Six health care sciences students awarded Ivester Scholarship

Kay and Doug Ivester outside of the Ivester College of Health Sciences.
The Ivesters outside of the Ivester College of Health Sciences building in downtown Gainesville in September 2022.

Six students have been awarded the Kay and Douglas Ivester Scholarship, designated to assist first-generation students as they pursue their education at Brenau.

Established in 1993, the endowed scholarship is awarded annually for one year to first-generation undergraduate students pursuing a degree in the Ivester College of Health Sciences who live in Hall County. It is funded by longtime Brenau supporters Kay and Doug Ivester. 

The couple are Hall County natives and Doug Ivester has served as a Brenau trustee for many years. The Ivesters are heavily involved in the success of Ivester College of Health Sciences and the Gainesville Renaissance, which houses the Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling on the second floor. The Darby School is an expansion of the Brenau’s counseling clinic and academic programs, and includes plans to add a doctorate in the fall.

Junior nursing major Laura Hernandez said she was relieved to earn the scholarship as she pursues her passion for health care.

“This scholarship allows me to focus on seeking a career as an ICU nurse and not worry about how to financially support myself and my kids,” Hernandez said. “Brenau University has given me a surplus of opportunities to ensure I am able to succeed in my education.”

Samir Huete, a junior psychology major with a concentration in occupational therapy, said the scholarship lifted the financial stress off his shoulders.

“As a result, I am able to concentrate even more on my intellectual endeavors,” Huete said. “I am honored to have been chosen, and I will not take it for granted as I strive for excellence with the assistance of the Ivester Scholarship.”

In addition to Hernandez and Huete, the 2023 recipients are:

  • Xenia Alballero, junior nursing major
  • Julia Ferguson, senior nursing major
  • Jennifer Sepulveda, junior nursing major
  • Grace Sommers, freshman biology major