Giving Back: Friends keep memory alive with Nursing scholarship

Barb Sydow is remembered by her coworkers for always having a ready smile and living life to the fullest.

It’s with these memories that those who knew Sydow started the plan for a scholarship in her honor shortly after she passed away last Oct. 8.

“Barb was very beloved in our department,” said Prof. Derryl Block, chair of the Professional Program in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Barb Sydow

Sydow began her University career as a financial specialist in the Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences Office in 2003, before becoming an academic department associate with the nursing program in 2005, where she continued to work until shortly before her death.

Sydow had completed all but one course in a diploma school of nursing and was pleased to be involved with nursing education.

Jeanette Hilary, a student from Illinois enrolled in the department’s distance-learning program, learned of Sydow’s death and suggested a scholarship be created in her memory. Faculty members set the plan in motion, and with additional support from staff and students, Hilary’s idea became a reality.

The Barbara Sydow Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to students in the Professional Program in Nursing who have demonstrated a record of service to the community. Students in the degree-completion program are, typically, registered nurses who hold associate degrees or nursing diplomas and are seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees.

“Barb faced life’s challenges with grace and humor,” Block said. “Barb imbued her fellow workers with hope and optimism. We miss her dearly.”

Contributions can be sent to the Advancement Office, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311. Check should be made payable to: Green Bay Fund, Barbara Sydow Memorial Scholarship.

— Story by student Rachel Rivard, editorial intern, Marketing and University Communication Office, UW-Green Bay