Congregation Endows Nursing Scholarship
Following the celebration of a Mass of Thanksgiving on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of our sponsored ministry, Holy Name Medical Center, the Congregation Leadership Team announced a $2 million gift to Holy Name's Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing. The donation will endow the Mother Agatha Browne Spirit of Holy Name Scholars Program, which will provide direct support for students pursuing degrees as registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
The Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by the Most Reverend Bishop Michael A. Saporito, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark. was held in St. Michael Villa Chapel on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Sisters and associates welcomed ministry leaders, including Holy Name President & CEO Michael Maron; members of Holy Name’s leadership team; Holy Name Board of Trustees member Dr. David Butler; and School of Nursing Director Donna Penn and faculty. It was a joyous celebration of the legacy that began in 1925 when Mother Agatha Browne answered the call of two local doctors to build the hospital. As was reported in the Bergen Record on September 30, 1925: "This magnificent building was erected by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace for the people of Bergen County, irrespective of color or creed without any solicitation of funds."
“The State of New Jersey predicts a shortage of 11,400 nurses by 2030, the third highest in the nation,” said Sr. Susan Francois, CSJP, Assistant Congregation Leader and member of the Holy Name Medical Center and Foundation Board of Trustees. “Despite this challenge, Holy Name continues to experience strong success in both enrollment and NCLEX pass rates. In fact, this fall, 205 students are enrolled, with a 92% pass rate for the LPN program and a 95% pass rate for the RN program.”
“We have named the Scholars Program in honor of Mother Agatha Browne who answered the call from local doctors to found both the hospital and nursing school 100 years ago,” explained Sr. Andrea Nenzel, CSJP, Congregation Leader. “She is remembered as a woman with great zeal, courage, and love for the Congregation.”
The endowment will provide four full scholarships each year, awarded based on financial need and academic merit. Each scholarship will honor a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace who graduated from Holy Name's School of Nursing and set an incredible example for future students to emulate.
Sister Canice Fitzpatrick, CSJP, RN – Class of 1934
Sister Nora Molyneux, CSJP, RN – Class of 1952
Sister Breda Boyle, CSJP, RN – Class of 1964
Sister Cabrini Delaney, CSJP, LPN – Class of 1974
Sister Mary Robert Wain, CSJP, LPN – Class of 1974
“We are extremely grateful to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace for their generous and visionary support of our nursing students,” said Michael Maron, President & CEO of Holy Name. “With approximately 80% of these students relying on financial aid, we appreciate that the Congregation recognizes the urgent need to assist talented and deserving students pursue their calling in nursing.”
After graduation, Mother Agatha Brown Spirit of Holy Name Scholars will have the opportunity to transition directly into staff positions at Holy Name Medical Center.
“Nursing education has been integral to the Holy Name story since the beginning,” said Cathleen Davey, President of the Holy Name Medical Center Foundation. “In fact, the nursing school welcomed its first students just weeks before the hospital opened its doors 100 years ago. This gift honors that shared history and helps ensure it will continue for future generations.”
