NORTH EAST, Md: The Cecil College Foundation is thrilled to announce the establishment of the Jean Mortenson Scholarship, an endowed scholarship fund created by Mark Mortenson and his sister, Heidi Iuvino, in honor of their mother, Jean Mortenson. This scholarship, a beacon of hope for aspiring nurses, will pave the way for their dreams through Cecil College’s Associate of Science in Nursing program.
Jean Mortenson’s story is one of perseverance and passion. Growing up in a small Pennsylvania town, Mrs. Mortenson was considering a career as a telephone operator – a role popularized by Lily Tomlin’s character on “Laugh-In.” That was until she started spending time at her best friend’s house (Sis) and listened to the stories of Sis’ mother, who worked as a night nurse. At the early age of 12, she was fascinated by the stories of dedicated nursing staff who performed patient care and worked to save lives. She was hooked.
As a high school senior, Mrs. Mortenson’s interest in nursing was further solidified when a local general practitioner offered her a two-week internship. Despite initial challenges, including a harrowing experience with a severe injury that almost made her reconsider her path, Mrs. Mortenson’s determination never wavered. She applied to multiple hospitals in Western Pennsylvania and New York, eventually choosing Hamot Hospital in Erie, Pa., where she met Joanie, a local student who would become her lifelong friend.