National Park College (NPC) Respiratory Care program conducted a pinning ceremony
Friday for this year’s graduating class. Gretchen Lawrence from the Lawrence Respiratory
Foundation announced a new $1,500 scholarship for a senior respiratory student.
Ten students were recognized for successfully completing requirements of the program.
Graduates included Coy Adams, Renae Bradley, Sydney Hathcock, Jennifer Johnson, Tasha
Jones, Brianna Jordan, Sarah Love, Bayley McDermott, Sherrion Parks and Hemal Patel.
Tasha Jones, Jennifer Johnson, and Bayley McDermott were also inducted into the Lambda
Beta Honor Society. Lawrence shared her experiences from a 30-year career as a respiratory therapist including
20 years at Baylor University Medical Center where she helped establish the facility’s
first Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. She spoke about the many gifts she has received
from others throughout her career. Inspired by patients and fellow respiratory therapists,
Lawrence said, “Now I have a gift for you.”
The Professional Achievement in Respiratory Care Scholarship (PARC) is a $1,500 award
that will be given to a senior respiratory care student with a 3.0 GPA who is compassionate,
organized, has critical thinking and communication skills, and is a member of the
American Association of Respiratory Care and the Arkansas Association for Respiratory
Care. “The two goals that I have are to help a senior respiratory therapy student
achieve success in this wonderful profession, and to inspire each of you to give gifts
every day,” said Lawrence.
Pictured are Gretchen Lawrence and Paul Lowe, Respiratory Care program director.
“The support that students receive from their own community instills a greater sense
of belonging and motivation to graduate with their degree and give back to society,”
said Lowe. “We are incredibly grateful to the Lawrence Respiratory Foundation for
their generosity and support of our students,” he added.
