Joyce K. Miller Scholarship Fund
The Joyce K. Miller Scholarship Fund awarded its first scholarship recipient this academic year to Julia Nemec, a nursing student at Benedictine College.
“I want to be a light for my patients.”
For Julia Nemec, nursing is not just a career but a calling rooted in compassion, service, and the desire to uplift others in their most vulnerable moments. As she reflects on her journey, she emphasizes a core belief that drives her every step: the importance of recognizing the dignity of each person she encounters. It’s a value that keeps her grounded, even as the demands of nursing present challenges.
“My long-term goal is to never lose sight of the dignity of the person in front of me,” she says. “In nursing, burnout is a real challenge, but I always remind myself why I chose this path—to love and serve those who need it most.”
This past summer, Julia had the opportunity to put her values into action in a unique way. As a camp nurse at a Catholic summer camp, she cared for campers while embracing the ministry side of the role. Though it meant sacrificing a higher-paying job, the experience was deeply rewarding. Still, the financial sacrifice could have added strain as she prepared for another demanding year of nursing school. Fortunately, the Joyce K. Miller Scholarship has provided relief, allowing her to focus on her studies and her calling without the constant burden of financial stress.
“Thanks to this scholarship, I don’t have to worry about overworking during the school year,” she shares. “It gives me the freedom to concentrate on my education and to continue growing as a nurse without the added pressure.”
In addition to her studies, Julia is heavily involved in several extracurricular activities and service projects. She is a member of the Benedictine College Student Nurses Association (BCSNA), Raven’s Respect Life, and the service team. She also works as a CNA in home health care. These experiences have deepened her connection to the Atchison community and opened her eyes to the various needs that exist.
“Through these roles, I’ve had the chance to witness firsthand the struggles people in our community face,” she says. “Whether it’s praying outside abortion clinics or participating in service projects, I’m reminded constantly of the importance of serving those around us.”
As Julia looks toward her future in nursing, she hopes to contribute something essential to both her profession and her community: a sense of joy and compassion. During her clinical rotations, she has seen the toll that burnout takes on nurses, but she is determined to bring a different energy to the field. She understands that for some patients, a nurse might be the only meaningful human interaction they have during their stay. It’s a responsibility she
doesn’t take lightly.
“I want to be a light for my patients,” she says. “I also hope to make a positive impact on the working atmosphere among nurses by standing firm in my values and advocating for patient-
centered care.”
Receiving the Joyce K. Miller Scholarship is more than just financial support for Julia; it is a deep honor and a source of motivation. Joyce K. Miller’s legacy inspires her and feels a sense of responsibility to continue that legacy through her work as a nurse.
“I am so grateful to be a part of her legacy,” Julia reflects. “Knowing the difference she made in her community inspires me to give my best and make a meaningful impact on my own.”
Through her unwavering commitment to her patients, her community, and her future profession, Julia is poised to not only carry on the spirit of service that defined Joyce K. Miller’s life but also to build upon it in ways that will leave a lasting impact on those she encounters.
Scholarships support promising and deserving students by assisting them with the costs of their education. Linda A. Hoover established a nursing scholarship fund because she had benefited from a nursing scholarship in her lifetime. Kathryn Miller established the Joyce K. Miller Scholarship Fund in honor of her mom’s lifelong commitment to the nursing profession. Both donors want to ensure that those same opportunities are available for our future generations.