For many aspiring nurses, earning a nursing degree is both a personal calling and a pathway to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. However, the cost of higher education can present significant challenges, making scholarships an important source of support for students pursuing careers in healthcare.
The Alice / Jeanne Wagner Memorial Scholarship was established to help nursing students achieve their academic goals while honoring the remarkable legacy of a mother and daughter whose lives were dedicated to service, leadership, and philanthropy.
Through this scholarship, deserving nursing students can receive financial assistance that supports their educational journey and recognizes their academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need.
About the Scholarship Providers
The Alice / Jeanne Wagner Memorial Scholarship was created through the Alice and Jeanne Wagner Endowment, established in February 1987. The first scholarship award was presented later that same year.
The scholarship honors Alice Wagner and her daughter Jeanne Wagner, two women whose commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on their communities and professional organizations.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Alice and Jeanne later relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where they became active members of Alpha Sigma Chapter #354 of ESA International.
Jeanne Wagner pursued a career in nursing, becoming a registered nurse and serving in the United States Army for five years. Throughout her life, she demonstrated exceptional leadership within ESA International, serving in several prominent positions including Arizona State Council President, International Philanthropic Chair, and DIANA Chair.
Alice Wagner was equally committed to service and philanthropy. She served the ESA Foundation as Arizona State Counselor for several years and was recognized for her dedication to the organization’s mission.
Their strong mother-daughter bond inspired them to create a lasting legacy that would help future generations. Together, they sought a meaningful way to honor their relationship while supporting students who shared Jeanne’s passion for nursing.
Their vision ultimately led to the creation of this scholarship, which continues to assist nursing students decades after its establishment.
Scholarship Overview
The Alice / Jeanne Wagner Memorial Scholarship is designed specifically for students pursuing a nursing degree.
The scholarship recognizes applicants who demonstrate:
- Strong academic achievement
- Financial need
- Leadership experience
- Commitment to service
By providing financial assistance to nursing students, the scholarship helps support future healthcare professionals as they prepare to serve patients and communities.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The nursing profession plays a critical role in healthcare systems around the world. Nurses provide direct patient care, advocate for individuals and families, and contribute to improving health outcomes across diverse populations.
Despite the growing demand for qualified nurses, many students face financial obstacles that can make completing a nursing degree challenging.
The Alice / Jeanne Wagner Memorial Scholarship helps address this challenge by rewarding students who have demonstrated both academic excellence and a dedication to serving others.
The scholarship also preserves the legacy of two women who believed deeply in helping others succeed through education and service.
Scholarship Benefits
Financial Award
The scholarship provides:
- One annual scholarship award
- Award amount: $900
Although modest in size, this funding can help students offset educational expenses such as:
- Tuition costs
- Textbooks
- Clinical supplies
- Licensing examination preparation
- Transportation expenses
- Academic fees
Recognition of Achievement
Recipients gain recognition for:
- Academic performance
- Leadership involvement
- Community engagement
- Professional potential
Support for Future Nurses
The scholarship encourages students to continue pursuing careers dedicated to improving healthcare and serving others.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered for the scholarship.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must maintain:
- Minimum GPA: 3.00
- Maximum GPA considered: 4.00
A strong academic record demonstrates a student’s commitment to excellence and ability to succeed in a demanding nursing program.
Field of Study Requirement
Applicants must be pursuing a degree in:
- Nursing
The scholarship is specifically intended to support students preparing for careers within the nursing profession.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated using a weighted scoring system that considers multiple aspects of a student’s background and accomplishments.
Financial Need – 35%
Financial need represents a significant portion of the evaluation process.
Reviewers assess the extent to which scholarship assistance would help the applicant continue their education and achieve their goals.
Scholastic Ability – 35%
Academic performance is equally important.
Factors considered may include:
- Grade point average
- Academic achievements
- Educational commitment
- Overall academic potential
Service and Leadership – 20%
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate involvement in activities that reflect leadership and service to others.
Examples may include:
- Student organizations
- Volunteer work
- Community service
- Healthcare-related activities
- Campus leadership positions
The emphasis on service reflects the values that Alice and Jeanne Wagner exemplified throughout their lives.
The Legacy Behind the Scholarship
One of the most meaningful aspects of this scholarship is the story behind its creation.
Alice and Jeanne Wagner devoted much of their lives to helping others through volunteerism, leadership, and charitable service.
Jeanne’s nursing career and military service reflected her commitment to caring for others, while Alice’s dedication to philanthropic work demonstrated her desire to create opportunities for future generations.
Their scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to their shared values of:
- Compassion
- Service
- Education
- Leadership
- Community involvement
Even after Alice’s passing in 1990 and Jeanne’s passing in 2005, their commitment to supporting students continues through this scholarship fund.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Students interested in applying should focus on demonstrating excellence across the scholarship’s primary evaluation areas.
Maintain a Strong GPA
Since academic achievement accounts for a significant portion of the scoring process, students should prioritize maintaining strong grades throughout their nursing studies.
Showcase Leadership Experience
Applicants should highlight experiences where they:
- Led teams or organizations
- Organized community initiatives
- Served in student leadership roles
- Mentored peers
Demonstrate Service to Others
Volunteer experiences, healthcare outreach, and community service activities can strengthen an application considerably.
Clearly Explain Financial Need
Applicants should provide a thoughtful explanation of how scholarship support would assist them in achieving their educational goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Alice / Jeanne Wagner Memorial Scholarship?
Students pursuing a nursing degree who meet the scholarship’s GPA requirements may be eligible to apply.
What is the scholarship award amount?
The scholarship provides one annual award of $900.
What GPA is required?
Applicants must have a GPA between 3.00 and 4.00.
What major is required?
The scholarship is specifically intended for students majoring in nursing.
What factors are considered during selection?
Applicants are evaluated based on:
- Financial need (35%)
- Scholastic ability (35%)
- Service and leadership (20%)
Final Thoughts
The Alice / Jeanne Wagner Memorial Scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it represents a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication to helping others.
Established in honor of a remarkable mother and daughter who devoted their lives to philanthropy and healthcare, this scholarship continues to support nursing students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to serving their communities.
For nursing students seeking financial assistance while pursuing their educational goals, the Alice / Jeanne Wagner Memorial Scholarship offers both meaningful support and the opportunity to become part of a lasting tradition of service and achievement.