As told by Linda Byers:
When I created the Helen Irene Peer Memorial Scholarship for nurses back in 2000 in memory of my mother, I never realized I would get back far more than I could ever give.
My mother was a surgical nurse at Timken Mercy Hospital for 35 years. Looking back, I can see that she was the personification of Walsh's mission -- she truly did lead a faith-filled life dedicated to the service of others.
After she passed away, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful to honor her legacy as a devoted nurse. I also wanted to honor her Catholic faith, which was so important to her and served as the backbone to the care she provided her patients. I believe in paying it forward, no matter how big or small the amount. It's how I was brought up and an important quality that my husband and I have instilled in our children. That is why we decided to establish a scholarship in her name to help nursing students pay for their educations. In addition, we have had the opportunity to continue our support of the nursing profession and Walsh University through the establishment of a second scholarship, the Gary and Linda Byers School of Nursing and the new Gary and Linda Byers Family Institute for Community Health in 2017.
Every step of the way, Walsh University has guided us in finding meaningful ways to honor and reflect my mother's memory. Our first recipient of the Helen Irene Peer Scholarship, Colleen, was a surgical nurse, just like my mom. When I read her application for the first time, I realized she embodied all of the qualities I loved and associated with my mother. Over the years we have watched her graduate, start a family and enjoy a successful career. She is now also an adjunct professor at Walsh and is a living reflection of my mom's personal values. It is a blessing to know that my mother's legacy will live on long after I am gone through the work of these dedicated students and Walsh University.
We began this journey with the desire to make a difference in someone else's life. But it was our lives that were truly changed.