, August 20, 2008

The memory of a young nurse and the generosity of people who loved her seeded new hope for freshman nursing student Jennie Oldenkamp. At the presentation luncheon in November of 2005, Jennie, the first recipient of the Hilary Blount RN Scholarship, told the assembled family and a United Hospital representative that though the money was really important, even more important to her is the fact that someone believes in her—a single mother of two daughters, ages four and six.

“The feelings were so raw. These people just lost their daughter, and here they were, reaching out to me,” reflected Jennie, who learned about PUC’s nursing program while being treated for cancer at Tillamook County General Hospital, an Adventist Health facility in Oregon where Jennie also worked as a phlebotomist. On being given a clean bill of health, she decided to apply to PUC’s nursing program to create a better life for her own daughters.

But the most important part of the story for Jennie is God’s incredible faithfulness. “I was astounded that God works so fast,” she said. Jennie had been praying with a friend, Annette Togami at PUC health services, asking God to help her find $1,000 to buy textbooks and other necessities. By the time Jennie got home, Suzy Ermshar called from Enrollment Services and said, “There’s a scholarship for you!” A few days later, Suzy called back to tell Jennie that she would be the guest of honor at a lunch in the Dining Commons at the end of the week.

“I’m still in awe,” reflects Jennie. “I’m telling everyone about it to inspire them.”