In a move to combat the looming nursing shortage and honor their founding legacy, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace has announced a $2 million gift to endow a new scholars program at Holy Name’s Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing.
The gift was announced on Oct. 20, following a Mass celebrated on Oct. 12, marking the hospital’s centennial. The donation establishes the Mother Agatha Browne Spirit of Holy Name Scholars Program, which will provide direct financial support to students pursuing degrees as Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).
Bolstering the health care pipeline
The endowment is designed to address a critical need for nurses in New Jersey, a state predicted to face a shortage of 11,400 nurses by 2030. The new program will award four full scholarships annually, based on financial need and academic merit, helping to alleviate the strain on students—approximately 80% of whom rely on financial aid.
“We are extremely grateful to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace for their generous and visionary support of our nursing students,” Michael Maron, president & CEO of Holy Name said. He highlighted the urgent need to assist talented and deserving individuals in pursuing their calling in nursing.
A legacy of compassionate care
The scholarship program is named in honor of Mother Agatha Browne, who, a century ago, answered the call from local doctors to found both Holy Name Hospital and the School of Nursing.
“Nursing education has been integral to the Holy Name story since the beginning,” noted Cathleen Davey, president of the Holy Name Medical Center Foundation. The nursing school welcomed its first students just weeks before the hospital opened its doors, and this gift ensures that shared history will continue.
Each scholarship will honor a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace who graduated from the School of Nursing, setting an example for future health care workers.
Strong success and career opportunities
The investment comes as the Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing demonstrates strong academic success, with 205 students enrolled this fall and high NCLEX pass rates—92% for the LPN program and 95% for the RN program. Graduates of the Mother Agatha Browne Scholars Program will also have the opportunity to transition directly into staff positions at Holy Name Medical Center.
