scholarship will help me complete my senior year at Gwynedd Mercy University and continue pursuing my goal of becoming a nurse."
Looking ahead to the final year at GMercyU, Nyla is looking forward to both the challenges and celebrations that come with nearing graduation.
"The last few years have gone by so quickly," Nyla said. "I'm excited to prepare for the next step in my nursing career and eventually take the NCLEX, but I also want to make the most of my senior year by spending time with friends, staying involved on campus, and appreciating the community I've found at Gwynedd Mercy.”