The Cooper Foundation recently announced the nine winners of the inaugural Linda Brand Scholarship, awarded to Cooper University Health Care team members.
The scholarship was established by Linda Brand, assistant vice president for patient access and financial navigation at Cooper, who sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer in October 2023.
Cooper Chief Revenue Officer Christopher Ault recalled Brand’s selflessness and intentions of helping the next generation.
“Last year, Cooper lost one of its most talented, beloved and admired leaders,” Ault said. “When Linda received her diagnosis, she immediately began planning to ensure that everyone around her would be taken care of. She was intent on making sure that her family and coworkers were fine. She also wanted the next generation of Cooper team members to be supported, as well. Through many conversations, planning and tears, the Linda Brand Scholarship was born.”
Funding for the scholarships was provided through donor support, with the foundation awarding $23,000 divided across the nine winners who demonstrated remarkable ambition and dedication to furthering the Cooper mission, according to the foundation.
The initial winners of the scholarship:
- Daniel Borrero, mental health technician;
- Nicole Cirelli, supervisor, Infusion Scheduling and Fast Track Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper;
- Julie Cruz, patient navigator;
- Melanie Flint, revenue cycle associate, Cardiology;
- Delia Iguina, supervisor — patient access;
- Latisha Lewis, authorization specialist, Access Business Services;
- Alyssa Nuzzo, engagement and recognition specialist, Organizational Effectiveness and Learning Department;
- Nyree Oliver, medical coder, Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care;
- Normali Santiago, unit secretary, Roberts Pavilion 9.
