Simon Borner has dedicated his heart, mind and care to patients while pursuing a nursing degree at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. Borner, who graduated in May, received the Pat Kuebler Memorial Scholarship Award at the nursing pinning ceremony. The award recognizes his excellence, determination, and resilience in learning, growing and preparing for a nursing career.

Each year, the SCF Foundation provides a cash award from the Pat Kuebler Memorial Scholarship Award’s endowed fund to an outstanding nursing graduate who exemplifies Kuebler’s character and values. The SCF nursing faculty selects recipients based on exceptional effort in learning, excellence in patient care planning and implementation, and unwavering commitment to the nursing profession.

“This year’s recipient is a shining example of what it means to be a nurse and a lifelong learner,” said Cassandra Holmes, vice president of advancement and executive director of SCF Foundation. “Simon has demonstrated remarkable levels of professionalism and humility – qualities that have made a lasting impact on peers, instructors and patients.”

Borner experienced a delayed start in his clinical practice training but continued to persevere, learning and caring for several patients as a nursing student. He prepared for and engaged in classes, answered questions with accuracy and insight, served as a dependable resource for peers, volunteered to assist instructors, and offered support to fellow students without seeking praise or recognition.

Pat Kuebler served as assistant nursing administrator at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and later as a nursing professor at Manatee Junior College (now SCF). Through her compassion for people and dedication to teaching, she made a profound impression on nursing students and the community. Kuebler died in 1981 after a long battle with cancer, and the Manatee Memorial Hospital nursing department, which included several former nursing students, later established the award in her honor.

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Photo caption: SCF nursing program graduate Simon Borner (third from right) and his family celebrate at the SCF nursing pinning ceremony at SCF Bradenton.