The Cerritos College Foundation presented the Barbara Schlenker Kimes Nursing Scholarship to student Michelle Nguyen at its September Board meeting.
The one-time scholarship was established by Bessie Gonos of Downey in memory of her longtime friend Barbara Schlenker Kimes. Gonos and Schlenker Kimes attended nursing school at Compton College in the 1940's and both transferred to the University of Southern California to earn their bachelor's degree in nursing. Schlenker Kimes passed away in December 2012 at the age of 85.
Nguyen of Garden Grove completed her associate degree in nursing at Cerritos College in May. She currently works as a technician in the Hoag Hospital emergency room while completing a prerequisite for her bachelor's program. Nguyen is considering either California State University, Fullerton or Long Beach, as both universities work closely with Hoag Hospital.
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"I am pleased to present this scholarship to Michelle," said Gonos. "I can think of no better way to honor my friend Barbara than to support a young woman set on reaching the same goals she did."
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