Sentara's Howard Kern Legacy Scholarship awards $1 million in scholarships
Sentara Health awarded the Howard Kern Legacy Scholarship to 166 college students attending 63 different colleges for the 2023-2024 academic year. Established in 2023, the scholarship provides financial assistance to the children and grandchildren of Sentara colleagues who are currently enrolled in college and pursuing a career connected to the healthcare industry.
The scholarship's namesake, Howard P. Kern, had an impressive 40-year tenure at Sentara, serving as Sentara's president and chief executive officer from 2016 until his retirement in September 2022. During his time at Sentara, Kern served as a devoted leader and mentor for numerous Sentara colleagues. The scholarship continues Kern’s legacy in promoting higher learning and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals.
This financial assistance aims to alleviate the costs associated with pursuing higher education in healthcare and underscores Sentara's commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of its employees' families. Students received payment allocations at the start of the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters. Recipients attending a four-year college or university received $3,000 per semester and recipients attending a two-year college were awarded $1,500 per semester.
“Howard understood the value of supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said Sentara President and Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Matheis. “The rising cost of education has become a barrier for many pursuing a college degree. The Howard Kern Legacy Scholarship is one of Sentara’s ways of removing this financial barrier and opening up a pathway for tomorrow’s healthcare professionals.”
Grant recipient Morayo Abbey-Bada is attending Duke University, majoring in neuroscience. After graduating, she plans to attend medical school to become a doctor specializing in sports medicine.
“I am a strong advocate for well-being, both mentally and psychologically,” said Abbey-Bada. “Exercise and sports are one way to increase overall well-being.”
Her mother, Deborah Abbey-Bada, is a network relations manager for Sentara Health Plans in Richmond, Va., and has been with the organization for eight years. She has been a driving force in her decision to pursue a career in medicine.
“My mom has always encouraged me to go after my dreams, follow my interests, and not settle for anything less,” said Abbey-Bada, “With everything she does, whether work or church, I have seen her give 110%, and this is something that I strive to emulate within my academics and professional endeavors.”
Corinne Walters, a scholarship recipient attending the University of Virginia, plans to become a pediatric physical therapist. She follows in the footsteps of her mother, Tina Walters, who has been a physical therapist at Sentara for over 20 years, and currently works at the Sentara Therapy Center in Wakefield, Va.
Tina’s commitment to improving the lives of her patients served as Corinne’s inspiration.
“Over time, my interest in her field grew,” said Corinne of her mother. “I started going to her workplace during my breaks in college and over the summer to shadow her, ask questions, and learn more about the impact she has on her patients and the community she serves.”
The Howard Kern Legacy Scholarship continues Sentara’s commitment to providing opportunities to students pursuing careers linked to health care. In February 2023, Sentara announced a $4 million investment in two new pipeline development projects aimed to support students in healthcare-related fields.