Eileen Austin Neal scholarship awarded by Springfield Hospital

Bob Austin, family member of the late Eileen Austin Neal R.N., presents the 2018 scholarship award to Hannah Harlow at Springfield Hospital.

The 13th annual Eileen Austin Neal R.N. Nursing Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Hannah Harlow of Bellows Falls, Vt., to attend Salve Regina University. Hannah, who attended Bellows Falls Union High School, believes that “to be a nurse you have to be smart and quick thinking. However, nursing also taps into a person’s ability to be kind and compassionate.”

Eileen Austin Neal was a registered nurse at Springfield Hospital for 64 years, retiring in 2005. She was the first recipient of the Hospital’s George F. Leland Community Health Award in 2003. In 2004, the hospital established the Eileen Austin Neal Spirit of Nursing Award, given to a staff nurse, in recognition of her many years of dedicated service. Upon her death in February 2006, at the request of Eileen’s family, Springfield Hospital established the nursing scholarship fund in her name with gifts received in her memory.

“Springfield Hospital is a better place for Eileen having worked here,” says Larry Kraft, director of Development. “This scholarship continues her positive influence on both nursing and our community.”