Livingston County, New York’s pipeline of registered and advanced practice nurses is growing stronger, thanks to a $3 million gift from the Saunders Foundation that’s helping local healthcare professionals advance their education at the School of Nursing.
The first recipients of the Saunders Family Nursing Scholarship — which provides 100% tuition support to University of Rochester Medicine Noyes Health staff members — are currently working toward the next steps in their careers as RNs, nurse practitioners, leaders, and educators.
“We have a lot of very skilled, hardworking people in the Southern Tier and a lot of them just never get that break to get up to Rochester to achieve their ultimate goals of being an RN,” said University Trustee Emeritus E. Philip (Phil) Saunders when the endowed scholarship fund was announced in Fall 2024.
The scholarship program offers full tuition support for full-time and part-time Noyes Health employees in its RN-to-BS, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and master’s and advanced certificate programs. The hybrid online format of the School’s academic programs allows nurses to continue practicing in their communities, often applying what they have learned from their coursework right away.
“Our community needs to invest in professionals such as nurses, and I’m happy to do this for Noyes and Livingston County,” Saunders said.
The Saunders Foundation’s gift to the School of Nursing is part of a larger, $30 million commitment to URochester Medicine, which also includes support for research and clinical programs in orthopaedics, and an endowed professorship.
Meet some of our first Saunders Scholars.
Takafumi Yoshida ’26N (PMC), AGPCNP-BC, RN, MSN
Current role: Daytime hospitalist nurse practitioner, Noyes Health
Program: Advanced Certificate, Adult Acute Care NP
Why did you choose nursing?
"My interest in nursing began during a hospitalization in high school. I remember observing a nurse who genuinely seemed to enjoy her work, which left a strong impression on me. At a time when I was exploring potential career paths, that experience inspired me to pursue nursing."
What led you to choose the School of Nursing’s NP program? What do you hope to do next?
"I chose my current program to strengthen my clinical knowledge and improve the quality of care I provide. After graduating from a primary care nurse practitioner program, I began working at Noyes but realized I needed additional preparation to feel confident in a hospitalist role. This motivated me to return to school for an advanced certificate.
My long-term goal is to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree."
How has your experience at the School of Nursing helped you grow?
"I can immediately apply the knowledge and skills gained through coursework and clinical experiences to my job. My clinical rotations at Strong included cardiology, infectious diseases, and organ transplant units, where I encountered many cases and experiences that were new to me.
For example, I had never provided care for organ transplant patients during my nursing career prior to this experience. During one of my clinical rotations, I cared for a post-organ transplant patient at Noyes. Without this clinical experience, caring for such a patient would have been challenging and intimidating. However, this hands-on experience helped build my confidence in managing similar patients in practice."
How is the Saunders Family Nursing Scholarship supporting your goals?
"While advancing one’s education offers significant professional benefits, it can also create financial strain. The Saunders Family Nursing Scholarship has eased that burden, allowing me to continue my education without delay. Before receiving this support, I had planned to postpone applying to the DNP program. With this scholarship, I am now able to pursue my academic goals on a more immediate timeline."
Kennedy Kathleen Gardner, RN
Current role: Registered nurse - Interventional Radiology, Noyes Health
Why did you choose nursing?
"I have always loved the medical field since I was a young girl. When I was 12, I broke my arm and had major surgery on it. While I was at the hospital, I knew I wanted to be like the nurses and doctors when I grew up.
I pursued my bachelor's in psychology at SUNY Geneseo and then went to Russell Sage College in Albany to complete my nursing degree. I developed a research project with another student on LGBTQ+ nursing education, and since then, the Capital District Nursing Research Alliance has adopted the project. I am still involved in the research today as the vice president of the organization."
What led you to choose the School of Nursing’s NP program? What do you hope to do next?
"I always knew I wanted to advance my career, and I chose the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at the University of Rochester because it closely aligned with my values of improving patients' lives, especially minority populations such as the LGBTQ+ community. After completing my FNP degree, I hope to continue working here at Noyes Hospital and integrate my knowledge of caring for specialty groups into my everyday practice."
How has the Saunders Family Nursing Scholarship supported your career?
"The Saunders Family Scholarship was truly a blessing and has tremendously supported my goals of becoming an FNP through financial ways I never thought were possible. I am truly thankful to have the opportunity to work at Noyes and receive such a generous scholarship."
What makes working at Noyes unique to you?
"Working in Livingston County has been a wonderful opportunity to understand and experience what healthcare is like in rural areas. Many nurses do not get the chance to work in rural areas, and do not understand many struggles our patients face, such as the lack of access to medical necessities that many urban hospitals are able to provide. I have found significant meaning while working here at Noyes and serving a community that many other healthcare workers do not get to provide services to. I am excited to continue making a difference here."
Visit urson.us/saunders to learn more about eligibility and find out how the Saunders Family Nursing Scholarship is helping nurses pursue their goals.