Faculty Club awards scholarships to health sciences students

The Augusta University Faculty Club has awarded five $2,000 scholarships to students from each of the university’s health sciences colleges. Exceptional applicants are chosen based on three criteria: financial need, academic promise and service to others. 

This year, the Faculty Club Scholarship Committee implemented a double-blind scoring process to limit bias, and as the previous year, the selection process was conducted virtually. 

The winners are as follows: 

Emma Vukovich, College of Allied Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Program

“As a single young woman who began PA school one year after completing my undergraduate degree, I did not have the time or means to accumulate enough savings to afford a graduate tuition,” said Vukovich. “This scholarship takes a huge financial burden off my shoulders.” 

After graduating from the physician assistant program, Vukovich aspires to work in cardiology, obstetrics/gynecology or family medicine. She also hopes to participate in mission trips or clinics both nationally and abroad that reach underserved and uninsured patients. 

Anne Munson, College of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program 

“As a single mom with three minor children still at home, my time and disposable income are limited; I initially hesitated to start the DNP program due to finances,” said Munson.  

“After completing three semesters in the DNP program, I have exhausted my savings and was faced with incurring additional student loan debt. Through this scholarship, I am able to continue my schooling and my debt burden will not be as great.” 

After completing the DNP program, Munson plans to continue working at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia and obtain certification in psychiatric mental health and palliative care.  

Ali MacDonald, The Dental College of Georgia, Doctor of Dental Medicine Program

“I have been responsible for financing my education since I entered my undergraduate institution, and it has been stressful, to say the least,” MacDonald said.

“This scholarship will help me continue my path to becoming a dentist with less stress about finances and more focus on my patient care.” 

After graduating with her DMD, MacDonald plans to find employment in a federally qualified health clinic to work with patients who are underserved, low income and underrepresented.  

Aleena Bubb, Medical College of Georgia, Doctor of Medicine Program 

“These funds enabled me to attend the 2021 American Society of Anesthesiology Conference in San Diego,” said Bubb.  

At the conference, she presented a case and heard lectures on perioperative care, research, health care administration and public policy. 

After graduation, Bubb plans to specialize in pediatric anesthesiology and obtain a master’s degree in public health. 

Rebekah Robinson, The Graduate School, MD/PhD Program

“I am currently in my fourth year of graduate training in the genomic medicine PhD program, and my research is focused on testing a new treatment for diabetic retinopathy,” said Robinson.  

“As I progress in my training and career, I hope to continue working in vision science and conduct research that will directly impact patient care as a physician-scientist. I currently pay for all my school fees and expenses with my graduate school stipend, and this scholarship will be very helpful as the new semester begins.” 

This year’s scholarship committee chair, Josette Kubicki, worked with club members Dr. Mike Dugan, Dr. Susan Murray, Dr. Veena Pannu and Dr. Rhucha Samudra to select the awardees. 

For over four decades, faculty club members have raised money for scholarships through fundraising events, donation campaigns and memorial gifts. Their efforts have paved the way for many students to pursue and continue pursuing careers in health care.  

The Faculty Club welcomes donations any time throughout the year. Donate online on the AU Faculty Club Scholarship Funds webpage. For alternative payment options, email the Faculty Club.