National Scholarship Month - Lori Noyes Scholarship

In celebration of National Scholarship Month, this November the University of Dubuque is sharing the stories of investors who are creating brighter futures and the stories of students who benefited.

Lori Noyes, MBA, RN, was a devoted nurse who advocated for her patients as if they were family. She was a transplant recipient who worked as a transplant coordinator, volunteered at transplant forums, shared her knowledge as a guest speaker at transplant events, and held a position as a board member for the United Organ Transplant Association.

"She was indeed one of the best," said Julia Munson, Lori's niece. "Lori is remembered by her friends, colleagues, patients, and family as generous and passionate about nursing."

Lori passed away in October 2023. The Lori Noyes Scholarship was established in 2025 to honor the woman who spent her entire life trying to help and heal the world as well as to inspire future nurses. It is intended to be awarded annually to two deserving senior-level nursing students.

The scholarship is funded by Julia and her sister, Laura Evans, along with their mother, Lynda Jelinek, who is Lori's sister. Laura's husband, Jacob Evans (C'17), attended UD.

"Lori found strength in her weaknesses, and she never stopped achieving and persevering," Lynda said. "She'd be so happy to know that she played a part in helping bring nurses to the field."

The first students to receive the Lori Noyes Scholarship are Mary Sarah Nakimera, a senior nursing major from Asbury, Iowa, and Virginia Speltz, a senior nursing major from Rockford, Illinois.

When Mary Sarah learned she had been chosen as a scholarship recipient, she was overjoyed as it came at a time when she needed it most.

"This scholarship has truly changed my life," she said. "It has allowed me to attend classes with greater focus and less distraction from financial worries. As a busy nursing student and mother balancing my children's schedules, my academic demands, and the responsibilities of being a military spouse, often managing alone while my husband is always on service, this support has provided much-needed relief and encouragement to keep going."

Originally from Uganda, East Africa, Mary Sarah said she was inspired to attend UD because of its strong commitment to academic excellence, faith-based values, and caring community that supports students' personal and professional growth. She plans to pursue a master's degree in nursing education and to one day teach and mentor future nurses.

Like Mary Sarah, Virginia was grateful and humbled to be selected as a scholarship recipient.

"This scholarship has impacted me in so many meaningful ways," she said. "Knowing that the Lori Noyes Scholarship was created in memory of a nurse who made a difference in others' lives makes it even more special. It reminds me of the kind of nurse I aspire to be, someone who cares deeply, serves selflessly, and leaves a lasting impact on others. Receiving this scholarship has not only helped relieve the financial stress of nursing school but has also inspired me to carry forward Lori Noyes' legacy through compassion and dedication in my own nursing career."

The opportunity to play soccer brought Virginia to UD. However, at the time, she wasn't sure what she would declare as her major.

"From the moment I arrived, the support and encouragement I received from the campus community made me feel confident that I would eventually find my path, and I did," Virginia said. "Through my experiences and guidance of professors, coaches, and family, I discovered my passion for nursing and knew it was where I was meant to be."

She has grown as a leader in the classroom and beyond. Virginia is captain of the women's soccer team, the social media representative for the UD Student Nursing Association, and vice president of the Iowa Student Nursing Association. She also serves as a student ambassador for the Office of Admission.

For Lori's family, the Lori Noyes Scholarship is a way to inspire future nurses to be compassionate as they use their knowledge and heart to heal patients - following the same path as Lori.

"A scholarship doesn't just continue a name or memory, but it can create a ripple of change that affects more people than you know," Laura said. "UD made this scholarship seamless and we are grateful to be able to share Lori's story and help other nurses achieve their dreams."

Interested in learning more about investment and giving opportunities? Visit www.dbq.edu/givingtoud/, call 563.589.3158, or email UDAdvancement@dbq.edu.