Claremont student awarded Eileen Neal nursing scholarship

Roger Neal, right, husband of the late Eileen Austin Neal, RN, presents the scholarship award to Natalie Wilson at Springfield Hospital.

The 10th annual Eileen Austin Neal, RN, Nursing Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Natalie Wilson of Claremont, N.H., to attend Colby Sawyer College in New London, N.H.

Wilson, who attended Stevens High School, was inspired to be a nurse as a result of her participation in the Daring to Care program.  In her application, she wrote, “I strive every day to have a positive influence on everyone I come in contact with. The satisfaction of being able to put a smile on a patient’s face is an example of why I want to pursue a career in nursing.”

Eileen Austin Neal was a registered nurse at Springfield Hospital for 64 years, retiring in 2005.  She was the first recipient of the Hospital’s George F. Leland Community Health Award in 2003. In 2004, the hospital established the Eileen Austin Neal Spirit of Nursing Award, given to a staff nurse, in recognition of her many years of dedicated service.

Upon her death in February 2006, at the request of Neal’s family, Springfield Hospital established the nursing scholarship fund in her name with the gifts received in her memory.

“Springfield Hospital is a better place for Eileen having worked here,” says Larry Kraft, director of development. “This scholarship continues her positive influence on both nursing and our community.”