2025 Kay Carpenter Pinning Ceremony – Honoring Student Scholars
Thursday, Apr 10, 2025
Several recipients of the Kay Carpenter Scholarship received their pins during a luncheon at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing on Wednesday, April 8, 2025.
Michelle DeVera, alumna and former Kay Carpenter scholar, encouraged the students to remain focused and support one another throughout their educational journey. Currently working as a medical-surgical nurse, she reminded students that "being a nurse is more than just a career; it's a dedication to help those who cannot fully help themselves, heal the broken and speak life into the hopeless."
Scholar Samantha Leiva Cordova spoke about her family’s determination to provide her with opportunities they never had. She also expressed her appreciation to the donors. “Your generosity is not just an investment in my education—it is an investment in my future patients, my community, and the generations of students who, like me, dream of making a difference,” she said. “Because of you, I am one step closer to achieving my goals and creating a career that will positively impact so many lives.”
B G Carter, co-founder of the scholarship, shared insights into the legacy of the late Kay Carpenter who envisioned a scholarship fund that would thrive for generations. She established an honorary oath for each recipient to “pay it forward” by giving back to the fund once they become professional nurses.
Each scholar received the honorable Kay Carpenter pin, engraved with her guiding motto: “Honor, reciprocity and joy.”
This year’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students who received the Kay Carpenter scholarship are as follows:
- Jhonson Chatelain
- Samantha Leiva Cordova
- Larenz Dixon
- Amanda Hernandez
- Deandra Knox
- Sebastian Kuzak
- Sarah Lievano
- Luna Nunez
- Syndi Pierre
- Lauren Quinones
- Esther Remy
- Maria Santiago Rojas
- Amanda Seraphin
- Sarah Shahady
- Hannah Sherman
- Allison Stenza
- Danielle Valbrun
To learn more or contribute to the Kay Carpenter Scholarship, please visit the Florida Atlantic University Foundation webpage.