SXU Nursing Student Awarded Kavanaugh Scholarship
Saint Xavier University (SXU) nursing student Sadie Moussa has been named a recipient of the new Ginny (Clancy) Kavanaugh '61 Scholarship. Qualifying students must be nursing majors and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship, which is administered by the OSF HealthCare Foundation and OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center in partnership with SXU, is intended to help remove financial barriers for dedicated nursing students wishing to serve their community on the South Side of Chicago. The scholarship is also designed to support students who would like to begin their nursing careers at OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park.
Moussa was selected for her genuine commitment to nursing, both in and out of the classroom.
"Balancing a demanding nursing curriculum while being a student-athlete on the softball team has taught me strong time management, discipline and teamwork skills. Giving back has always been important to me, and service continues to shape who I am and the kind of nurse I want to become," said Moussa.
Caring for others has always been a part of who Moussa is, so she was naturally drawn to nursing.
"Growing up with a father who is a Chicago police offer showed me early on how important it is to be there for people during their toughest moments. I've always been the friend others turn to for comfort, reassurance and a steady presence. Supporting people comes naturally to me, and I want to be the person patients can rely on when things feel overwhelming or uncertain – someone who brings calm, compassion and confidence into difficult situations," said Moussa.
Moussa chose SXU in part for its strong clinical partnerships in the Chicagoland area and excellent hands-on experiences for its nursing students.
"I am becoming more confident and comfortable as I grow into the program. One of my favorite prerequisite courses was Abnormal Psychology, and I am excited to build on that foundation as I continue through my nursing education," said Moussa.
As a sophomore, Moussa is just beginning her hands-on experiences, and spending time in the simulation lab is helping her to practice and build confidence before her clinicals start junior year.
"SXU's nursing program has pushed me to think critically, stay organized, and handle challenges professionally, all while keeping patient care and compassion at the center of my focus."
Moussa balances her nursing studies with time on the softball field, and she has found being a student-athlete very rewarding.
"The softball team has a strong record and a supportive, competitive environment. Many of our athletes have gone on to become nurses, and having a network of peers who balance academics and athletics has been motivating, helping me to stay accountable and succeed both on the field and in the classroom," said Moussa.
In addition to being a student-athlete, Moussa is also a member of the Student Nurses Association, which provides opportunities to learn more about the nursing profession, network with peers, and engage in service. She serves as a student ambassador, giving campus tours and helping prospective students feel welcome.
"Being part of these groups has helped me grow personally by building confidence, communication skills, and a sense of community, all of which will benefit me in my future nursing career," said Moussa.
Moussa is grateful for the memories she is making at SXU and has truly enjoyed bonding with classmates in the nursing program and on the softball team.
"Some of my favorite memories have come from being part of the softball team, especially traveling together and competing. I've also enjoyed studying late, getting through tough exams, and celebrating milestones with my nursing peers. My absolute favorite memories, though, have come from living on campus and forming close friendships," said Moussa.
Moussa looks forward to finishing the program and working as a registered nurse. While she is still exploring different specialties, she is interested in the emergency room, labor and delivery, and the neonatal intensive care unit.
"I hope to move into more leadership roles to support both patients and future nurses. Ultimately, my goal is to make a real difference by providing high-quality, compassionate care and giving back to the Chicago community."