Silver Cross Foundation Awards $115,000 In Scholarships to Hospital Employees/Children

The Silver Cross Foundation recently awarded over $115,000 in scholarships to 81 hospital employees, their children, and volunteers to help further their education and training in this ever-changing world of healthcare.

“This is the second year in a row we hosted our annual Scholarship luncheon during National Hospital Week. And I can’t think of a better time to do so,” said Michael Mutterer, CEO and President of Silver Cross Hospital. “Hospital Week showcases all the amazing people who have chosen Silver Cross for their careers – both clinical and non-clinical. It truly takes a village to deliver our Silver Cross Experience, and we absolutely couldn’t do what we do without every single one of them!”

“We are extremely grateful to our generous benefactors who strongly believe in Silver Cross Hospital’s mission and vision,” said Craig Lyons, Chair of the Silver Cross Foundation Board of Directors. “Without their generous support year after year, Silver Cross would not be the nationally recognized healthcare provided that is it today. Their financial commitment helps our employees to follow their dreams while affording them the opportunity to learn new skills, advance in their careers, and ultimately provide our patients and community with an unrivaled healthcare experience.”

Award recipients for the 2025 - 2026 academic year include:

$500 Blanca Garcia Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is named after Blanca Garcia and funded by her son, Jose Garcia, who is a Volunteer at Silver Cross Hospital. It is awarded annually to a child of a Silver Cross employee who is enrolled in a Nursing program.

• Isabella Pannarale – Daughter of Amber Pannarale, registration representative for the Silver Cross Center of Breast Health. Isabella is attending Loyola University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

$500 The Strive Advocacy Group Healthcare Educational Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by Julie Castillo is awarded annually to a child of a Silver Cross employee who resides in Joliet or Will County.

• Anbriana McDonald – Daughter of Kimberly Adams, patient services representative with Premier Suburban Medical Group – an affiliate of Silver Cross Hospital. Anbriana is pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology degree at Aurora University.

$500 TwoSweetKids Scholarship

This annual award is for a child of a Silver Cross employee pursuing a hospital-related healthcare professional curriculum. The scholarships were created by Susan Sweet and her family in remembrance of her daughter Rachel who passed away from cystic fibrosis.

• Madelyn Calderon – Daughter of Krystal Calderon, registered nurse in the Silver Cross Birthing Center. Madelyn is attending the University of St. Francis to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
• Grace Cavanaugh – Daughter of Nichole Cavanaugh, director of UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center and Service Line Operations for Oncology, Breast and Plastic Surgery. Grace is enrolled at McKendree University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree as a prerequisite for Occupational Therapy.

$550 & $1,000 Harold Pascal Memorial Scholarship

These scholarships are funded by Heather McTighe, a Silver Cross employee, and her sister, Shannon Pascal awarded to a child of a Silver Cross employee. Heather established the scholarship in memory of her grandfather who taught her to pay it forward after, herself, received a Silver Cross Scholarship.

• $550 – Sabina Kalata – Daughter of Dorota Kalata, phlebotomist in the Silver Cross Lab. Sabina is attending Chicago Medical School of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science pursuing a medical degree on her path to becoming a physician.
• $1,000 – Luke Vugrin – Son of Gina Vugrin, information analyst in the Information Technology Department. Luke is attending the University of St. Francis to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

$1,000 Donna and Jim Galligan Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by Donna and Jim Galligan, longtime Joliet residents and devoted supporters of Silver Cross Hospital.

• Kristine Bobbitt – Coordinator of Inpatient Wound Care pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing degree through Chamberlian University.
• Emily Johnson – Certified nursing assistant in the 5-3 Patient Care Unit attending Joliet Junior College to earn an associate’s degree on her path to becoming a dermatologist.
• Mikayla Martin – Dual role employee as a transporter and radiology assistant, Mikayla is attending the University of St. Francis to pursue a degree in Radiation Therapy.

$1,000 Dr. Shamoun Shamoun & Dr. Evelyn Shamoun Memorial Scholarship

This new scholarship is funded by Susan Shamoun, a Silver Cross employee, in memory of her husband’s parents. The scholarship is awarded to a fellow Silver Cross employee enrolled in a hospital related healthcare professional curriculum with preference given to those working in surgery or anesthesiology.

• Maria Micheletto – Registered nurse in the Procedural Care Unit pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing degree with specialization in education at Chamberlain University.

$1,000 Fawzai Batti-Hindo, MD Memorial Pathology Scholarship

This new scholarship was established by Dr. Joseph and Susan Hindo in memory of their sister-in-law. The scholarship is awarded to a Silver Cross employee enrolled in a program for medical technologist, clinical laboratory scientist or medical laboratory technician fields.

• Natasha Montgomery – Medical lab technologist at the Silver Cross Freestanding Emergency Department in Homer Glen pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Sciences degree through the University of North Dakota.

$1,000 Olivia Kresach Memorial Scholarship

This new scholarship was established by Dr. Joseph and Susan Hindo in memory of Olivia Kresach, daughter of Meg Kresach who retired from Silver Cross after 24 years as Director of Silver Cross Managed Care Organization. The scholarship is awarded to a Silver Cross employee, child of employee or volunteer enrolled in an accredited program for a career in nutrition or dietetics.

• Eilana Paramo – Daughter of Karen Paramo, senior account representative in Patient Accounts. Eilana is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science degree at North Central College.

$1,000 Janet Fagan Nursing Scholarships

This scholarship is funded by Frank Fagan and named after his late wife Janet, who was a nurse at Silver Cross Hospital for 37 years. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Silver Cross employee who is pursuing a nursing degree or continuing their nursing education.

• Taryn Carter – Certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the 4-1 Patient Care Unit pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Chamberlain University.
• Danielle Kendall – Registered nurse in Clinical Documentation Improvement pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Chamberlain University.
• Angela Kioussis – Certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the 4-3 Patient Care Unit pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Rasmussen University.
• Amanda Mitchell – Registered nurse in the Interventional Radiology Department pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing Education degree from Chamberlian University.

$1,000 Ruth Colby Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the Hindo Family, David Chodak and David DeFrank in honor of Ruth Colby, the late CEO and President of Silver Cross Hospital. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Silver Cross employee or child of employee.

• Macy DeGraff – Daughter of Matthew DeGraff, Physical therapist with Silver Cross Home Health. Macy is attending the University of Missouri at Columbia to pursue a Biology/Pre-Med degree on her path to become a dermatologist.
• Joseph Koc – Certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the 1-7 Observation Unit enrolled at the University of St. Francis to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
• Alexandra Phelan – Lab assistant/phlebotomist in the Silver Cross Laboratory pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Rasmussen University.
• Alaina Rothbart – Daughter of Jennifer and Matthew Rothbart. Jennifer is the inpatient care manager with Continuum Care and Matt as an operating engineer with Building Services. Alaina is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Missouri.
• Melanie Williams – Pharmacy technician supervisor pursuing a Bachelor of Science in healthcare management degree at Rasmussen University.

$1,000 Holly French Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the French Family in honor of Holly French to be awarded annually to a Silver Cross employee or child of employee in an undergraduate or graduate nursing program.

• Dominique Fite – Phlebotomist in Silver Cross Lab pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Rasmussen University.
• Audrey Jeglinski – Certified nursing assistant in the 6-1 Patient Care Unit attending Aurora University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

$1,000 Laila Hindo Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the Hindo family in honor of Dr. Laila Hindo. It is awarded annually to a Silver Cross Medical Group employee or child of employee enrolled in a hospital related healthcare professional curriculum.

• Elizabeth Mancera – Phlebotomist with Silver Cross Medical Group, an affiliate of Silver Cross Hospital, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from University of St. Francis.

$1,000 Dr. Walid A. Hindo Memorial X-Ray Scholarships

This scholarship is funded by Dr. Joe & Susan Hindo and named after Joe’s late brother, Dr. Walid Hindo, who was a distinguished radiologist and professor at Chicago Medical School – now Rosalind Franklin University. It is awarded annually to a Silver Cross employee or child of an employee pursuing a career in the field of Diagnostic Imaging or seeking advanced certification in Sonography, Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine.

• Kristin Hartney – Daughter of Robin Hartney, administrative assistant in the Executive Office. Kristin is enrolled in Joliet Junior College’s Radiologic Technology program to become a radiographer or radiologic technician.
• Savannah Raymer – Daughter of Melanie Raymer, manager of IT Service Management. Savannah is pursuing a Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
• Lisa Rochetto – Registrar in Patient Access Department is enrolled in the Associate’s of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Radiography program at Midwestern Career College.

$1,000 Twilla S. Margaron Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is named after Twilla S. Margaron, who was a 1950 graduate of the former Silver Cross School of Nursing and an active member of the Silver Cross Advisory Board, which operates the Encore Resale Shop. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Silver Cross nursing employee who is continuing his education.

• Jazmin Moreno – Registered Nurse in the 5-3 Patient Care Unit pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Capella University.

$1,000 Leroy & Barb Steffes Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by Leroy and Barb Steffes and awarded to a Silver Cross volunteer interested in working in the healthcare field. Barb is a member and Past President of Childerguild.

• Madilyn Hagwell – Emergency Department volunteer enrolled at Texas Christian University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in her path to become a Nurse Practitioner.
• Katelyn Kleinmark – Main Lobby and Procedural Care Unit volunteer pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Pittsburgh.

$1,000 Virginia Pe Cox Med Tech Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by former Silver Cross Lab employee Virginia Cox and her husband Bruce and is awarded annually to a Silver Cross employee specializing in medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in the fields of medical laboratory.

• Natasha Montgomery – Medical lab technologist at the Silver Cross Freestanding Emergency Department in Homer Glen pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Sciences degree through the University of North Dakota.

$1,500 Sahibzada Farhan Latif Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by Dr. Maria Latif in memory of her late husband who passed away after a long stay in the Silver Cross Cardiovascular unit.

• Elizabeth Brock – Registered nurse in the Cardiovascular Unit enrolled at the University of Illinois-Chicago pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

$2,000 Childerguild Women & Children Services Scholarships

This scholarship, which is funded by Childerguild, is awarded to Silver Cross employees who provide women and children services.

• Kaitlin Duffner – Emergency Department Tech enrolled at Elmhurst University seeking a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
• Rita Elliott – Certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the Amy, Jay and Matthew Vana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from University of St. Francis.
• Kaylee Lorperena – Certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the Silver Cross Birthing Center pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Lewis University.

$2,000 Physician’s Legacy Scholarships

The Physician Legacy Scholarship, which is sponsored by the Silver Cross Medical Staff, acknowledges physicians’ legacy of service and commitment to Silver Cross Hospital and is given annually to Silver Cross employees pursuing a healthcare degree.

• Madison Clarida – Registered nurse in the 5-2 Post Surgical Unit pursuing Master of Science in Nursing degree at Lewis University.
• Brianna Devea – Registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit enrolled at Chamberlain University to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
• Hadassah Del Rosario – Certified nursing assistant (CNA) pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Chamberlain University.
• Makayla Martinez – Barista in Nutrition Services pursuing a Master of Science in Social Work degree at Lewis University.
• Neida Tobias – Barista in Nutrition Services enrolled at Governor’s State University pursuing a Master of Health Science degree in Communication Disorders in her path to become a speech language pathologist.

$2,000 Physicians Legacy Scholarship – Children of Employees

The Physician Legacy Scholarship, which is sponsored by the Silver Cross Medical Staff, acknowledges physicians’ legacy of service and commitment to Silver Cross Hospital and is given annually to children of Silver Cross employees who are pursuing a healthcare degree.

• Ashley Guerrero – Daughter of Angelica Mendez, aide in Nutrition Services. Ashley is enrolled at University of St. Francis pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
• Kira Long – Daughter of Timothy Grisham, respiratory therapist in the Respiratory Care Department and Silver Cross Sleep Disorders Center. Kira is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Olivet Nazarene University.
• Alayna Pleckham – Daughter of Andrea Pleckham, registered nurse in the Emergency Department. Alayna is attending Valparaiso University pursuing a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.
• Skylar Rossow – Daughter of Whitney Krepps, Procedural Care Unit clinical systems coordinator. Skylar is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Illinois Wesleyan University.

$2,500 Paul Pawlak Scholarships

The Advisory Board, Childerguild, Will County Union of King’s Daughters and Sons, and Silver Cross Medical Staff created this scholarship to honor Paul Pawlak’s 27 years of service as Silver Cross Hospital’s President and CEO. The scholarship is given annually to four employees who are continuing their education.

• Amy Bourg – Manager of the Outpatient Testing Center, Cardiodiagnostics and Neurosciences Departments enrolled at University of Phoenix to earn a Master of Healthcare Administration degree.
• Leanna Bonczkowski – Director of Nursing Education and Professional Development pursing a Educational Psychology Doctoral degree at Capella University.
• Meghan Muldoon – Registered nurse in the Interventional Pre-Post Recovery Unit pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing degree to become an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.
• Kele Somerville – Registered nurse in the Interventional Pre-Post Recovery Unity pursing a Master of Science in Nursing degree to become an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.

$2,500 Silver Cross Medical Staff RN to BSN

The Silver Cross Medical Staff sponsors this scholarship to assist registered nurses (RN) to earn their Bachelor Science Nursing degrees (BSN).

• Charnise Abbot – Registered nurse in the 5-3 Patient Care Unit pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Capella University.

• Viona Grace Lugo – Registered nurse in the 5-3 Patient Care Unit pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Western Governors University.
• Marissa Tucci – Registered nurse and Clinical Supervisor in the 6-2 Patient Care Unit pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Western Governors University.

$2,500 Carolyn Dystrup Memorial Scholarship

Created in memory of Carolyn Dystrup by her daughters to honor Carolyn’s many years of service to Silver Cross Hospital first as a nurse and educator then as a Silver Cross Foundation Board Member and in-service volunteer. This annual scholarship is awarded to a Silver Cross employee or child of employee advancing their career in healthcare.

• Selena Angeles – Clinical supervisor and registered nurse in the 5-1 and 5-2 Patient Care Units pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing degree at Lewis University.
• Wyatt Baker – Son of Andrea Baker, respiratory therapist with the Respiratory Care Department and Silver Cross Center for Sleep Disorders. Wyatt is attending the University of Kansas to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Science degree with a concentration in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
• Amy Ittersagen – Lung nurse navigator for the Midwest Institute for Lung at Silver Cross Hospital pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing degree to become a Family Nurse Practitioner at Purdue University Northwest.
• Katelyn Surane – Paramedic at the Silver Cross Freestanding Emergency Department in Homer Glen pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Chamberlain University.

$3,000 Liz Morales Memorial Scholarship

Funded by Dr. Silvio Morales, a long-time physician in the Silver Cross Emergency Department, and the Silver Cross Medical Staff in memory of Dr. Morales’ wife, Liz. This scholarship is awarded to a Silver Cross employee, child of employee or volunteer pursuing a career in the field of Emergency Medicine.

• Mykala Doty – Medic in the Silver Cross Emergency Department pursuing an associate in applied science degree from Joliet Junior College.
• Manuel Rodriguez – Son of Norma Arrendondo, technician in Environmental Services. Manuel is enrolled at University of St. Francis pursuing a Bachelor in of Biology with Biology/Science Concentration degree in his path to become an emergency trauma surgeon.

$5,000 Peggy Gricus Nursing Scholarship

The Silver Cross Medical Staff and Foundation created this scholarship to honor retired Chief Nursing Officer Peggy Gricus. The scholarship is given annually to an employee accepted into a RN or BSN program.

• Tyran Allen – Registered nurse with the Laverne and Dorothy Brown Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Silver Cross Hospital pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Purdue University.

$15,893 in Specialty Certification in Nursing Scholarships

Multiple scholarships are awarded to obtain or renew specialized nursing certifications.

• Gabrielle Agent – Registered nurse and shift coordinator in the Emergency Department to become a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN).
• Wafa Alhasan – Infection prevention Coordinator in the Quality Resource Management Department seeking her Infection Control Recertification (CIC) and Epidemiology Certification.
• Arielle Barry – Registered nurse in the 5-3 Patient Care Unit to become a Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN).
• Victoria Bedwell – Senior acute physical therapist in the Inpatient Acute Physical Medicine Unit seeking continuing education through the Critical Care Rehabilitation Conference.
• Lauren Bordenkircher – General educator in Nursing Education Department pursuing Nurse Educator Certification (CNE).
• Amanda Erman – Perinatal quality coordinator in Quality Resource Management seeking to become a Certified Healthcare Quality Professional (CPHQ).
• Rachael Greeney – Patient safety coordinator in Quality Resource Management to become a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS).
• Theresa Jarrett – Registered nurse in the Cardiovascular =Unit to become a Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN).
• Linda Langdon – Infection preventionist in Quality Resource Management to become recertified in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC).
• Lisa Maselko – Registered nurse in the Silver Cross Infusion Center to become a Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI).
• Grace Masterson – Registered nurse in Interventional Pre-Post Procedure Recovery Unit seeking to obtain her Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC).
• Caitlyn McGrory – Registered dietitian with Clinical Nutrition Services and the Silver Cross Diabetes Center to become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).
• Elizabeth O’Dwyer – Registered nurse in the Amy, Matthew and Jay Vana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to become a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC).
• Christine Offerman – Ostomy skin care coordinator in Inpatient Wound Care at Silver Cross pursuing her Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification (WOCNCB).
• Kaitlyn Peck – Registered nurse in the 5-3 Patient Care Unit to become a Certified Orthopedic Nurse (ONC).
• Alexandra Redman – Registered nurse in the Silver Cross Birthing Center to become a certified perinatal mental health counselor (PMH-C).
• Reny Samuel – Physical therapist in Outpatient Physical Therapy to become certified in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Cert.MDT).
• Kathleen Skala – Clinical supervisor in Silver Cross Home Health seeking continuing education through the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Society Conference.
• Mary Sowers – Shift coordinator in the Amy, Matthew and Jay Vana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit seeking Perinatal Bereavement Certification.
• Katarzyna Stewart – Rehabilitation nurse in Outpatient Endoscopy Department is seeking to become a Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse. (CGRN).
• Kathleen Szymanek – Registered nurse in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation is seeking the Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) designation.
• Margaret Welby – Coordinator for Silvert Cross Medical Affairs is seeking to become a Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS).

To donate to or establish a new scholarship at Silver Cross Hospital, call the Silver Cross Foundation at (815) 300-7105 or visit silvercross.org/giving.