The scholarship has been created to support Quinnipiac pediatric nursing students with a demonstrated financial need who also exemplify the late Hawke-Petit’s extraordinary character, compassion and passion for her work as a pediatric nurse.

In June, Petit Family Foundation President William A. Petit Jr., MD announced the establishment of the endowed scholarship with the Foundation’s gift of $100,000. The endowed scholarship will receive a 50 percent match from Quinnipiac.

Named in honor of his late wife, the scholarship has found a perfect home at Quinnipiac, said Petit.

“I felt it was a chance to align with a high-quality nursing program, and that this was a good opportunity and time to do that. Jennifer loved pediatric nursing with a passion, and I thought it would be nice to help out others interested in that area who are studying at Quinnipiac,” said Petit.

As a member of the Quinnipiac School of Nursing Advisory Council, Petit said he feels Dean Larry Z. Slater’s effective leadership supports the positive direction of the school’s quality programming. Slater said the generosity of the Petit Family Foundation will not only assist students in need of financial assistance but will help to fill a pressing need for qualified pediatric nurses.

“The current nursing workforce shortage has also significantly impacted pediatric care, as demonstrated by expanding pediatric vacancies that lead to longer wait times, be it in pediatric hospital settings or in primary care,” said Slater. “The Jennifer L. Hawke-Petit Pediatric Nursing Scholarship will assist the Quinnipiac University School of Nursing in addressing the shortage. The financial assistance, along with the school's commitment to building nurse leaders of the future, will allow us to significantly impact children across the care continuum.”

Throughout her nursing career, Hawke-Petit demonstrated a commitment to caring for children and their families with her outstanding listening skills, kindness, compassion and strong commitment to teamwork. Her genuine curiosity about people, contagious sense of positivity and deep humility reflected her belief that extraordinary care begins with authentic understanding and a spirit of service. Guided by these values, Hawke-Petit was not only a skilled and compassionate pediatric nurse, but an uplifting and inspiring presence to those around her.

Quinnipiac School of Nursing Senior Associate Dean Lisa M. Rebeschi feels extremely fortunate to have known Hawke-Petit as a mentor and a co-worker.

“This scholarship is especially meaningful for me, as Jennifer Hawke-Petit was a role model for me,” said Rebeschi.

As a student, Rebeschi had a clinical placement on a pediatric unit Hawke-Petit managed. She said Hawke-Petit exemplified excellence, professionalism and grace.

“Although this was many years ago, I clearly remember the feeling of wanting to be a pediatric nurse just like her,” said Rebeschi. “Then, at the start of my nursing career at Yale New Haven Hospital, I had the opportunity to work in pediatrics. Again, she served as a role model for so many nursing staff like myself working with children and families.”

Petit said many who have worked with his late wife and who knew her personally have shared stories of the inspirational and uplifting contributions she made in her care for others, and in her efforts to increase the quality of care in her profession.

“Jennifer loved taking care of kids, but she also loved teaching. I think all of the people that worked with her really enjoyed working with her because she was a team player. She was an includer, and really made everyone feel part of the team,” said Petit.

Rebeschi said she is immensely grateful to the Petit Family Foundation for providing the support to establish the endowed Jennifer L. Hawke-Petit Pediatric Nursing Scholarship at Quinnipiac School of Nursing.

“As my own professional background is also in pediatric nursing, I am excited that we will be able to support future pediatric nurses,” said Rebeschi.

Established in 2007, the Petit Family Foundation has honored Hawke-Petit and the family’s late daughters, Hayley Elizabeth and Michaela Rose, by funding causes which best represent the passions and interests of the three Petit women. The many good works and contributions of the Petit Family Foundation over the years also demonstrate the kindness, idealism and activism that defined their lives.

Petit said it’s his hope that the Jennifer L. Hawke-Petit Pediatric Nursing Scholarship at Quinnipiac University School of Nursing will help to continue the legacy of his late wife’s passion for her work in pediatric nursing.

“If you could train even one person a year, and they have a 25-year career, they can impact a lot of people. You get a big multiplier effect,” Petit said. “We hope to continue this scholarship with support from the Petit Family Foundation, from Quinnipiac University, and from others interested in supporting pediatric nursing.”

Slater said Quinnipiac University School of Nursing is honored to have the privilege to help foster Hawke-Petit’s passion for pediatric nursing in students and future nurses.

“We are grateful to the Petit Family Foundation for supporting the future of pediatric nursing in honor of Jennifer. Her legacy will continue to inspire our students as they pursue their passion to serve our communities' children,” Slater said.