Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
South Texas College student Erika Reyes, a mother of four balancing Nursing school, work and family life, was recently awarded a $6,000 scholarship through the Dr. Annette Wingard Memorial Scholarship, an award expected to cover the remaining cost of completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Established through the STC Foundation last year following Wingard’s passing after a battle with cancer, the scholarship honors the legacy of the former STC RN-to-BSN program chair, whose passion for nursing education and student success continues to impact future health care professionals across the Rio Grande Valley.
“My wife was passionate about this institution, this program and the profession of nursing,” said Michael Wingard, Wingard’s husband. “It’s an honor to be able to help somebody complete the program and see her memory live on through the many students and nurses still to come.”
For Reyes, the scholarship represents more than financial support. It is recognition of a journey marked by perseverance, sacrifice and determination.
“I honestly feel very honored. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Dr. Wingard, but I have heard so much about her passion for nursing and her impact at STC,” Reyes said. “I’m still kind of in disbelief, but I’m really happy and grateful to STC and the Wingard family. This scholarship is going to help me so much.”
At 32, Reyes is not only pursuing her bachelor’s degree while working full-time as a nurse, but also raising four children alongside her husband, whose work frequently takes him out of town.
Reyes said her dream of becoming a nurse began at just 16 years old when she became a young mother. During the birth of her first child, she remembers being inspired by the compassionate nurses who cared for her and encouraged her to continue pursuing her education despite the challenges ahead.
“One nurse told me that becoming a young mother was more reason for me to continue and do it for myself and for my baby,” Reyes said. “That stayed with me.”
Reyes became a registered nurse in 2022 after graduating from STC’s Vocational Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs. She recently completed her first semester in STC’s RN-to-BSN program and is expected to graduate next year.
“I’ve been with STC since the beginning, from completing my prerequisites to now the RN-to-BSN program,” Reyes said. “Everybody has been very helpful every step of the way, and I always encourage others to come to STC for nursing because there are so many opportunities and support systems available for students.”
STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., applauded Reyes’ commitment and perseverance in serving others through health care and said she embodies the vision behind the scholarship.
“Dr. Wingard was an invaluable member of our college and played a vital role in making our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program a reality,” Solis said. “Dr. Wingard knew this scholarship would one day benefit students, and we are proud to continue fulfilling her vision in a meaningful way.”
Additionally, the Health Science Professions Campus unveiled a special parking space in her honor, further recognizing her lasting contributions to nursing education and student success at STC.
“She really was a unique individual, very social and very involved in the community,” said STC Interim Dean of Health Science Professions Margo Vargas-Ayala, DNP. “She may not physically be with us, but she will continue to live through our program, this scholarship and the impact she will continue to have on future BSN students.”
Anyone wishing to honor Wingard’s memory, can make a donation to the Dr. Annette Wingard Memorial Scholarship by visiting the Annette Wingard Memorial Scholarship donation site.
Information source: STC
