College sophomore Ronimar Jessicacris “Jessica” Panugaling is all too familiar with increasing tuition fees that make her dream of becoming a nurse costly. So when she received a $1,000 scholarship from Sutter Health, Jessica was thankful for the support.

“Every year I’m faced with coming up with extra money for tuition or books, so it can be pretty stressful,” said Jessica. “The Sutter Health scholarship will help me tremendously, and I’m so grateful that Sutter Health is investing in our future.”

A longtime Antioch resident, Jessica is one of 11 students in the Sutter Health East Bay region to receive a Sutter scholarship. All scholarship recipients have parents or grandparents employed by Sutter Health affiliates.

“My mother, Teresa-Maria, has worked in the Dietary Department for Sutter Delta Medical Center for the past nine years,” said Jessica. “Through the years, I’ve realized how critical her job is to making sure patients receive a healthy meal so they can get better and back on their feet.”

Exposed to the health care industry at an early age, Jessica decided she wanted to pursue a nursing career. “I feel a calling to help people,” she said. “Over this past summer, I achieved my certified nursing assistant certificate. So I’m really excited to keep reaching my goal and grateful to Sutter Health for helping me do so.”

Since its inception in 2003, the Van R. Johnson Sutter Scholars Program – named in honor of former Sutter Health CEO Van R. Johnson – has awarded more than 3,700 scholarships totaling more than $5.5 million to Northern California students.

“We’re very proud of Jessica and wish her the best in pursuit of her career,” said CEO Gary Rapaport. “We’re also pleased and proud that Sutter Health and Sutter Delta Medical Center are able to offer this support for our employees and their families.”