Geisinger Announces Recipients of Nursing Scholarship and Caring Award

Geisinger recently recognized 11 employees who go above and beyond in their dedication to patients at work and in the community with the Caring Award and the Nursing Scholarship Award in honor of Susan M. Robel.

“This recognition speaks to our recipients’ exceptional and compassionate patient care, selfless teamwork and thoughtful advocacy within our communities,” said Janet Tomcavage, RN, executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Geisinger. “They lead by example inside and outside the workplace — we’re grateful to have them as part of our Geisinger family.”

Created to honor the legacy of Sue Robel, Geisinger’s former chief nursing officer and co-chief patient experience officer, the two awards are presented annually to recognize Geisinger employees’ commitment to providing the highest level of patient care and serving others in their roles at work and in the community.

The Nursing Scholarship Award in honor of Robel recognizes the significance of lifelong learning in nursing, and rewards those enrolled in nursing school who exemplify what it means to go above and beyond in providing patient care. Scholarship recipients have demonstrated a continued commitment to meeting the highest standards of bedside care and treat patients with the utmost compassion and kindness. Each recipient is awarded $2,000 toward their tuition, funded by the Alice E. Steele Endowment.

The 2025 Nursing Scholarship winners are:

• Kelli Andrus, clinic nurse, ConvenientCare Lock Haven
• Charlene Dixon, nursing assistant, Geisinger Community Medical Center
• Bobbi Kelder, clinic nurse, family practice, Geisinger Tunkhannock
• Jenna King, clinic nurse, ConvenientCare Lewistown
• Nicole Kister, administrative team coordinator, Geisinger Medical Center
• Jessie Learn, clinic nurse, pulmonary medicine, Geisinger Medical Center

The Caring Award recognizes Geisinger employees who are dedicated to caring for others in the workplace and beyond. Like Robel, who defined collegiality and was an exemplary colleague to all, these people demonstrate a steadfast commitment to serving others and are incredible advocates in our communities. They inspire others with their compassion, thoughtfulness and selflessness. Nominated by their peers and selected by the award committee, winners receive $500 in cash and $500 to donate to their charity of choice.

The 2025 Caring Award winners are:

• Angela Collins, administrative assistant, Geisinger Medical Center
• Katelin Kukowski, ophthalmology technician, Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint
• Susan Lamont, clinical RN supervisor, ophthalmology, Geisinger Medical Center Muncy
• Elizabeth Pepen, certified medical assistant, CommunityCare Hazleton
• Christine Zanghi, anesthesiologist, Geisinger Healthplex State College