Established in 2022, the Alfreda Kurtich Memorial Nursing Scholarship was created by John Kurtich to honor the memory of his late wife, Alfreda Kurtich—a woman of deep faith, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her profession. Alfreda served as a Registered Nurse throughout her life, devoting herself to the care of others with integrity and compassion. This scholarship reflects not only her lifelong commitment to nursing but also the Kurtich family’s desire to carry that legacy forward into future generations.
Alfreda was more than just a skilled nurse—she was someone who embodied the spirit of service. Her career, grounded in love and selflessness, made a difference in countless lives. By establishing this scholarship, John hoped to ensure that the next generation of nurses would be supported and encouraged as they pursued a similar path of purpose and healing.
The Alfreda Kurtich Memorial Nursing Scholarship is awarded annually to graduating seniors from Rocky Grove or Franklin High School who plan to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse. While the scholarship is open to any aspiring nurse from these schools, preference is given to students with a particular interest in pediatric nursing—an area that reflects Alfreda’s nurturing spirit and the deep empathy she brought to her work.
Though still relatively new, the impact of this scholarship is already being felt. Since its creation, $3,000 has been awarded to three recipients, each one chosen for their academic dedication, compassionate character, and commitment to entering the nursing profession. These young scholars represent the hope and future of nursing in our region.
One such recipient is Mackenzie Buckel, a standout student who received the scholarship in 2022. Mackenzie is currently completing her senior year at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is studying to become a Registered Nurse. Her career goals are firmly rooted in serving others—she plans to work in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and eventually continue her education to become a neonatal nurse practitioner.
For Mackenzie, the scholarship meant more than financial support—it was a meaningful affirmation of her path and potential. “Being the first ever recipient of this scholarship was an honor that I will never forget,” Mackenzie shared. “I always knew I wanted to pursue a career where I could help and serve others. This scholarship has allowed me to follow that dream and now I’m just one short year away from officially being a registered nurse!”
Mackenzie’s journey is especially notable as she represents the fourth generation in her family to become a nurse. Her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all answered the same call to care, making this scholarship not just a bridge to her own future, but a tribute to a powerful family tradition. Her story illustrates how support from the Alfreda Kurtich Memorial Nursing Scholarship can strengthen generational legacies and ensure a continued pipeline of caring, capable nurses in our communities.
Scholarships like the Alfreda Kurtich Memorial Nursing Scholarship serve as powerful investments in both individuals and the broader future of healthcare. By reducing financial burdens, these awards open doors for students who might otherwise struggle to access higher education. More importantly, they inspire young people to pursue careers that directly improve the lives of others. In honoring Alfreda’s memory, this scholarship not only preserves her legacy—it actively shapes the future by empowering the next generation of caregivers.
The scholarship is managed by Bridge Builders Community Foundations, which supports numerous funds across the region with a mission to connect donors to the causes they care about. Community members who wish to support the Alfreda Kurtich Memorial Nursing Scholarship can do so by making a donation online or mailing a check to BBCF. Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure that future students like Mackenzie will have the resources they need to succeed and serve.
If you would like to learn more about the scholarship or contribute to its mission, contact Bridge Builders Community Foundations at 814-677-8686 or visit bbcf.org.
The Alfreda Kurtich Memorial Nursing Scholarship is more than a financial award—it’s a living tribute to a life well lived and a profession that touches us all. It reminds us that through generosity and intention, we can honor those we love while building a brighter future for our communities.
