Saint Louis University (SLU) proudly presented its second batch of graduates of the SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC) Special Scholarship Program (SSP) on 20 January 2025, following the morning rites at the Fr. Paul Van Parijs Event Center on the SLU Main Campus. Their achievement through SSP marks a significant milestone in their journey as healthcare professionals committed to serving their community through SLU-SHMC’s trusted and excellent medical care.
The group of nine scholars, now registered nurses, includes Lorraine A. Banatao, Ashley Jay B. Barbosa, Shaila Anne C. Cao, Jamie B. Caratao, Camille N. Diblo, Christine Mae C. Manliguez, Resther Raine B. Mejia, Andrea Dawn N. Sarmiento, and Keesha Andrea F. Uy. They are scheduled to begin their three-year return service at SLU-SHMC in the first week of February after completing all pre-employment processes. They will be entitled to the range of benefits as full-time employees of SHMC.
The scholars also paid a courtesy visit to University President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, at the Administrative Center in the J. Burgos Building. Fr. Sales congratulated each scholar, encouraging them with the words, “Enjoy your stay with us in the hospital. Serve with a smile. Keep the motto: We truly care.”
Alongside Fr. Sales were Vice President for Academic Affairs, Feline P. Espique, PhD; Dean of the School of Nursing, Allied Health and Biological Sciences (SONHABS), Ann P. Opina, PhD; SONAHBS Associate Dean, Elizabeth H. Bautista, PhD; SHMC Medical Director, Dr. Danilo J. Flores, Jr.; OIC Chief Nurse, Mr. Fidel Bautista; Assistant to the Chief Nurse, Mrs. Imelda C. Costales; Director of the Center for Counseling and Wellness (CCW), Marie Ellami S. Refuerzo; Assistant Director of CCW, Rhoda Joy A. Avila; Director of the Office of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs (OGRAA), Stephenie O. Busbus, PhD; Director of the Human Resource Department (HRD), Mr. Jeremy Lee L. Dela Cruz; HRD Assistant Director, Ms. Jean Karen G. Jaime; Scholarship Programs Coordinator, Mr. Elmer A. Benito.
The SLU SHMC SSP is designed to support aspiring nursing students in their educational journey. This scholarship is available to incoming third- or fourth-year students enrolled in the SONAHBS Nursing Program who are committed to serving at SLU-SHMC for a minimum of three years after passing the nursing licensure examination. To qualify, applicants must be Filipino citizens in good health, possess good moral character, and maintain a minimum academic average. The program not only alleviates financial burdens but also fosters a commitment to community service by ensuring that graduates contribute their skills and care to the medical center and its patients.
The scholarship offered by SLU-SHMC contributes to the realization of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By providing these scholarships, the programs not only help students pursue their aspirations but also align with the CICM’s advocacy for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) as well as the CEAP JEEPGY values of Engaged Citizenship and Youth Empowerment.
