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2024 Parkinson Scholars

2024 Parkinson Scholars

Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health 2024 Scholars

2024-2025 Parkinson Scholars

Scholars are committed to using their Parkinson education to improve health and health care for all

The Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health is excited to announce this year's Parkinson Scholars. Named for Loyola University Chicago alumni Robert (“Bob”) and Betty Parkinson, the Robert and Betty Parkinson Social Justice Scholars Award honors their commitment to helping ensure access to quality health care and the recognition that health care is a basic human right. The Parkinson Scholars represent a group of exceptionally talented students who are dedicated to being “persons for others” and plan to use their Parkinson education to improve the health and health care of individuals, communities, and systems.   

This year's 10 Scholars from the school’s Applied Health Sciences, Healthcare Administration, and Public Health Sciences departments bring the total number of students to receive this prestigious award to 57 since the scholarship was introduced in 2021. Each Scholar receives a $8,000 tuition-restricted scholarship and additional funds to support scholarly activity. With this scholarship, recipients will have the opportunity to expand their social justice leadership skills through community service, scholarly activity, and mentorship of future Parkinson Scholars. 

I am excited to be a Parkinson Scholar. I believe being able to help someone at their most vulnerable is a privilege. I’m ready to start working on building healthier communities. Ariana Hernandez, MS in Exercise Science, Class of 2026
2024 Parkinson Scholar

Nava Fedida

BS in Exercise Science, Class of 2025

“I am deeply grateful to be part of the Parkinson Scholars program, which supports my academic journey and strengthens my dedication to social justice through leadership, community service, and other activities to improve healthcare systems.”

2024 Parkinson Scholar

Ariana Hernandez

MS in Exercise Science, Class of 2026

“I am excited to be a Parkinson Scholar. I believe being able to help someone at their most vulnerable is a privilege. I’m ready to start working on building healthier communities.”

2024 Parkinson Scholar

Madelyn Janda

BS in Public Health, Class of 2025

“I am honored to be named a Parkinson Scholar. Being a Parkinson Scholar allows me to advocate and fight for health equity within Loyola and beyond, using the opportunities I’ve been given and knowledge I gained in this program to improve the health of everyone. I am excited for this unique opportunity to not just give back to Loyola, but to work towards a healthier future for the greater community.”

2024 Parkinson Scholar

Paige Lillegard, Class of 2026

BS in Public Health

“It's a privilege and honor to be part of this esteemed scholarship offered in the Parkinson School. The scholarship is an amazing opportunity to expand on my current education and collaborate with fellow peers to promote health education and equality. The generosity of this scholarship inspires me to represent the Parkinson School by creating a positive impact in surrounding communities.”

2024 Parkinson Scholar

Valeska Navarrete

MS in Medical Laboratory Science, Class of 2026

“It’s an immense honor and blessing to be a Parkinson Scholar surrounded by hard-working, talented, and like-minded individuals. As a Latina, I am passionate about being able to make a change for my community, others, and the world at large in the healthcare system. I know that I can achieve that through this program who teaches us to strive for the best.”

2024 Parkinson Scholar

Valerie Alvarez Renteria

BS/MPH, Class of 2025

“It is a privilege to be honored as a Parkinson Scholar and hold the responsibility of being a person for others. I am so grateful for this opportunity that will allow me to continue pursuing my MPH. This program has supported me in my journey toward pursuing a career that fights tirelessly for health equity and social justice. I look forward to upholding this award's values and morale in my education and future endeavors.”

2024 Parkinson Scholar

Vishnu Sivasubramanyian

BS in Healthcare Administration, Class of 2025

“Being a Parkinson Scholar is an incredible honor, and it reflects my deep passion for healthcare and commitment to social justice. I'm excited to use this opportunity to advocate for health equity and make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities.”

2024 Parkinson Scholar

Cici Strickler

MS in Dietetics, Class of 2026

“I am honored to be selected as a Parkinson Scholar and embody the quote of being 'for and with others.' Being a Parkinson Scholar means contributing to advancing knowledge in the field while fostering meaningful change in health equity.”

2024 Parkinson Scholar

Laura Kate Waters

Master in Healthcare Administration, Class of 2026

“To be a Parkinson Scholar means to embrace commitment to life-long learning in healthcare and advancing patient care. I am honored to have been selected and will continue to advocate for improved access to care for all.”

2024 Parkinson Scholar

Daisy Zaragoza

MS in Medical Laboratory Science, Class of 2026

"By being a Parkinson Scholar, I am empowered not only to learn but to lead, to not only grow but to give back to the community and the field that inspires me. It also means I can carry forward a legacy of dedication, innovation, and compassion in the health sciences."

To be a Parkinson Scholar means to embrace commitment to life-long learning in healthcare and advancing patient care. I am honored to have been selected and will continue to advocate for improved access to care for all. Laura Kate Waters, Master in Healthcare Administration, Class of 2026