HRET Health Research & Educational Trust of New Jersey
Health Career Scholarships
Award Recipients – 2008
Since 1983, HRET has awarded health career scholarships as part of its goal to encourage New Jersey residents to pursue health careers. The scholarships are for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a healthcare program. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be in an accredited health career program, maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better and demonstrate financial need. As with last year a scholarship was presented for nurses continuing their education to become nursing faculty. Based on this year’s outstanding candidates, HRET is pleased to present scholarship awards to four students.
Jennifer Thai, Clifton, NJ, is an undergraduate student majoring in physical therapy at the Farleigh Dickinson University and University of Medicine and Dentistry joint program. She has maintained a 4.0 grade point average in her courses. When she completes her background requirements, she will apply for the accelerated program to gain her doctorate. She has volunteered in healthcare and hopes to continue to work in the Garden State upon completion of her studies.
Rachel Klein, Lakewood, NJ, is seeking her master’s degree in occupational therapy. Having a much younger sister with physical limitations she decided early to work with children who needed special attention to play and live more independently. The chair of her department, Dr. Moya Kinnealy, recommended her highly and found her 3.79 grade point average well above her classmates. She too plans to practice her profession in New Jersey upon graduation.
Elizabeth Zweighaft, Ramsey, NJ, has been a nurse for more than 18 years. She currently serves as the Associate Dean of Felician College’s undergraduate baccalaureate nursing program. By earning her doctoral degree she hopes to be a Dean of a nursing program and encourage others to become nurses. She hopes to work with applicants who might need special assistance or remediation to attain academic success to complete a college program in nursing. Ms. Zweighaft maintains a 3.92 grade point average and is in the top 5 percent of her class.
Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients.