The Calgary Health Foundation Scholarships recognize the pivotal role that nursing leadership plays in Alberta’s health system and in the care of all Albertans. The Calgary Health Foundation established scholarships for nurses through ARNET in 2019.

Recipients must work in Alberta Health Services - Calgary Area.

Scholarships are awarded in the following areas of nursing practice:
Stroke/Neuro nursing
Continuing Care Nursing
ICU/Acute Care Nursing
General Nursing Practice
Transport team/transplant nursing practice

Value of $5000 each.

A 1968 graduate from the Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing, and then later a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Alberta, Chris Lambert personified the true essence of nursing. A pioneer in patient advocacy, Chris encouraged her colleagues to truly connect with each patient and their families and to trust the patient to take a leadership role in their own health care. Patient focused care; quality of life; palliative care; cultural sensitivity and a multidisciplinary team care approach were all integral parts of Chris’ nursing practice long before they became the focal points of today’s health care system.

A strong advocate for excellence in patient care and best nursing practice, Chris was an outstanding nurse mentor who instilled confidence in her coworkers to recognize that each challenge was an opportunity to grow as a person and as a nurse. She challenged her colleagues to be lifelong learners and to develop the leadership skills necessary to positively influence nursing practice. Chris recognized the value of living your life with passion and creating a healthy home/work life balance. She encouraged her colleagues to follow her exemplary lead.

An influential contemporary nursing role model, Chris worked tirelessly on behalf of her patients and nurses. Competent, energetic, organized, compassionate and intelligent, Chris left an incredible nursing legacy that will be carried on through the scholarship that carries her name. This scholarship is awarded to a nurse who shares Chris’ extraordinary qualities.

Value of $2500.

Recognizing the need to ensure equitable health care for Indigenous communities in Canada, CWB Wealth strongly supports nursing research and advanced education programs that promote this area of public service. To this end, CWB Wealth established the Indigenous Health Scholarship through the Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust (ARNET). This scholarship supports nurses working with Indigenous communities in a co-development model to help achieve improved health outcomes for Indigenous people.

Value of $5000.

The Dianne Davidson Memorial Fund was established in 1984 by her former classmates to honour Dianne’s memory and to provide an ongoing fund for registered nurses committed to pursuing their education in the fields of mental health nursing. Dianne recognized the diversity of the issues impacting the day-to-day lives of her patients and was committed to ensuring that registered nurses had the educational resources available to them to support their patients in a more holistic manner.

Through the establishment and annual awarding of the Dianne Davidson Scholarships, Dianne’s goals have become a reality. A nurse who demonstrates Dianne’s commitment to enhanced and improved patient care is selected to receive this scholarship.

Value of $5000 each

The Gayle Hissett Memorial Scholarship was established by Gayle’s husband, Gordon, and her daughter, Ashley, to honour Gayle’s passion for nursing and serve as a memorial tribute to Gayle’s commitment to nursing excellence. Gayle was a strong advocate for lifelong learning and incorporated her advanced nursing education and skills into every aspect of her nursing practice. A strong patient advocate, Gayle ensured her patients had both the information and confidence to guide and manage their own care resulting in improved and empowered outcomes. Gayle’s personal commitment to ongoing education was a catalyst to encouraging other nurses to pursue their educational goals and she readily served as a mentor to new and more experienced graduates.

The fund that bears her name ensures that her commitment to her patients and colleagues is remembered and cherished. This scholarship is awarded to a nurse who is focusing on advanced nursing practice and shares Gayle’s commitment to lifelong learning and nursing excellence.

Value of $2500 each.

A graduate of the Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing, Karen Polowick’s nursing career spans 41 years with a solid track record of sound judgment, common sense, quality improvement, professionalism and effective handling of difficult situations clearly demonstrated throughout her career. A highly respected registered nurse with a strong combination of governance, administration, clinical and educational experience, Karen held positions with the Royal Alexandra Hospital as a direct care nurse, educator, patient care director and Vice President of Nursing prior to joining Capital Health as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

In recognition of the legacy that Karen has left for future generations of Edmonton region registered nurses, this scholarship fund was created in her honour, to be awarded to nurses who share her outstanding nursing leadership, research and education attributes. Applicant should be a current employee of AHS, preference in the Edmonton and area zone.

Value of $5000 each.

Established by the Aplastic Anemia & Myelodysplasia Association of Canada (AAMAC) in memory of Elizabeth (Liz) Lemire, the endowed fund is established as a memorial tribute to the significant role that Liz Lemire played as co-coordinator of the Alberta Chapter of AAMAC and as founder of the Calgary AAMAC patient support group. Liz was a source of inspiration for her family, many friends, and patients living with bone marrow failure diseases.

Soon after getting a diagnosis of aplastic anemia in 2002, Liz began volunteering with the AAMAC and providing patient support through phone, email, and in-person visits. Liz also felt that education of health care professionals, especially nurses, would be an important way to provide individual support for patients. Advanced education ensures nurses are able to be effective advocates for their patients.

This scholarship is established as a fitting and lasting tribute to Liz’s memory and in recognition of both her inspiration and dedication to others. It is awarded to an individual who reflects Liz’s dedication to nursing excellence and patient advocacy in the area of aplastic anemia and myelodysplasia.

Value of $2500.

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Lynda Margaret Day Memorial Scholarship in honour and remembrance of Lynda. The scholarship was created by her family to commemorate the life and achievements of an exceptional individual.

Lynda graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in nursing in 1960. Her nursing career included working in hospital and teaching at the University of Saskatchewan. She spent many years working in executive roles at the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses (AARN).

Lynda’s experience and knowledge made her the perfect candidate for many positions. Lynda began her employment at AARN as Assistant to the Executive Director and went on to take on roles including Registrar and Acting Executive Director upon her retirement in 1994.

Lynda played a significant role in establishing the Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust (ARNET) as a registered charity, in 1985, to provide grants and scholarships for continuing education of registered nurses in Alberta. She managed ARNET for many years in her staff role at AARN and supported the ARNET Board with the hiring of the first staff member of ARNET. Lynda continued her involvement with ARNET as a member of the ARNET Board of Directors following her retirement from AARN.

A great leader, mentor, colleague, and person made Lynda loved by all. Lynda had a special place in her heart for family and friends. She was generous, loving, and strong and always put others first. She will be fondly remembered for her infectious laughter and sense of humour. She made work and life so much better for all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The Lynda Margaret Day Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in May 2023 by Lynda’s family to honour Lynda’s memory and to provide ongoing funds for registered nurses committed to pursuing advanced education to become nurse practitioners.‍ ‍

Value of $2500.

Mary-Anne Robinson was a recognized leader in nursing and promoted change in both the Canadian and international health care environments. She was committed to improving the quality and delivery of primary health care through innovation and leadership and played a major role in trying to achieve that. Mary-Anne passed away in September 2019 and left a significant legacy as a nursing leader locally and internationally. Her family and friends established this scholarship to honour her memory as a nurse leader.

The scholarship will support emerging and established nursing leaders. Leaders who create innovative and smarter health care strategies for those we care for and care about. Scholarship awards will support leadership development opportunities for a mid-career nursing leader who has a demonstrated record of leading and directing complex programs or projects.

Value of $4000.

As college educators and lifelong learners and adventurers, Geoff Green and Sheila McKay witnessed first-hand the impact that advanced education had for both their students and the communities that they served. In tribute to their shared passion and commitment to advanced education and the development of educators and community leaders, the McKay Green Scholarship was established in 2016 with the Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust.

The significance of continued education to support career goals of becoming an educator or assuming a leadership role is recognized through the selection of an individual whose achievements best reflect these commitments.

Value of $2500.

Generously established by the Patricia Walker Foundation for Childbirth Education (PWF). The Patricia Walker Foundation was created to educate registered nurses and families on the critical benefits of actively involving parents in neonatal and pediatric nursing environments.

A lifelong learner and highly regarding neonatal nurse leader at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and University Hospital, Patricia Walker and her neonatal teams established new protocols and opportunities for parental involvement throughout all aspects and stages of pregnancy and childbirth.

The fund is established to support advanced education studies that will enhance nursing knowledge in childbirth education and maternal and child health nursing. The important role of the registered nurse caring for expectant parents through pregnancy and childbirth is recognized through this scholarship granted to a nurse who demonstrates excellence in these areas.

Value of $2500.

The Saskatoon City Hospital Nurses Alumnae Endowment fund was established in recognition of the number of Saskatoon City Hospital graduates who chose to practice nursing in the Calgary region.

The School of Nursing at Saskatoon City Hospital was established in 1910 and the alumnae continued to hold regular reunions after the school was closed in 1969. The founding contribution to the ARNET endowment was made from proceeds of an alumni reunion. This donor group wanted to ensure the legacy of nursing excellence exemplified by the Saskatoon City Hospital graduates continued for future generations of Alberta’s registered nurses. A nurse from the Calgary area who reflects this legacy is selected annually to receive this scholarship.

Value of $2500.

The fund is established as a centennial tribute to the significant and active role that the Sisters of Service have played in the provision of health care and nursing services in Alberta. Since the turn of the century, the Community was instrumental in responding to the changing needs of immigrants and early settlers. In 1928, the Sisters of Service assumed responsibility for the Edson Hospital in the northwest sector of the province. The Order expanded healthcare supports to northeast Alberta when they founded the Vilna Hospital in 1929. Each of these facilities, combined with the public health services offered, provided essential healthcare and direct nursing supports to settlers who homesteaded the regions and the communities that followed.

As communities grew, the Sisters of Service readily responded to meeting changing community needs. Utilizing their expertise and maximizing the resources available, these nursing services were early models for the community based healthcare that Alberta uses today. This scholarship is awarded to a nurse who reflects the ingenuity of the Sisters of Service in community or public health nursing.

Value of $2500.

The Terrill Margaret Bonnah Memorial Scholarship was created in 2017 to commemorate the life of Terrill (Teri) Margaret Bonnah [May 10, 1955, to October 12, 2015] and continue her legacy by supporting ongoing nursing education in Alberta.

Teri was a member of the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) for over 30 years, taking great pride in both her affiliation with CARNA and her designation as a Registered Nurse. Lifelong learning played a vital role in the advancement of her nursing career; she took countless courses and workshops to improve both her leadership abilities and her clinical skills, while championing for improvements in patient care, safety, research ethics and the development and use of evidence-based tools. Teri was a trainer and facilitator in the Misericordia Hospital’s Total Quality Improvement program from its early stages and later worked as a Regional Quality Manager for Capital Health/Alberta Health Services. Mentorship of others was a significant component of each position she held, from training new staff to offering career counselling and giving guest lectures to post-secondary students. After retiring from Alberta Health Services, Teri expanded her nursing career into private practice as a certified counsellor and coach, where her skills allowed her to continue empowering others to achieve their goals.

The Terrill Margaret Bonnah Memorial Scholarship serves as a tribute to Teri’s commitment to nursing excellence and is awarded to a nurse who demonstrates this commitment.

Value of $2500.

2016 was a milestone year marking 100 years of registered nursing practice in Alberta. It was important to Dr. Shannon Spenceley to acknowledge this event by establishing a scholarship for registered nurses who are currently completing graduate studies at the University of Lethbridge and meet the following criteria:

- Academic study shows the potential to impact a current or future health need in Southern Alberta.

- demonstrates a strong commitment to knowledge mobilization and evidence informed practice.

- demonstrates a strong academic achievement and professional background.

Dr. Spenceley lead and mobilized a group of local RNs to plan an annual fundraising gala and utilized her well established community connections to obtain generous sponsorships and donations. As a result of her vision and efforts, the first scholarship was awarded in 2017 and the University of Lethbridge graduate nursing program will continue to benefit from this lasting legacy.

In recognition of her significant contributions, the scholarship was renamed The Dr. Shannon Spenceley Lethbridge Legacy of Nursing Scholarship. The establishment of this scholarship is just one example of Shannon’s commitment to the nursing profession. With over 35 years of experience in a variety of healthcare settings, she has led teams to implement evidence-based care and has been recognized for her work in chronic disease management and primary care, provincially and nationally. She served as both a Provincial Councillor and President for the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta and is currently an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge where her leadership as an educator and researcher informs the future of nursing. Shannon is a proven leader in nursing, is known as someone who always finds possibility in challenging situations and is committed to advocating for the critical role Registered Nurses play within the healthcare system. Described as inspirational and influential, she has had a positive impact on the careers of so many nurses at local, provincial, and national levels. Her contributions to the profession, the healthcare system and nursing education will be realized for years to come!

Value of $6000.

William B. Godfrey lived in Grande Prairie and upon his death he established a trust fund with ARNET.

The William B. Godfrey Scholarships are intended for registered nurses completing advanced education. Preference given to RNs completing a nurse practitioner program who reside in Edmonton or Northern Alberta.

Value of $5000

In honor of the 400th birth anniversary of Mata Gujri Ji in 2024, the Sikh Society Calgary has partnered with the Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust (ARNET) to establish the Mata Gujri Ji Endowment Fund. This fund is a tribute to the strength and resilience of Mata Gujri Ji, the revered matriarch who played a pivotal role in Sikh history.Mata Gujri Ji (1624–1705), the wife of Guru Tegh Bahadur and mother of Guru Gobind Singh, was a beacon of courage and faith. Her unwavering support and guidance during one of the most turbulent times in Sikh history have inspired generations.

The Mata Gujri Ji Endowment Fund aims to empower and uplift future generations by providing scholarships for research in Women’s Healthcare. By supporting this initiative, you commemorate a historical figure and invest in women’s health and well-being worldwide. Preference is given to Sikh women researching women’s health in Sikh communities.

Value of $2500

Bel Air Direct recognizes the vital role nurse practitioners play in Alberta’s healthcare system. Nurse practitioners bring advanced knowledge, expertise, and compassionate care to patients across the province. They are essential in:

Providing primary care and managing chronic conditions

Diagnosing illnesses and prescribing treatments

Improving access to healthcare in rural and underserved communities

Supporting patients through complex health journeys

Belairdirect offers three $5,000 scholarships this year for registered nurses pursuing NP studies — helping them grow their skills and continue making a difference in our communities.

Value of $5000 each