The Jill Ann Bilodeau Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Criteria: (Two Annual Awards Equal to $5,000.00 each) The Jill Ann Bilodeau Memorial Nursing Scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student who is entering his or her junior or senior year of study within the Nursing department. Applicants must be attending Worcester State University full-time and be in good academic standing. An essay should accompany the scholarship application, and this essay should express the applicant’s reason for choosing the nursing profession. Preference will be given to students who have returned to college to continue their educational pursuits.
This scholarship honors Jill Ann Bilodeau ’98, a young woman who planned on dedicating her professional life to helping others. Jill was a junior in Worcester State University’s Nursing program when her dreams were cut short by a motorcycle accident that took her life on September 9, 2001. She had previously earned a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Health Studies from WSU and completed EMT training at Quinsigamond Community College.
Her family and friends remember her as a free-spirited, outgoing person with a passion for the ocean, music, and rugged vehicles, including trucks and four-wheelers. She was as comfortable changing the oil on her vehicle as she was wearing a pretty dress for a night on the town.
Her advisor, Dr. Helen Rogers, chair of the Nursing Department at the time, said of Jill, “She was a bubbly, outgoing person who always had a twinkle in her eye. She was energetic and full of life, and had a wonderful sense of humor.”
Dr. Rogers recalled that Jill was also a very dedicated student. “She was always here, practicing in the lab. Her goal was to become a LifeFlight nurse on the UMass Memorial helicopter. She was determined to make it, and to be the best nurse she could be. Her loss was keenly felt by the staff and her fellow students. We miss her.”
In the spirit of commitment that was central to Jill Bilodeau’s character, her family has established this memorial scholarship in her honor. Family and friends of Jill generously supported this scholarship to ensure her name and accomplishments will be remembered by future generations of students.
Her mother, Linda, noted, “We wanted to set up this fund so that others who dream of becoming a nurse can receive help in pursuing their dream. We feel this is something that Jill would have wanted.”