Sierra Blackburn Announced as First Recipient of Sandra Bothwell Legacy Scholarship
Superior, Ne – In 2021, Sandra Bothwell’s daughters, Lori Renz and Shelly Jung, alongside her husband, Lawrence “Lefty” Bothwell, created a scholarship fund to honor her legacy as a nurse and social worker for individuals pursuing a career in the health care industry. “Education was very important to mom, so we know that she would be proud and honored to be able to offer a scholarship to someone who is starting their education in a healthcare related field. We are pleased to be able to honor mom’s legacy of service to the community through this scholarship,” stated Bothwell’s daughters.
Sandra Bothwell of Superior, Nebraska, graduated from the University of Nebraska Hospital – School of Nursing in 1960, as part of the second class to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked in the OB Department at University Hospital for six months after graduation, then returned to Superior and worked for one year as a clinical nurse for Dr. Hallgrimson and Dr. Kiekhaefer. In 1961, she began her 47-year career at Brodstone Healthcare, where she worked as a charge nurse on the floor for 22 years. In 1983, she became Director of Social Services and Patient Education, and in 1986, she added Swing Bed Coordinator to her responsibilities. She became a Certified Social Worker and Certified Activity Director in 1987. Sandra served on numerous boards and committees for both business and health care in the community. She always worked to make a difference in people’s lives. She enjoyed following her grandkids activities, traveling, reading, crocheting, playing bridge, singing, volunteering and cheering on the Nebraska Huskers outside of her professional life. Sandra passed away on February 7th, 2021.
Sandra’s legacy is remembered by many former co-workers at Brodstone. Current team members shared characteristics, accomplishments and the impact that Sandra had on many over the years.
“She was a strong patient advocate to anyone in need and a role model to those of us following in her footsteps. She played an active role in numerous community and state wide committees as a spokesperson for policy and change. She would be thrilled and honored to have a scholarship named on her behalf that supports the work she was so passionate about – helping others.” one former co-worker shared. Another added, “She gave selflessly at work and in the community by assisting citizens to obtain and maintain the highest quality of life possible. She would be truly honored to know she held such a special place in the heart of so many people whose lives she impacted.”
Sierra Blackburn, a 2021 Graduate of Superior High School, was the first recipient of the Sandra Bothwell Legacy Scholarship. Sierra will be attending Fort Hays State University majoring in Medical Diagnostic Imaging. Her future goal is to graduate early and receive certifications in many different modalities. Through the internship program during her senior year, Sierra was able to shadow the Diagnostic Imaging Department at Brodstone Memorial Hospital before working as a Radiology Tech Aide throughout the past summer.
When asked what receiving this scholarship in Sandra’s memory meant to her she answered, “While knowing the family and the things that Sandy did for the Hospital I only hope that I can help half the amount of people that she did. It is such an honor to be chosen for this scholarship and I hope that I will be able to contribute as much to a hospital someday as she did.”
Sandra’s legacy scholarship fund will be a recurring, yearly opportunity that will impact future generations of health care professionals from Nuckolls County. The Brodstone Healthcare Foundation will be administering the scholarship fund. For more information on Scholarship Opportunities through the Foundation visit www.brodstonehealthcare.org.