University of St. Francis nursing student receives Bily Scholarship

SBC and Telephone Pioneers of America representatives (L-R) Tony Bily, Jim Ryan, Bucky Lindahl, John Artinghelli and Nancy Vucinic, present a check to support the Jennifer Bily Scholarship Fund.

2004 Bily scholarship recipient Jennifer Clements.

The University of St. Francis has awarded the Jennifer K. Bily Memorial Scholarship, established in the memory of the late nursing student from Plainfield, to Jennifer Clements of Joliet, a senior nursing student interested in critical care. She will receive $3,700.

Clements first realized she wanted to become a nurse at the age of three when she was diagnosed with meningitis. She remembers a nurse holding her hand while having a spinal tap. "I still think about that nurse, as she is one of the main reasons I decided to become one myself," said Clements.

Clements is president of the Student Nurses’ Organization (SNO). She is also a student tutor and serves on the executive board of student government. Upon completion of her degree, she would like to begin her nursing career in either critical care or emergency.

"I will relish being part of the healing process," said Clements. "Nurses get to help perform everyday miracles. No matter how big or small, I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the patients I care for."

The Jennifer K. Bily Memorial Scholarship was established after the Plainfield, Ill. woman’s death in a 1995 automobile accident. She was a nursing student and volunteer paramedic at the time. Her parents Anthony Bily and Kathy Bily established the scholarship fund.

SBC Ameritech Illinois employees recently presented a check for $25,500 to the University of St. Francis to support the Jennifer K. Bily Memorial Scholarship for nursing students. Anthony Bily is an SBC area manager. The funds were raised during a golf tournament organized by SBC employees and retirees through the Pioneers volunteer organization.

The University of St. Francis is at 500 Wilcox St. in Joliet. USF serves more than 4,300 nationwide. The university offers more than 60 areas of undergraduate study in arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. Ten graduate programs in health care, education and business are also offered.