New Health Career Scholarship Honors Evelyn Watts’ 43-Year Nursing Career At Good Samaritan

The CHI Health Good Samaritan Foundation is pleased to announce a new scholarship that will benefit students pursuing a career in health care. The Evelyn Watts Endowed Scholarship was recently established through the Foundation by Chris and Jon Watts to honor their mother’s legacy of service and contributions to the nursing profession.

“Our mother dedicated her life to helping others, it is an honor to partner with the CHI Health Good Samaritan Foundation to identify and support students interested in doing the same,” said Jon Watts.  

Evelyn Watts, RN recently retired after a 43-year clinical career at the hospital. Watts served in several different departments including Infection Control, Health Information Management and most recently Care Management.

Foundation Director Cindi Richter made the announcement during Watts’ retirement reception on April 4 at the hospital as a surprise gift from her twin sons and their families.

“We are tremendously grateful for Evelyn's contributions to our mission and to her family for honoring her legacy of caring in such a meaningful way,” said Richter.

Since 1989, Good Samaritan Health Career Scholarship Program has awarded $311,141 to 457 future nurses, respiratory therapists, paramedics and other health professionals. Upon graduation, many of these professionals remain in Kearney providing health care to our community.

Generous donors, including the Watts family, make the annual program possible.

The 2024 scholarship selection process began with an April 1 online registration deadline. This year’s recipients will be announced later this Spring.