NORTHOUSE NURSING SCHOLARSHIP MAKES ITS FIRST AWARD

For Jerica Boss, nursing isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. As a youngster, seeing her aunt’s passion for her work sparked her interest in a healthcare career. When Jerica’s mom battled cancer, ultimately passing away in 2016, Jerica’s path was set. “Just going through that journey with her, it just solidified, this is my calling. Like, this is what I’m here to do,” Jerica said.

Jerica will begin her final year at Wayne State University in fall 2021. She has gone beyond program requirements to gain more experience and explore different clinical settings by working at Detroit Home for Veterans and Hope Network. She has also adapted to the challenges of being a student during COVID-19 and facing cancer herself. “I didn’t have an easy path. No one is guaranteed an easy ride,” Jerica said. “But you know, time after time, I’m like, ‘That’s a minor setback for a major comeback.’”

Establishing the Northouse Nursing Scholarship Fund

Peter and Laurel Northouse were each born and raised in Grand Rapids, and after living away for 50 years, moved back in 2016. Both university professors who remain active in their careers, they have established multiple scholarships for targeted purposes with special meaning to them. One of these, the Northouse Nursing Scholarship, was recently created at the Community Foundation.

Laurel began her career as a nurse, and is now professor emerita at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, where she held an endowed chair in oncology nursing research. The focus of her work—developing programs of care for cancer patients and their family caregivers—was driven by the couple’s personal experience. Peter was diagnosed with cancer when he was 29 years old.

“It was a very scary time for both of us,” Laurel said. “Because of our personal experience with cancer, I was very motivated to find ways to help others.” The two later co-authored a textbook, Health Communications, that addresses effective communication in health care settings.

The Northouse Nursing scholarship was designed to give priority to Black applicants. Peter and Laurel recognized the tremendous strain on and dire shortage of nurses and the racial disparity that currently exists in the profession. Only 6% of registered nurses in Michigan are Black. “We were looking for a way to give back to the Grand Rapids community,” Peter said. “We need more well-prepared nurses to help patients and their families. And, we need a health care workforce that reflects diversity and can address the health needs of our diverse population.”

Peter & Laurel Northouse

Supporting Students

Jerica believes more scholarships, support and resources need to be available for upper classmen, who must often navigate coursework, jobs outside of school and more. “College can be hard on your mental health, especially when you’re a first generation college student, because you don’t have anyone to turn to,” Jerica said. “There’s no one to give you guidance because no one has done it before you, so you really have a lot of pressure on your shoulders.”

She expressed gratitude for the support she has received from loved ones and from scholarship founders who have invested in opportunities for students. “I’m so grateful. I never thought I would be here. I knew I always wanted to go to college, but I never envisioned the end… But now that it’s here, I’m like, ‘Wow, I did this, I really did this.’”