“I really enjoy being in the nursing program because it was honestly a dream of mine to become a RN ever since I was little. To think that it's actually becoming true still feels so unreal. I love to care for people and to help people feel better, so I knew that nursing was the perfect career for me.  Being awarded this scholarship is a huge help to me especially because during the school year I cut down A LOT of my working hours to focus on my studies. Having this scholarship has really helped me with paying for my nursing expenses and I couldn't be more appreciative."

- Ashley Schiaffo, Nursing Student

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Thank you for making a gift to the Ida-Marie Szmyt Endowed Nursing Scholarship! You are helping to make dreams come true for many of our students. This gift supports students who are studying for one of the most critical career opportunities available today. According to an article in the Nursing Times, The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 275,000 additional nurses will be needed from now through 2030. Employment opportunities for nurses are projected to grow at a faster rate than all other occupations over the next several years.

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Our communities and our healthcare organizations need these nurses and SUNY Orange nurses are always in high demand. Ida-Marie was a graduate of the SUNY Orange-Orange County Community College Nursing Program and the students who earn this scholarship will follow in her footsteps. Thank you for honoring her memory with your gift.