Sharon Marchiori Nursing Scholarship

Spending time in the hospital during a health challenge can be unsettling. But Joe Marchiori knew he was in good hands during a recent stay at Northwest Community Hospital when Valerie Brown stopped by his room to say hello. This is not the first time Joe and Valerie’s paths have crossed. Valerie is a Harper College nursing alumna and the 2009 recipient of the Sharlene Marchiori Memorial Nursing Scholarship.

The Marchiori scholarship was established by Joe in 1989 to honor the memory of Sharlene Marchiori – wife, mother of five children, former Harper College student, and active parent within the District 211 schools, where Joe served on the board for nearly 18 years. Sharlene believed deeply in helping others. When she lost her life to leukemia, the scholarship was initiated by the Marchiori family to pay tribute to all nurses. Now in its 22nd year, the scholarship has been awarded to 25 Harper nursing students.

“Starting the scholarship was a way to honor my late wife, but seeing and meeting individuals who directly benefit continues to reinforce the underlying values and sentiment of our family’s gift. During the struggles of a healthcare ordeal, seeing Valerie’s smiling face and caring nature symbolized the very heart of our intentions.”
- Joe Marchiori

Joe and his wife Sherry, who is also a Harper College nursing alumna, continue to honor nurses in our community through their continual scholarship support.