Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

A nursing candidate at St. John’s University recently received a prestigious scholarship for talented students with financial needs who are studying for a career in health care.

Giuliana Fusco, a rising junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through the University’s nursing program at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, is a recipient of the Sister Mary Grace Memorial Scholarship for Healthcare. Sponsored by the Council of Leagues of Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, NY, the scholarship honors the memory of Sister Mary Grace, a moderator of the Leagues of Mercy who encouraged individuals to pursue service to the sick.

“Receiving the Sister Mary Grace Memorial Scholarship will profoundly impact my education and future career goals,” said Giuliana, 20, of Williston Park, NY. “Just as I was beginning college two years ago, my father lost his job and has remained unemployed. This situation placed an unexpected financial strain on my family, who always exhibited strong support for my nursing education aspirations. This financial assistance scholarship will provide crucial support, allowing me to alleviate some of the financial pressures on my family and focus more intently on my studies and clinical training.”

Francine Laterza, Ed.D., R.N., PNP, CNE, Chair and Associate Professor/Industry Professional at St. John’s formally recommended Giuliana for the scholarship.

“I am thrilled to see Giuliana receive this esteemed recognition. She embodies the very best of our nursing program, and I have every confidence in her future success,” Dr. Laterza said. “Giuliana is the future of nursing, and this scholarship is a testament to the incredible things that she will accomplish.”

Giuliana is a proud member of the inaugural class of 2026 of the nursing program. “I originally applied to St. John’s as a biology major, but when I discovered the University was launching a brand-new nursing program in Fall 2022, I was immediately intrigued,” she said. “The opportunity to be a part of the inaugural class was incredibly exciting to me.”

She is also pleased that the nursing program is housed in St. John’s new St. Vincent Health Sciences Center on the Queens campus. “I vividly remember touring St. John’s campus for the first time and seeing the construction site for the new health sciences building,” recalled Giuliana. “Watching it grow from the ground up each day over these past two years has served as a constant reminder of the amazing investment St. John’s is making into educating all students pursuing degrees in nursing and other health-care areas.”

Giuliana envisions her career as a registered nurse contributing to health care in various ways while remaining open to exploring different areas within the field. She has a special interest in labor and delivery, maternal health, and newborn care.

“I am drawn to this area because of its profound impact on families during such a pivotal time in their lives,” she said. “However, I am also open-minded and aware that nursing is vast and continuously evolving. I am excited about exploring other specialties throughout my career by gaining experience and learning about different areas.”

Giuliana advises nursing students needing financial assistance to focus on networking while searching for scholarship opportunities.

“Forming relationships with faculty, professors, and peers is incredibly beneficial," she said." Faculty members often have insights into opportunities that may not be widely advertised.” She added that getting involved in activities both on and off-campus can introduce students to many new people who might share valuable information about scholarships.

Asked how she would advise someone considering St. John’s for their undergraduate degree, Giuliana said: “If you’re passionate about nursing and eager to contribute to a growing program, St. John’s is perfect for your education.”

“You can find a community here no matter your background,” she added.“With numerous opportunities available at St.John's offers something for everyone.”