Florence Grieser Memorial Scholarship

The Florence Grieser Memorial Scholarship for nursing students was established in memory of Florence Grieser who graduated from Goshen College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree.

Florence Grieser was dedicated to nursing and nursing education throughout her life. Born in Wauseon, Ohio in 1919, she was the second in her family to graduate from high school and the first family member to attend college. At age 18 she went to Lajunta, Colorado to study nursing at the Mennonite School of Nursing.

Grieser came to Goshen College, continued her studies, and graduated in 1947. After graduation, she returned to Lajunta, where she became an instructor at the School of Nursing until its close in 1958. She remained there as an operating room nurse at the hospital.

Because she demanded perfection in herself, she became a model for her students. Norma Jean Weldy, Professor of Nursing at Goshen College, remembered her as a dedicated instructor with a good sense of humor. Associate Professor of Nursing, Katherine Yutzy said she was knowledgeable and precise with high expectations. “She was nice to be around though and was not intimidating” Yutzy said.

Florence’s sister, Arlene, said “She was a great example of what a dedicated nurse should be.” Some nurses at Arkansas Valley Medical Center remembered her perfection; they were taught to accept no excuse for shoddy work.

Florence was an avid reader and scholar who believed education should continue throughout life. She always worked to stay current in her field and took additional courses at the University of Colorado. She firmly believed in the importance of teaching and kept the training program for nurses going at Lajunta. She also had empathy and concern for her patients. She showed interest in the accomplishments of her nieces and nephews. In addition, she traveled to Europe, Alaska and especially enjoyed the Colorado mountains.

After Florence’s death in an auto accident near Loveland, Colorado in 1985, her family decided to honor her dedication to nursing and education. The Florence Grieser Memorial Scholarship will continue her devotion to the nursing profession.