News Article

NORTH EAST, Md: The Cecil College Foundation is thrilled to announce the establishment of the Jean Mortenson Scholarship, an endowed scholarship fund created by Mark Mortenson and his sister, Heidi Iuvino, in honor of their mother, Jean Mortenson. This scholarship, a beacon of hope for aspiring nurses, will pave the way for their dreams through Cecil College’s Associate of Science in Nursing program.

Jean Mortenson’s story is one of perseverance and passion. Growing up in a small Pennsylvania town, Mrs. Mortenson was considering a career as a telephone operator – a role popularized by Lily Tomlin’s character on “Laugh-In.” That was until she started spending time at her best friend’s house (Sis) and listened to the stories of Sis’ mother, who worked as a night nurse. At the early age of 12, she was fascinated by the stories of dedicated nursing staff who performed patient care and worked to save lives. She was hooked.

As a high school senior, Mrs. Mortenson’s interest in nursing was further solidified when a local general practitioner offered her a two-week internship. Despite initial challenges, including a harrowing experience with a severe injury that almost made her reconsider her path, Mrs. Mortenson’s determination never wavered. She applied to multiple hospitals in Western Pennsylvania and New York, eventually choosing Hamot Hospital in Erie, Pa., where she met Joanie, a local student who would become her lifelong friend.

Mrs. Mortenson’s time at Hamot Hospital and Warren State Hospital was marked by hard work and dedication. At Warren State, Mrs. Mortenson found her calling in mental health care, where her kindness and resilience made a lasting impact on the patients she cared for. Her experiences in nursing were enriched by her work in pediatrics, surgery, and mental health, and she met the love of her life, Gordon Mortenson, while in nursing school.

Jean Mortenson’s career was defined by her love for nursing and commitment to improving the lives of those she cared for. Through this scholarship, the Mortenson family honors her legacy and aims to support future nurses who share her dedication and passion for the field. The Jean Mortenson Scholarship is dedicated to supporting students committed to a career in nursing, a field that Jean Mortenson embraced with love and devotion.

“We are proud to celebrate Jean Mortenson’s remarkable contributions to nursing and look forward to supporting the next generation of compassionate healthcare professionals through this scholarship,” said Mark Mortenson.

Eligible applicants must be enrolled in Cecil College’s Associate of Science in Nursing program while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75. There are no residency requirements for this scholarship. To apply for this and other Cecil College scholarships, visit cecil.edu/scholarships. To support a student through a tax-deductible gift, please get in touch with the Cecil College Foundation at foundation@nullcecil.edu or visit cecil.edu/foundation.