Press release by SWTJC; Picture credit: SWTJC
Uvalde, TX, September 1, 2023 – In a heartfelt ceremony held on Aug. 25, Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) celebrated the annual scholarship award from the Moreno family to incoming nursing students. This year’s event was marked by the absence of Jesse R. Moreno Sr., who could not attend due to unforeseen circumstances. However, his spirit and legacy were alive as his daughter, Dora Gonzalez, and son, Toni Moreno, graciously stepped in to distribute the scholarship checks to the deserving recipients.
This year’s scholarship recipients are Leslie Torres of Del Rio, Kimberly Olvera of Eagle Pass, Alyssa Lombrana, Regina Prado and Emily Martinez, all hailing from Uvalde.
The scholarship, which offers $500 to each recipient, honors the memory of Jesse T. Moreno Jr., who passed away Jan. 27, 2014, at 56, following a courageous 16-year battle with multiple myeloma. Jesse Jr., the son of Mr. Moreno Sr. and the late Andrea Torres Moreno, was an alumnus of Uvalde High School’s class of 1976. He continued his education at SWTJC, earning an Associate of Arts degree in 1978 before pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing in San Antonio, which he attained in 1981.
During the scholarship presentation, Nora Gonzalez took a moment to address the students, expressing the family’s joy in awarding her brother’s scholarship to these remarkable individuals. “We are so happy to give this award to six very deserving students,” she remarked. “We’re very pleased to present this honor to you on behalf of my brother.”
Also present at the ceremony were Mark Underwood, vice president of academic affairs, Raul Gonzalez, husband of Dora Gonzalez and Xavier and Ivan Grubbs, grandsons of Dora Gonzalez.
The Moreno Family Scholarship supports registered nursing students in their first year of the program. To qualify, applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses and submit a 200-word essay detailing their background, motivations for pursuing nursing, and the challenges they’ve overcome during their journey.
SWTJC’s registered nursing program equips graduates to navigate modern health care’s dynamic and intricate landscape. Individuals interested in enrolling in the program can contact Dr. Margorie L. Lieck, SWTJC Director of Licensed Vocational Nursing & Associate Degree in Nursing Programs, at (830) 591-7230.
As the Moreno family’s generosity inspires and uplifts aspiring nurses, SWTJC remains committed to fostering excellence and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals.
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About Southwest Texas Junior College
Founded 76 years ago, Southwest Texas Junior College is a comprehensive, public college serving 11 counties in Southwest Texas. The College provides accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to transfer to senior colleges and universities successfully; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the region’s economic growth. For more information, please visit www.swtjc.edu.
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