The Charity

Scholarships

Valparaiso University College of Nursing

A minimum of a $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate nursing student at Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana. Rachel, BSN class of 2017, found a home at Valpo. Her desire to spread her wings and fly were well served during her four years of education, exploration and growth. She found a home at Valpo – not only as a student, but as a leader. Her involvement in the university, from being a member of the track team, to a Resident Assistant, to a sorority sister at Chi Omega, to singing with the AcaBellas, to participating in mission trips as well as working a clinical job all while obtaining an amazing education fulfilled her goals of being a well-rounded college student.

It is our desire to offer this scholarship each year, with a goal of doing so for a total of 10 years. Rachel would have wanted to help a future nurse offset educational debt and by offering this scholarship, we are excited to help chip away a bit of the expense.

NIU Nursing Scholarship

A minimum of a $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate nursing student at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL NIU is where Rachels parents, Bill, class of 1988 and Karyn, class of 1989 met and fell in love. In 2004, the Petersen family moved back to DeKalb to raise their family. With NIUs campus in their backyard, it has always been part of their lives and the lives of their children. It is their honor to offer this scholarship to a fellow Huskie who will make a difference in the nursing profession.

DeKalb High School – Senior Award

A minimum of a $250 annual scholarship will be awarded to a worthy and deserving graduating senior of DeKalb High School who is pursuing a future in healthcare. It is an honor to offer the Rachel E Petersen Memorial Scholarship to a student who plans to make a difference in the world. Rachel, class of 2013, was an involved student who was a scholar, athlete, musician, and civic leader and longed to make a lasting impact. She was known to say she felt the responsibility to leave a club, sports team or organization better for future members. This scholarship will help continue her pay it forward attitude.

About The Run for Rachel

Please join us on Saturday, September 9, 2023, for the 3rd annual 5K Scrub Run – Run for Rachel. This annual race will raise funds to support scholarships for future nursing and health care students. This event has been established in memory of Rachel Petersen, the 25-year-old daughter of DeKalb residents, Bill and Karyn Petersen. Rachel, a graduate of DeKalb High School and a nursing graduate of Valparaiso University, passed away nine days after being diagnosed with a deadly brain tumor. Rachel was a compassionate nurse, doing what she loved, when she fell ill. Rachel was also an avid participant in fun runs - with an emphasis on FUN! You don’t even need to run – you can walk, skip, hop or even call for a pickup! The annual race will take place at Hopkins Park in DeKalb and virtually as well. All monies raised will contribute to the Rachel E Petersen Memorial Scholarship fund, an educational scholarship fund for a nursing student. The annual scholarship has a goal of offering scholarships for a total of 10 years!

Scholarship Recipients

DHS Scholarship Recipient Angelina T, DHS Class of 2021. Angelina plans on attending the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she will be working towards her degree in nursing.

"This award is very special to me because I looked up to Rachel as an inspiration. She was always so kind and selfless, and the stories she told me about her nursing experience made me want to become one even more. I just hope that one day I can make an impact in people's lives like she did."

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