Lake Superior State University President Tony McLain (center) joins with head oncology doctor Edward Smith (left) and Mackinac Straits Health System CEO Rod Nelson to create the Mackinac Straits Oncology Nursing Scholarship. Looking on are outgoing LSSU Dean of Nursing MaryAnne Shannon and Patrick Shannon, who sits on the hospital’s board of directors. (Lake Superior State University photograph by John Shibley) A Mackinac Straits Oncology Nursing Scholarship for Lake Superior State University nursing students will provide annual grants to qualified student nurses during their senior academic year.

Impetus for establishing the fund comes from Edward Smith, a physician who cares for patients with cancer and blood disorders through Mackinac Straits Health System in St. Ignace.

“Mackinac Straits is delighted to have LSSU nursing students join us as part of their clinical education,” says Dr. Smith. “Many generous people and organizations donate money to our oncology department, often in memory of a family member who has suffered from cancer. We have been able to purchase several nice pieces of equipment for our patients because of this. It is just as important to educate young nurses to provide the care, and through our scholarship we hope to promote an interest for oncology nursing.”

Mackinac Straits Health System CEO Rod Nelson has assisted in setting up the scholarship fund. He and Dr. Smith received their baccalaureates at the university. Dr. Smith and his wife, Jill, recently created a scholarship fund in their name to help pre-med students afford tuition at the university.

LSSU’s collaboration with Mack- inac Straits has been in place for 15 years, with hundreds of students gaining clinical experience at the hospital. Mackinac Straits has also donated equipment to LSSU’s nursing laboratory, where students hone skills before being placed into field settings.

Mackinac Straits Health System scholarship applicants must be seniors in an LSSU baccalaureate-track nursing program. Students who apply must have a grade point average of at least 3.0. Preference will be given to nurses who intend to go onto a specialty in oncology. Juniors will be considered for the award if there are no eligible senior students.

For more information about this scholarship, call the LSSU Foundation Office at (906) 635-2665.