Chicago City Wire

Scholarships at Rush University are providing more than just financial assistance to students. For many, these awards have enabled them to pursue educational and professional opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Bart Stefaniuk, a student in the Master of Science in Health Systems Management program at Rush’s College of Health Sciences, described his scholarship as both encouragement and trust. “Receiving a scholarship was an incredible honor,” he said. “It lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and gave me the freedom to focus on opportunities that are helping me grow as a health care leader.” With this support, Stefaniuk has represented Rush University at national competitions and conferences, participated in professional organizations, and completed an internship in health care operations and consulting. He credits Rush for showing him the value of being part of a strong community: “Rush has shown me how important it is to be surrounded by good people and a strong culture. That is the kind of environment I want to be part of in my career.”

Ashley Roche, a PhD candidate in Nursing Science at the College of Nursing, found her calling after working with late-stage cancer patients. Her experiences led her to pursue advanced studies at Rush, where scholarships allowed her to focus on her education and participate in fellowships such as the Schweitzer Fellowship. Roche aims to address disparities in end-of-life care through her research. She noted inspiration from faculty mentors: “Seeing researchers like Drs. Wrenetha Julion and Monique Reed secure major grants and change science as we know it has been so inspiring,” she said. “It matters deeply to see people who look like me leading this work.”

Hannah Allen, now in her fourth year at Rush Medical College, also emphasized the importance of scholarship support in shaping her path. After completing degrees at the University of Pittsburgh and conducting research at the National Institutes of Health, Allen chose Rush for medical school. “When I got accepted, it felt almost too good to be true,” she recalled. “Receiving the scholarship made it feel like Rush chose me back.” The award enabled Allen to pursue child neurology—a longer training path—without financial pressure: “The scholarship gave me the freedom to choose the path that felt right,” she said. Allen has also been active in advocacy work supporting women in STEM fields and patient peer support initiatives.

Rush University Medical Center is located in Chicago, Illinois, where it serves as both a hospital with specialized wards—including pediatrics—and a teaching institution for future health professionals under President Dr. Omar Lateef (https://www.rush.edu/about-us/history-rush).

“These stories show how scholarships can shape careers while allowing students to give back,” said university representatives.