AUBURN, Ind. – July 15, 2026 – A former Parkview DeKalb Hospital (PDH) co-worker now working at Parkview Bryan Hospital (PVBRY) has been selected to receive two scholarships through the Parkview Health Foundation, an achievement that will make it possible for her to continue pursuing her nursing studies despite recent challenges.
Taylor Smith has been awarded a Darlene J. Tielker Memorial Nursing Scholarship in the amount of $4,000 and a Sherry Snyder Memorial Scholarship for $2,000 as part of the foundation’s 2026 scholarship program supporting healthcare education across northern Indiana.
Smith, who resides in Edgerton, Ohio, is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio. Participating in Parkview’s Student
Resilient in the face of many life challenges resulting from severe scoliosis, Smith was, nevertheless, an avid athlete in high school. However, the curvature of her spine had to be corrected, and she endured an extensive seven-hour surgery along with a significant hospital stay to begin her recovery.
"Having life-changing back surgery was something I dreaded for many years,” said Smith. “After trying bracing for three years in high school, just getting settled into college, and having plans to start the nursing program the following semester, surgery was the last thing I wanted. However, with hard work, determination, and the power of God, I was able to endure the surgery, learn how to walk and do daily activities again on my own, and manage online college work in the midst of recovery so I could still graduate early with my nursing degree. These challenges pushed me to become a stronger version of myself. I made a full recovery and went back to in-person school, where I started in the nursing program just three months later. Falling behind and letting this diagnosis stop me from pursuing my dreams of becoming a nurse was never an option for me."
Smith expressed gratitude when she learned she had been awarded both the Tielker and Snyder scholarships, as the funding will provide a vital financial boost. Receiving the acknowledgment of two scholarships provides a source of confidence and encouragement as she continues to navigate the future of both her education and her health.
“Taylor’s story illustrates how important this kind of scholarship program can be in lifting up people who aspire to serve their community with special skills and knowledge yet face significant barriers to achieving that goal,” said Denise Andorfer, director of Parkview Health Foundation. “We’re pleased the program can make higher education possible for such a strong candidate. No doubt she will draw on her personal experiences to shape her practice as a caring nursing professional.”
In recommendation letters, Smith’s nursing leaders from her time at PDH had high praise for the commitment, collaborative nature, academic excellence and professionalism they felt distinguished Smith among scholarship applicants. Hannah Haffenden, RN, Smith’s mentor nurse, said she often received comments on how well she had trained her young charge.
“In reality, since the start, Taylor has always been ready to learn new things and lend a helping hand,” wrote Haffenden. “My patients adore her, and she goes above and beyond to care for them. As nurses, we can teach many things, but dedication and compassion cannot be taught. They are deep personality traits that Taylor wears wonderfully. I am confident that Taylor will one day become a fantastic nurse.”
The Darlene J. Tielker Memorial Nursing Scholarship recognizes students who embody compassion and service in nursing. Tielker, a Fort Wayne nurse, began her work as a nurse while putting her husband through college and then medical school. She exemplified the power of compassionate care in nursing for all those whose lives she touched.
The Sherry Snyder Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of a former Parkview School of Nursing student by providing financial assistance to an eligible Parkview co-worker who is pursuing a BSN.
In 2026, the foundation awarded 34 scholarships totaling $104,000 to students and healthcare professionals across Parkview Health’s service area. Scholarship winners are selected annually. Each scholarship is carefully managed by its own committee comprising Parkview leaders and foundation representatives, family members and colleagues of scholarship namesakes.
Learn more about supporting healthcare education assistance through Parkview Health Foundation. Visit donate.parkview.com.
About Parkview Health Foundation
Since 1878, charitable giving has helped make exceptional care possible at Parkview Health. The Parkview Health Foundation stewards philanthropic support to benefit patients and the broader community by enhancing the patient experience through comfort, access and healing.
Gifts to the foundation make a direct, meaningful impact—from helping patients overcome barriers to lifesaving care, to supporting scholarships that educate the next generation of Parkview caregivers, to advancing research that improves health care across the region and beyond.
The Parkview Health Foundation plays a critical role in strengthening Parkview Health’s ability to deliver expert, specialized care to patients in Indiana and northwest Ohio, ensuring a healthier future for the communities it serves. For more information, visit parkview.com/parkview-health-foundation.
