(October 5, 2012) Sellersville, PA – Three Grand View Hospital nurses received the Harriet E. and James W. Pennybaker Memorial Scholarship award in a special ceremony held September 27th. The scholarship is awarded annually to Grand View employees pursuing or advancing a career in nursing. The awards were presented in honor of the late Pennybakers by their daughter Jane Strohm. During the presentation Jane remarked, “I feel lucky to give these scholarships to such distinguished individuals.” Recipients of a Pennybaker scholarship this year are: Kara Febus, RN, a staff nurse in pediatrics and maternity. Kara is completing a Bachelors program with the Ohio University School of Nursing. Alexandra Tomlinson, BSRN, an emergency department nurse, employed with the hospital for three years. Alexandra is attending the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Adult Gerontology Acute Care program. Lynn Snyder, RN, BSN, a day shift charge nurse in telemetry. She has served in the unit since 1992, and is pursuing a Master of Science degree in nursing with Western Governors University.

Grand View Hospital nurses awarded Pennybaker Scholarships. (Left to Right) Kara Febus, RN; Jane Strohm; and Alexandra Tomlinson, BSRN (Absent from photo: Lynn Snyder, RN, BSN)

Harriet Pennybaker served the hospital for 50 years, first as a nurse and later as a volunteer. In retirement she accumulated nearly 22,000 hours volunteering as front desk receptionist and unit assistant. Jane reflected, “My mother loved it here. She encouraged my dad to volunteer too.” James Pennybaker was stationed at the front desk and assisted hospital visitors. Although finances prohibited him from attending college after high school, education was important to the couple. The Pennybaker’s supported Jane as she earned a degree from Millersville College, preparing her to become a school teacher. “My parents gave that to me. I’m glad to keep their memory alive by helping others pursue their education.” She and family members established the scholarship in 2006.

To be eligible, Grand View employees must be enrolled or accepted to an accredited school of nursing. They must submit an essay about their positive impact on patients and family members or the community.

Candidates must demonstrate Harriet Pennybaker’s dedication to the nursing profession as well as her husband’s commitment to education and high standards.

About Grand View Hospital
Grand View Hospital, Bucks County’s first hospital, has provided residents of Bucks and Montgomery Counties with comprehensive health care services since 1913. Now a century strong, Grand View has become known as a quality provider of heart and vascular care, women’s and children’s health, surgery, orthopaedics, and cancer care. Grand View also has four state-of-the-art outpatient centers offering health and diagnostic care. As a non-profit hospital, Grand View has relied upon the generous support of the community to carry out its mission. Visit www.gvh.org for more information about the hospital, its programs and services, or to make a donation.