Mercyhealth and Blackhawk Technical College Announce Scholarship Program

Left to right: Blackhawk Technical College Director of Advancement & Foundation Lisa Hurda, Mercyhealth Vice President of Operations Kara Sankey, Blackhawk Technical College President Dr. Tracy Pierner.

JANESVILLE–Mercyhealth and Blackhawk Technical College are excited to announce a new scholarship program to assist students studying in one of five programs that will lead to a career in health care. The scholarships will begin being awarded in the spring of 2023.

The scholarship program, named Mercyhealth Making Lives Better Scholarship and established in partnership with the BTC Foundation, is a full-ride scholarship (includes tuition, fees and books) and will be awarded to students for the next two years. Mercyhealth is committing to a donation of $40,000 each year to fund the scholarships. Mercyhealth is also committing to provide a paid internship with Mercyhealth in a position that will align with the scholarship recipient’s program of study.

“We are grateful for Mercyhealth’s partnership and generosity as we work together to prepare future health care workers,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk. “This scholarship is a powerful way to ease financial burdens and set students up for success in the health care industry.”

“Mercyhealth is excited to provide the Mercyhealth Making Lives Better Scholarship to the deserving students to help fulfill their career aspirations,” said Javon Bea, Mercyhealth President/CEO. “We’re also proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Blackhawk Technical College to further health care careers in the community.”

The Blackhawk Tech programs that will be considered for the scholarships include:

• Nursing
• Radiography
• Surgical Technology
• Culinary Arts
• Phlebotomy Technician

To be considered for the scholarship, students must be enrolled at a minimum as a part-time student (six credits). Preference will be given to students who demonstrate a financial need. For more information about the scholarship and to how to apply, please visit blackhawk.edu/mercyhealth.

About the Blackhawk Technical College Foundation 

The BTC Foundation, as a direct support organization to Blackhawk Technical College, was established in 1978 to solicit, manage, and distribute funds for educational purposes, primarily scholarships, program support, and capital facilities. You can make a difference in our community with the gift of education to the BTC Foundation as it is a recognized tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization through the IRS.

Left to right: Lindsay Blegen, Mercyhealth Manager of Nursing; Jess Palumbo, Mercyhealth Chief Nursing Officer; Michele Demmin, Mercyhealth Director of Nursing; Lisa Hurda, Blackhawk Director of Advancement & Foundation; Mary Remley, Mercyhealth Senior Director Perioperative & Cath Lab; Kara Sankey, Mercyhealth Vice President of Operations; Andres Marquez, Mercyhealth Laboratory Manager; Brittany Kelly, Mercyhealth Laboratory Supervisor; Barb Turner, Merychealth Laboratory System Director; Brian Myers, Mercyhealth Environmental Services, Food & Nutrition Senior Director; Dr. Tracy Pierner, Blackhawk President.