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Alumna Provides Scholarship for Deserving Students
Suzette M. Mahneke (MSN ’88)

Photo of James C. and Suzette M. Mahneke, R.N., M.S.N

Classes proved challenging, her work-study schedule became difficult, and it took a long time, but Suzette M. Mahneke (MSN ’88) graduated from Loyola University Chicago, her first-choice school, because of the program’s flexibility and the financial aid she received as a student.

She is happy to show her gratitude for her Loyola education by naming the James C. and Suzette M. Mahneke, R.N., M.S.N, Scholarship Fund at the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing as part of her trust.

Suzette recalls researching nursing schools back in the 1980s to find the best one for her. “I always came back to Loyola. I liked its faith-based mission, its Jesuit values, and the flexibility of the program,” she said.

“I could work and do my clinical practicums during the day and take classes and study at night,” she said. “My dean at the time, Julia Lane, was such a warm and helpful person … I could always talk to her and find inspiration. I also think the world of Dean Vicki Keough and admire how she lives the Loyola nursing vision and mission daily.”

Suzette credits her husband for supporting her demanding schedule and making that busy time in their lives easier. “I made this gift to also honor my late husband, who was a tremendous support and such a big part of my getting this degree,” she said.

Suzette attributes her success at Loyola to not only the curriculum but also the ethical grounding and perspective she received. “This was critical to the decisions I had to make on a daily basis in performing my role as a vice president of patient care and chief nursing officer at a variety of hospitals over the last 23 years.”

When Suzette decided to make this estate gift, she wanted her money to help those who needed it most. The scholarship will give preference to students with the greatest financial need as determined by the dean and who are pursuing a BSN or an MSN degree.

“If it hadn’t been for the financial aid I received at Loyola, I wouldn’t have been able to afford school,” said Suzette. She is a member of the Society of the Shield, which honors those who have remembered Loyola in their estate plans. “I wanted to give that same chance to students today.”

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