Patricia Leigh Best Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Patricia Leigh (Spencer) Best was born in Lubbock, TX. She grew up in a military family, often moving throughout the country. In the early 1960’s, her family settled in Riverside where Patty attended high school and met her future husband, Bruce. She was a well-liked and popular girl, a member of the synchronized swim team, and 1st runner-up in the Miss Riverside beauty pageant. She worked as a lifeguard, fashion model and airline stewardess, and eventually turned her attention to nursing, following her mother’s (Mary Jo Spencer’s) career path. She and Bruce started a family, and eventually settled in Guam where she practiced nursing. Patricia tragically lost her life in 1986. This scholarship was established in her memory and is awarded to a continuing nursing student who has worked with victims of violent crimes or who has been a victim of violent crime and maintains a 2.5 GPA or higher.

Basic requirements and reviewer notes:
Major: Nursing
Cumulative GPA required: 2.5
Financial need required: No
Student activities, volunteer work required: None required
Other special requirements: Applicant must include experience working with victims of violent crimes in their essay OR they may discuss how they have been victims of a violent crime.